Apartment Dwellers Research Articles

Balcony usage as a space to achieve human well-being during pandemic COVID-19

ABSTRACT People who lived through the COVID-19 lockdowns have been reported to experience temporary depression, loneliness, and discomfort. Balcony can serve as an accessible place of respite to ease emotional distress when being confined at home. This research aims to systematically study balcony usage and design preference as a space to achieve well-being. It is based on views of apartment dwellers who experienced lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. From literature reviews and surveys, 14 popular balcony activities and 29 balcony design elements were derived and used in a questionnaire supplemented with drawings to best illustrate some of the concept. 505 effective samples (N = 505) were received from Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Portugal. Statistical analyzed results showed that Getting sun and air, Gardening, and Watching/Observing the street are the three most preferred balcony activities among these countries. The preferred balcony views, types, enclosures, decorations, and sizes are ranked with Friedman Test and summarized in this paper along with the relevant cultures and lifestyles discussion. The comprehensive findings of this study can offer architects and housing developers valuable insights for making design decision and promote well-being in apartment dwelling balcony design. Ultimately, balcony is an important component in an apartment. It can be used, not only, to reduce feelings of isolation, but also, to conduct social activities and housework during a pandemic lockdown.

Modern Technologies for Effective Communication between Apartment Owners and Apartment Building Managers in Latvia

As in other sectors of the economy, the construction and operation of buildings are becoming increasingly technologically advanced. Different digital tools are used not only for design and construction planning but also for faster and more efficient communication in housing maintenance and management processes. These technologies can significantly speed up the flow of information, save time and money, and optimize decision-making. This way, the most sustainable solutions are chosen, which not only saves money but can also increase the value of the property. The aim of the study is to identify and analyze the problems and their causes in the communication between apartment building managers and apartment owners, as well as to provide recommendations for their elimination using modern technologies. In order to achieve the objective of the study, the following tasks were carried out: 1) to analyze the statistics, technical and legal aspects of the Latvian housing stock, 2) to assess the situation in the cooperation and communication of apartment owners with the manager, 3) to study and evaluate the use of the largest and most frequently used digital platforms in management activities. The analysis of the technical and legal aspects is based on the monographic or descriptive method and the analysis of secondary data. In order to find out the current situation and identify the main communication problems, the authors have carried out a survey of apartment dwellers. The study found that the most significant problems in managing apartment buildings are related to a lack of information among apartment owners, which contributes to confusion, disinterest, passivity, or conflict. Sometimes you may also encounter incompetence on the part of the manager. Problems are often caused by communication gaps between apartment owners and building managers, or even a lack of communication. With the communication that modern technology can provide, apartment owners and managers can work together effectively to address issues in an environment of understanding and mutual trust.

Expanding Electric Vehicle Adoption in Disadvantaged Communities

To achieve ambitious electric vehicle (EV) and equity goals, sales must reach beyond general populations and into priority groups. Better understanding of EV adoption by priority populations can inform strategies to expand it. We examine light-duty EV adoption in state-designated disadvantaged communities (DACs) in New York State (NYS). We analyze 5,097 survey responses from 21,843 consumers rebated for 2017–2019 EV purchases/leases. We use descriptive statistics, logistic regressions, and dominance analysis to identify and rank order factors associated with DAC adopters. Descriptively, demographic and related findings were largely consistent with expectations based on previous studies. In this study, DAC adopters were also compared with NYS market baseline statistics. They were found to resemble mainstream new vehicle buyers more closely than non-DAC adopters and, indeed, they already represent progress “beyond” the mainstream in several respects. For the logistic regressions, in addition to several expected findings (e.g., more frequent renting and apartment dwelling), factors that distinguished DAC adopters included the following: rebated EVs were household additions (as opposed to replacements), non-Tesla battery EVs, and/or purchased (as opposed to leased); the importance of charging and/or environmental impacts; and/or the unimportance of energy independence. Factors surprisingly not associated with DAC residence included the following: race/ethnicity; importance of various incentives; and/or awareness of rebates from consumers and dealers. Indeed, in contrast to a previous analysis for California, no enabling or awareness factors were found to help distinguish DAC adopters from non-DAC adopters, including financial considerations, when controlling for other factors such as income. Findings are discussed and compared with previous research, and observations are provided to inform program design and outreach.

A Fit of Anger

From the intersection of computational science and technological speculation, with boundaries limited only by our ability to imagine what could be. An egg-sized, flying droid makes an apartment dweller's life miserable.

