Post-Occupancy Evaluation of Senior Shared Housing for Single Elderly Households : With Focus on the Experience of Female Elderly Resident in Public Share House in Seoul

Abstract

The most outstanding issue in the change of family structure in Korea is the increasing number of single female senior household. Single senior households are known for social isolation, loneliness, economical problem as well as exposure to the inferior living environment. In the context that share house for single elderly households are emerging as an important housing type, this research intends to explore issues to find the direction for improvement through Postoccupancy evaluation of public senior share house operated by city of Seoul. What is found through in-depth interview with the senior residents are as follows. First, coordination among residents in terms of lifestyle and background is required to match with the right house mate. Second, whole spatial improvement is needed in terms of safety, flexibility, convenience and sense of community in the common space. Third, basic common space needs special attention to enhance the sense of belong recognizing the potential and importance of sense of community that can be created from those spaces. Fourth, multi-purpose space is required reflecting the resident’s desire to meet with various generation rather than meeting with similar age group.