| Title |
A Study on Smoking Area Guidelines that Respect the Rights of the People - With a Focus on Independent Outdoor Smoking Areas - |
| Keywords |
Smoking Area ; Respect for the Rights ; Public Design ; Public Benefit |
| Abstract |
Current principles of designating a smoking area within a non-smoking area rely on mere compartmentalization. This causes non-smokers aversion against smokers and smokers complaints about anti-smoking policies, which means both of them are not satisfied with the current scheme. In addition, such a system, far from the original intent of the law, does not provide appropriate respect for people’s rights. The biggest problem of the current scheme is that smoking areas are not separated from non-smoking areas. Japan has continued installing independent smoking areas since 2002 and witnessed a decrease in the smoking rate. The country’s success is attributable to: the state’s active intervention in connection with enterprises; continuous environmental improvements and creation of goods; ‘smoking etiquette’ campaigns; and the sociality and group consciousness of Japanese people. It is recognized that the synergy of the designation of independent smoking areas and such multi-faceted efforts has led to the nation’s accomplishment. Hence, it is required to install independent smoking areas in non-smoking areas in Seoul in order to respect the rights of smokers and non-smokers and resolve conflicts between them. It is not suitable to merely model after Japan’s case, however, studies and guidelines that are tailored to Korea’s own environment and social atmosphere are required. To ensure that the people recognize the necessity for smoking areas, a social consensus is formed and proper smoking areas are established in a systemic manner, a system for that purpose should connote a symbol of the social consensus and consequent guidelines should take physical elements, human activities and semantic assignment into consideration. This study aims to present basic guidelines to install separated smoking areas, which will keep distance between smokers and non-smokers, form a social consensus and establish a sound smoking culture. These would ensure that the rights of both smokers and non-smokers are fully respected and that government policies are trusted by the people. |