The interrelationships between kitchen design and food practices for apartment dwellers in Melbourne, Australia: an exploratory study

ABSTRACT Apartment-living is on the increase, despite this, little is known about how it influences food practices. We explored the interrelations between apartment kitchen design and food practices using Photo elicited interviews and an inductive thematic analysis, with a diverse sample of twelve apartment-dwellers across four suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. Participants took 160 photographs representing their food practices to guide interviews. Three themes emerged from the interview analysis: ‘Choices’ which included participants’ cooking preferences, as well as their choice of apartment in which to prepare these meals; ‘Challenges’ which referred to the kitchen design barriers to home cooking including issues relating to storage, food preparation, washing up, ventilation, lighting and recycling and; ‘Changes’ which described the physical adaptations to kitchens and behavioural adaptations to food practices as a result of poor kitchen design. Based on these findings, using a socioecological framework, we describe the proximal and distal interrelationships between kitchen design and food practices; and discuss how these could be further researched to inform future apartment design policy.

Apartment with Biophilic Architecture Approach in West Jakarta

Nature’s exposure to humans is decreasing, especially for apartment dwellers who can only access nature on the ground floor as a garden function and more often stay indoors. Reduced exposure to nature has an impact on individual physiology and psychology. Thus, using a biophilic architectural approach can bring nature closer to occupants on vertical housing. The purpose of this study is to determine the aspects and attributes on the application of biophilic architecture concept in apartment. Method applied on research was a qualitative method. The analysis was carried out by collecting examples of the application on each biophilic aspect and analysed in terms of position, location, and spatial characteristics. The implementation of biophilic aspects in apartment buildings relies heavily on visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli. All aspects also have a close relationship with the outdoor environment and make use of vegetation, water features, natural light, natural materials/colours, and architectural designs in order to implement biophilic concept.

The Effect of Views through Windows on Apartment Dwellers in an Urban Setting: A Case Study of Hyderabad Apartments

The rate of urbanisation is increasing in Pakistan as it develops. The connection to nature, however, is receding in urban settings as the country grows. Apartment buildings have been recognized as a characteristic type of urban housing due to the increasing intensity of land use in urban areas. In Hyderabad, one of the neglected aspects of urban living is the neglect of window design, orientation, and view through the window in apartment buildings. Windows are the primary means of communication between the inside and outside of the building. This paper highlights the significance of window views in urban setting in relation to sustainable development. Furthermore, the purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of window views on apartment dwellers in Hyderabad and how it affects the sustainability of a building. The case studies were conducted on apartments in Qasimabad, along with a questionnaire survey based on the residents' preferences for window views and how the existing setting affects their behavior. After analyzing literature, conducting case studies, and completing a survey questionnaire, results suggest that window views promote pleasant emotions, productivity, health, and well-being, which contribute to a sustainable development.

Assembling high-rise: The uneven agencies of air in suburban densification in the Anthropocene

The COVID-19 pandemic brought to the surface the critical qualities of air – airflow, ventilation, particulates etc. – in relation to the well-being of people living in high-rise. Engineering and architectural research has burgeoned in response. However, in focusing on models of airflow, ventilation and particulates as discrete variables, engineering and architectural discourse fails to capture the diverse ways that air enters into and shapes the everyday lived experience of high-rise dwelling. Drawing on research in Sydney’s Southwestern suburbs, we reveal high-rise as an assemblage that links apartment dwelling with air, via car-dependent suburbanisation, pollution and climate-change induced temperature extremes in the Anthropocene. In addition to viruses, air teems with carbon, insects, noise and pollutants, while viscerally mediating human encounters with fluctuating temperatures. Multiple relations between people, buildings and air unfold simultaneously, confounding attempts to account for air’s elemental milieu through single variables like greenhouse gas or COVID-19. While embedded in relations of power, high-rise assemblages unleash vernacular adaptation that through low-tech and low-cost technologies work to connect suburban high-rise with evolving ecological systems. Recognising the pharmacological quality of air, as both ‘poison’ and ‘cure’, we contrast models of high-rise as encapsulated environments with resident (and other) experiments that orient high-rise to the elements, and the interlinked challenges of urban living in the Anthropocene.

Evaluation of the impact of installation environment for a condensing unit of a split-type air conditioner in a plant room of Korean apartment dwellings

In many countries, split-type air conditioners have been widely used in residential buildings due to the high energy efficiency. It has been reported that optimal heat exchange conditions are necessary for the condensing unit of the air source air conditioner to perform at its rated level, particularly when installed in an apartment building's plant room. This study analyzes the impact of installation parameters of a condensing unit of a split-type air conditioner, such as the clearance distance from the rear surface of the condensing unit, the louver angle, and the use of insect screen or air-guide, on the cooling performance. The findings from the experiments and the correlations between parameters and input power presented in this paper would be useful in designing residential buildings with split-type air conditioners and air conditioner plant rooms for optimal cooling performance.

