| Title |
Architectural Characteristics and Resident Perceptions of Stand-Alone Apartments in Seoul |
| Authors |
우현주(Woo, Hyunju) ; 황세원(Hwang, Soe Won) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2025.41.9.221 |
| Keywords |
Stand-alone Apartment; Urban Housing; Middle-scale Development; Comprehensive Survey; Resident Survey |
| Abstract |
As housing development in Seoul becomes increasingly polarized, stand-alone apartments have emerged as a mid-scale alternative to large apartment complexes. Although they make up nearly 30 percent of the city’s apartment stock, these buildings have received limited attention in urban research. This study analyzes the architectural characteristics of stand-alone apartments through a detailed examination of 897 examples, categorized by construction period(1966-1985, 1986-2005, 2006-2023) and siting context(low-rise dominant, mixed, and apartment-complex dominant areas). The analysis is supported by nine case studies and resident surveys. Findings reveal clear trends over time. Early developments emphasized openness and integration with neighborhood amenities. Mid-period buildings prioritized residential density, often using enclosed site layouts. More recent projects have reintroduced mixed-use ground floors and compact units tailored to single-person households. Notably, the siting context had less influence on the presence of non-residential spaces and boundary treatments than the construction period, suggesting that time-based factors played a greater role in shaping design strategies. Resident feedback highlights common concerns, particularly the absence of shared amenities such as playgrounds, communal spaces, and adequate parking. The study positions stand-alone apartments as adaptable, context-aware housing models that balance urban density with residential livability. |