Abstract
This research is about shared living facilities for the solitary elderly in Gyeonggi province (so called "Carnation House"), which was opened after 2013. These facilities aim to help solving the social problems of the growing number of the solitary elderly. The research was conducted from April 2014 to October 2014 by using observation, measurement, photography, and interview methods. This research reviewed floor plan, area, accessibility, visual openness, and furniture and equipments. The results are as follows: First, considering the need for rest area and the protection of privacy, livingroom should at least be equipped with a variable wall or have a separate room. Secondly, for the kitchen plan, considering the fact that large number of people move simultaneously, kitchen entrance should be widened or LDK type is preferable. Thirdly, the bathroom entrance should be widened to at least 800mm and should have barrier free design. Fourthly, porch entrance should be planned to secure enough space and shoe cabinets for multiple users. Fifthly, to allow the users to enjoy outside view, the windows of living spaces should be placed no higher than 800mm from the floor level. Finally, for the location of the facility, people prefer the location be at the center of the village or near home. In addition, location with easy accessibility for the elderly is advisable. Therefore, establishing local guidelines for shared living facilities for the solitary elderly is advisable. When establishing local guidelines, local characters, culture and usage patterns should be considered.