The environmental challenges of urban living: Why willingness to pay for apartments matters

This study aims to understand the willingness of urban communities in Jabodetabek (Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi) to move to apartment dwellings, and a study was conducted using a quantitative survey method. The study aimed to analyze the sociodemographic factors influencing the decision to switch to vertical housing. The survey collected data from a sample of individuals representing the entire population in Jabodetabek. The participants in the study were selected from various locations within Jabodetabek, including Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi. These areas were chosen to comprehensively represent the metropolitan region and its urban communities. By including participants from different locations within Jabodetabek, the study aimed to capture individuals' diverse perspectives and experiences in this region. The survey covered a range of sociodemographic factors such as gender, income, education level, marital status, occupancy, and residence ownership. The participants were divided into two groups: those willing to pay for an apartment and those who wereilling to pay for an apartment and those not. By comparing the characteristics of these two groups, the study aimed to identify significant differences and understand the factors influencing the willingness to move to apartment dwellings. The study results showed significant differences in income level, education level, marital status, and occupancy between the two groups. Income level was the most significant factor affecting an individual's willingness to pay for an apartment. Additionally, the perception of better apartment productivity, which includes reduced transportation time and costs associated with work or other business purposes, increased the demand for apartments. The study found that income level was the most significant factor affecting an individual's willingness to pay for an apartment. The perception of better apartment productivity also increased demand for apartments, as it reduces transportation time and costs associated with work or other business purposes. The study suggests that vertical development in metropolitan areas can provide a solution to increase population density and overcome the problem of limited land availability. The government can use the findings from this study to support policies that promote vertical development in cities.

The architecture of mental health: identifying the combination of apartment building design requirements for positive mental health outcomes

Housing quality is a crucial determinant of mental health. While the construction of high-rise buildings is a popular policy strategy for accommodating population growth in cities, there is considerable debate about the health consequences of living in poorly designed apartments. Drawing on three Australian state government apartment design policies introduced to improve apartment design quality, this study aimed to identify the combination of design requirements that were optimally supportive of positive mental health. K-means cluster analyses identified groups of buildings (n=172) that were homogenous in their implementation of a mix of n=80 measured design requirements. Positive mental health was measured using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS). Linear mixed-effects models controlling for demographic characteristics, self-selection factors and clustering of participants within buildings compared residents in the different clusters. Residents in the "high policy performance buildings", characterised by having a greater implementation of n=29 design requirements across nine design elements, had significantly higher (+1.96 points) WEMWBS scores compared with residents in the "low policy performance buildings". This study is the first to empirically identify a mix of policy-specific architecture design requirements that are associated with positive mental health in apartment residents. These findings provide vital empirical evidence to inform national and international apartment and high-rise housing policies, and design instruments and practices to protect people's health in apartment dwellings. The High Life project is funded by a Healthway Research Intervention Project grant (#31986) and an Australian Research Council (ARC), Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) (DE160100140). NE is supported by an Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project (LP190100558). SF is supported by an Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship (FT210100899).

Changes in the Intensity of Flat Communal Spaces in the New Normal Era of Pandemic COVID-19 (Case Study of Penjaringan Sari Surabaya Flats)

One of the necessities of apartment dwellers is social interaction, which occurs in communal areas. As a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, there are restrictions on social interaction and a call to remain at home. The COVID-19 epidemic alters the function of social rooms in apartments. This study employs a qualitative descriptive approach, characterizing the pattern using a rationalistic approach and explaining the condition of the item. This study aims to determine the number and impact of changes in the intensity of the communal space in apartment buildings as a space for social contact between inhabitants in the new normal period. Changes in the utilization pattern of community space in flats for formal activities, such as the communal, space in the RW and field halls with RT/RW meeting activities, range from high to low intensity. In the meantime, the level of informal activities in communal spaces such as the lobby, gardens/gazebos, and kiosks tends to grow, as speaking, sitting, and playing become more prevalent. Observations indicate that physical adaptations to this pandemic condition remain minimal, at only 17 percent. This is due to a lack of finance and public information regarding how to alter the building's physical components in response to the epidemic. As a result of the cancellation of many gathering events, such as RT/RW meetings, routine recitations, etc., the non-physical level of the epidemic is relatively high, at approximately 66 percent.

