The association of spatial configuration with social network for elderly in social housing

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the association of spatial configuration with social interaction for elderly. A social housing in Seoul was selected for the case study. Using space syntax and social network analysis, the association was examined statistically. This research employed an integration indicator which is most closely related to space use pattern. Questionnaire and interview surveys were conducted to illustrate the pattern of social network. Using the collected data, NetMiner was utilized to conduct a quantitative analysis. Degree, closeness and betweenness indicators were employed to measure relationships in these networks and between individuals. The characteristics of the association established by the statistical analysis between spatial network of housing estate and social network of elderly were discussed. Our results show that spatial network properties can explain characteristics of social network. The accessibility of residential spaces for elderly individuals in social housing apartment complex has an effect on the strength of the social network with neighbours. Also, analysis of the spatial configuration accessibility for the elderly population with integration values has illustrated that the result was opposite to the general theory that ‘the locations with high accessibility could foster more interactions’. Our findings have suggested that we can have a better knowledge to foster more social network among elderly by planning improved spatial network.