| Title |
A Comparative Study on Suicide Rates of Upper and Lower Floors of High-rise Apartment |
| Authors |
Kim, Young-Ook ; Ji, Bong-Geun ; Kim, Joo-Young |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK_PD.2019.35.8.57 |
| Keywords |
High-Rise Apartment; Social Housing; Suicide Rate; Spacial Configuration; Spatial Behavior |
| Abstract |
This study attempts to analyse the effects of high-rise living on suicide rates. All the apartments in the City A and every suicide were
examined in detail. Research methods are as follows. First, a database including tenure type and number of residents in all apartment
complexes was created. Second, apartments were categorized into two income groups of private apartments and social housing, and spatial
configuration characteristics of a typical apartment were analysed. Third, differences in suicide rates were analysed for lower and upper levels
in both apartment categories. Finally, the relationship between high and lower levels of apartments with their spatial configuration
characteristics and suicide rates was compared. The analysis shows significant differences between lower and upper floors living residents'
suicide rates. It can be stated that the low-income residents are more sensitive to living in high-rise environment. Also, it suggests the need
to improve the high-rise living environment of vulnerable social groups. In addition, spatial integration decrease in upper floors of high-rise
buildings, and it can be interpreted that spatial configuration may affect residents’ pathological disorders or even suicidal behaviors. |