A new Australian dream? Exploring associations between apartment design attributes and housing satisfaction in three Australian cities

Globally, compact city policies promote increased density to sustainably house urban populations. In Australia, the recent proliferation of apartments challenges an enduring cultural preference for detached housing, calling into question apartment residents' satisfaction with this housing form. We examined associations between apartment residents' (n = 1082) housing satisfaction and perceived dwelling and building design attributes in 115 apartment developments in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney, and explored area-level disadvantage and city differences. Five design attributes (apartment space layout/function, acoustic and visual privacy, natural ventilation, and building security) were found to be significantly positively associated with satisfaction after adjustment for residents' demographic attributes, dwelling/neighbourhood self-selection factors and housing preferences, irrespective of area disadvantage or city. Moreover, residents who lived in their preferred housing type (e.g., they preferred a low-rise building and lived in this housing typology) reported significantly higher satisfaction than others (p ≤0.001). However, few apartment dwellers lived in their preferred housing type, with the majority preferring a detached/semi-detached house. Our findings make a notable contribution to the evidence-base, indicating that apartment design policies with internal dwelling requirements that emphasise spacious, flexible layouts that promote comfort, privacy and security could better match the needs of apartment residents, leading to improved satisfaction.

Communicating evacuation information to multi-storey apartment dwellers: a case study of the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington), Aotearoa New Zealand

ABSTRACT On 14 November 2016, the Mw 7.8 Kaikōura earthquake and tsunami occurred in Aotearoa New Zealand, impacting the city of Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington). As many people reside in apartments in Wellington, we undertook a survey followed by interviews to understand evacuation information communicated to apartment dwellers, and how residents used that information for decision-making. Immediately following earthquake shaking, some apartment dwellers stayed in their building as per official advice, while others evacuated because they felt safer outside. A small proportion evacuated because of the tsunami threat, and many of these participants did so because of the ‘Long or Strong, Get Gone’ evacuation advice. Others were unclear whether their apartment building was in a tsunami evacuation zone. Some returned immediately after the initial evacuation, while others with damaged apartments evacuated for weeks to months. Participants used regular information upates particularly via social media channels, to inform decisions about returning after longer-term evacuation. However, communicating with the Body Corporate or landlord was difficult, and apartment dwellers reported having trouble getting information about the damage status of their building, making decisions about returning challenging. Given the unique context of apartment dwellers, communication strategies should be honed to assist responses to a future event.

The Uptake of Container Deposit Schemes: A Case Study in Perth, Western Australia

The environmental impacts of single-use plastics are increasing worldwide due to the continual rise in consumption and a lack of appropriate collection and management systems in many countries. Various programs, known as container deposit schemes (CDS), have been implemented to improve the collection and recycling of single-use plastic containers. This research investigated the drivers and barriers of CDS uptake in Perth, Western Australia. The study surveyed over 400 individuals within Perth regarding their engagement with and usage of the local CDS, known as “Containers for Change”, which was implemented in October 2020. This research found that there is a high level of public awareness (98%) of the scheme, and it has been widely adopted across Perth within the first year of its implementation; however, logistical challenges and container eligibility were found to be key barriers to the uptake of the scheme. It was noted that there is some skepticism toward waste management practices in Australia, and knowledge of the benefits of CDS appears to be lacking. Recommendations for improving the functionality and uptake of the Containers for Change scheme are to increase the range of bottles accepted within the scheme, create more accessible and convenient drop-off locations for containers, and improve/increase education regarding the benefits of the scheme. This research is limited by a response rate that was dominated by individuals living in stand-alone houses; however, with the majority of Perth residents living in stand-alone houses, this research remains valuable. There is scope for further research into skepticism regarding waste management practices in Australia, as well as the logistical challenges of CDS uptake by apartment dwellers.

포스트코로나 시대 노후아파트 리모델링 계획을 위한 거주자 의견 조사

Background/Objectives: Apartment dwellers had various problems such as hygiene and quarantine in their residential space, lack of area, privacy and noise during the pandemic. The purpose of this study was to identify the direction of the remodeling plan reflecting their opinions by classifying the deteriorated apartment residents in the metropolitan area by family life cycle during the pandemic. Methods: The survey method of this study was conducted with 201 apartment dwellers living in deteriorated apartments over 15 years old in the metropolitan area in South Korea. Results: The results of the study are as follows. First, in terms of unit planning, variable space planning that can be used for multiple purposes in all family life cycles and space planning for exercise and hobbies were derived as important items. Second, all family life cycles showed a high preference for safety and hygiene of common spaces in apartments. Third, in terms of complexes and communities, all family life cycles showed high preference for hygiene and functionality of community facilities. Conclusion/Implications: These results imply that when planning apartment remodeling in the post-corona era, it is necessary to consider the variability of space for unit households, the sanitary condition of the main building, and the diversity of community facilities.

