Abstract
The purpose of the study is to investigate the characteristics of the elderly housing preference and spatial usage to plan floor space of the elderly housing by the respondents of the ages 50 to 79. Based on the result of the study, it is suggested that the elderly housing should be located in regards to social environmental factors rather than natural environmental ones. There are differences in preference for the space planning of housing units such as the number of rooms and bathrooms, and floor space depending on income level, so the housing should be differently planned to accept the difference of preference. On the other hand, there is not notable difference in furniture preference for each space. In the characteristics of spatial usage according to behaviors, high-income respondents demonstrate the characteristics of spatial usage in accordance with a western lifestyle. Thus, behaviors such as sleeping, watching TV, resting, reading, conversation, and receiving guests, occur using such things as beds, sofas, and dinning tables. On the other hand low-income respondents show a mixed western and traditional lifestyle. Thus many behaviors are done on the floor of bedroom and livingroom in addition to using furniture such as a sofa and chairs. Therefore, the way of spatial usage has to be reflected in the floor space planning. At least floor space of the provided rooms should be planned to accommodate the behavior of the elderly even though all of the rooms preferred can not be provided.