| Title |
A Field Study on the Rehabilitation Facilities for the Physically Handicapped |
| Keywords |
Rehabilitation Facilities ; Disabled ; Bathroom ; Korean Type ; Bathing Culture ; Field Study ; Ethnography |
| Abstract |
This is the field study on the residential facilities for the physically handicapped. Main method is based on anthropological method, mainly participant observation and deep ethnographic interview. Several problems are found: due to the disregard of basic design criteria for the handicapped, ignorance of subculture of the handicapped different from architect's or planner's, and indifference of the Korean culture from the Western culture. Existing facilities do not fit to simple activity like washing face, hair or foot, showering, and bathing, which consumes heavy labor. Designers should consider and design their extra activities like washing clothes, and dishes during bathing. Instead of imposing or designer's criteria to the disabled, he should understand and learn from the insiders' culture. After interpreting the problems, some meaningful and feasible proposals are provided. |