| Title |
Changing the Use of Daycare Centers to Elderly Welfare Facilities |
| Authors |
문정인(Moon, Jung-In) ; 이재영(Lee, Jeon-Young) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2026.42.3.11 |
| Keywords |
Daycare Center; Elderly Welfare Facility; Change of Use; Case Study |
| Abstract |
This study examines ways to improve welfare facilities in response to long-term population change through a case study on converting
daycare centers into senior care facilities in Korea, where rapid population aging and declining birth rates are significant challenges. The
research combines a theoretical review with field surveys and interviews. The findings identify key characteristics and directions for
improvement. Most daycare centers are converted into elderly welfare facilities due to their structural similarity, which allows for efficient
remodeling. Interior spaces are repurposed by converting nurseries and classrooms into living rooms and bedrooms, and teacher offices into
administrative offices and nursing stations. Exterior areas are expanded from playgrounds into vegetable gardens, lawns, and parking areas.
Heating and cooling systems are either replaced or reused, while ventilation, safety equipment, and emergency systems are upgraded to meet
the needs of elderly users. Interview results indicate that selecting a daycare center requiring minimal structural modification is a critical
factor in successful conversion. Major challenges in changing facility use include construction-related complaints, rising costs due to the
installation of elevators and fire safety systems, and difficulties in securing specialized interior design firms for senior care facilities. |