실내 치유정원 구성요소로서 식물의 중요도 및 필요도 분석 - 실내식물 관리경험의 유무를 중심으로 -

This study identified the perceptions of 221 urban residents of indoor plants as components of a healing garden according to their experience in managing indoor plants. The experience of managing indoor plants was higher with women and older people, and the residents of detached houses and apartment houses were higher. There were differences in the experience of managing plants according to gender, age, and housing type. Among the functions of indoor plants, environmental improvement and psychological stability were highly important, and there were differences according to demographic characteristics. Females, 40s, detached house, and apartment dwellers recognized that it was important to use plants from a psychological point of view, and men, 20s, 30s, and 50s from a physical point of view. The more experience in plant management, the more necessary it is. Functions such as spatial decoration, temperature and humidity control, and emotional stability were factors that affect plant needs. The experience of managing plants had a positive effect on importance and necessity in emotional and psychological aspects. Therefore, the experience of various plants can be a factor that can improve the healing effect of plants. In particular, there is a difference in cognitive information about plants and perception by experience, so when using plants as a healin

Additional dwelling units: A potential solution to the affordable and senior housing crisis

As housing prices continue to rise faster than inflation and wages in the US, affordable housing continues to become difficult, borderline impossible for minimum wage and renter wage workers to obtain. This paper aims to explore the possibility of zoning regulations to allow the widespread construction of additional dwelling units (ADUs). Many macroeconomic factors continue to contribute to the unavailability of affordable housing. A combination of low wages, low housing stock and high property values contribute to the senior and affordable housing crises. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the impact of these factors on affordable housing. Low-income individuals and families were unequally affected by increased unemployment rates. Senior housing has become a more pressing issue as the senior population continues to increase and most seniors live on a low monthly income based on pensions and assets. This makes it difficult for the majority of seniors to continue to afford where they were living when they were fully employed and removes the option of aging in place. ADUs provide a unique solution to both the senior and affordable housing crises through increasing housing stock in pre-existing areas and neighbourhoods. This is done through the reduction of zoning restrictions by local governments to allow homeowners to convert detached garages and basements into apartment dwellings. This gives the homeowners a potential source of monthly income through rentals, as well as increasing housing stock in pre-existing areas. ADUs can contribute towards the necessary increase in senior and affordable housing to combat their respective crises.

Rethinking urban park irrigation under climate change

Climate change is forcing cities to reassess their water management practices, particularly for water-intensive applications like park irrigation. If water scarcity requires governments to deviate from current park management norms and allocate less water towards parks, it is essential that park managers design spaces that maintain community wellbeing. We apply the hedonic pricing method and use detailed park management information to assess the value of parks in a region where local climatic conditions require extensive irrigation to keep turf green, and where climate change is further constraining water supplies. Here we show that the impacts of irrigation on the value of parks differ depending on the dwelling types of the nearby housing populations that they serve. In most cases, the convention that parks have to be irrigated to deliver ecosystem services to the public is supported. However, we find that non-irrigated park areas are also valued positively by nearby apartment dwellers. Accelerating rates of urbanization and shifts towards high-density living may support the development of more diverse park options that are less water-intensive. Increased visibility of these alternative park forms, which could include more areas of native vegetation that do not require irrigation, may subsequently influence public expectations for landscape design.

Acoustic Retrofit Approach of an Apartment Living Room Using Multi-Perforated Gypsum Boards in Terms of Heavy-Weight Impact Sounds

In this study, the effects of multi-perforated gypsum boards on floor impact noises were investigated in a box-type test building and an actual apartment building. In a box-type test building with 150 mm thick slab, various design factors such as hole pattern, hole size, opening ratio, backing, or finishing materials were considered. Heavy-weight impact sources of bang machine and rubber ball were employed. The test procedure followed KS F 2810-2, and then, a single number rating was derived in accordance with KS F 2863-2. As a result, reduction of heavy-weight impact noise by applying multi-perforated gypsum boards as a ceiling material was expected maximumly up to 3 dB for bang machine and 5 dB for rubber ball. Regarding the reduction of floor impact sounds at frequencies above 125 Hz, the installed area of the employed multi-perforated gypsum board was shown as the most dominant factor. Then, an in situ investigation using standard impact sources and five children was carried out in an actual living space of an actual apartment dwelling unit. Comparing before and after installation of multi-perforated gypsum board, 1–2 dB of heavy-weight impact noises was reduced. In addition, subjective impressions of the reduced impact noise were discussed based on the field questionnaire survey using actual children’s running situations.