The Community Networks Center and Social Support in Multifamily Low-Income Communities: A Case Study in Korea

Abstract

As contemporary society has moved into the digital age, community centers on housing estates throughout the world have begun to evolve to computer-based learning centers. This facility is now becoming prevalent globally, and accordingly there are neighborhood networks centers in the U.S. Similar community networks centers have been designed in subsidized multifamily housing communities in Korea since 2001, based on the recommendation of the Korean government to expand Internet access to the entire population. This study focused on residents’ evaluations of the effects of a newly designed space—a community networks center in a low-income multifamily housing community. The research explored the role and benefits of the community networks center in terms of social support. The subject community was located in Suwon, Korea. Self-administered questionnaires and interviews were conducted, along with observation. The results showed that the existence of this center provided residents with satisfaction that they were receiving social support. The community networks center also functioned as an educational center for the residents. The findings suggested appropriate educational programs, systematic management and design considerations, and collaborations between government and nongovernmental organizations for increasing support for community networks centers in low-income communities.