Title Architectural Characteristics of Seoul‘s Autonomous Housing Improvement Projects
Authors 황민식(Hwang, Min-Sik) ; 강예린(Kang, Yerin)
DOI https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2026.42.3.19
Page pp.19-30
ISSN 2733-6247
Keywords Small-scale housing improvement; Autonomous housing improvement; Architectural characteristics; Lot Consolidation; Street access requirements; Building Integration
Abstract This study categorizes the architectural characteristics of diversified Autonomous Housing Improvement projects and identifies their implications. Based on 40 completed cases in Seoul, the analysis examined lot consolidation, compliance with street access requirements, and building integration. The findings indicate that projects in Class 1 general residential zones actively used floor area ratio relaxation through the provision of rental housing. Lots were most often consolidated along the north?south axis to reduce the impact of solar access setback regulations. Sites without street access adopted strategies such as road dedication, incorporation of road segments, or consolidation with adjacent accessible lots. Smaller building-agreement projects maximized residential floor area through shared cores, while larger projects subdivided their building masses to create better harmony with the surrouding urban context, often unifying materials and forms to achieve coherent streetscapes. Overall, the completed projects show diverse approaches to the use of small lots and highlights cases that aim to contribute more actively to the urban and public realm.