A typology of korean housing units: In search of spatial configuration

Abstract

Space analysis aims to identify the relations between society and space. Space analysis results let us identify the characteristics of the targeted space and subsequent human activities based on the notion of social relationship. The reason authors try to understand spatial structure lies in that it is the intrinsic attribute of physical built environment. This research looks into apartment houses, a widespread form of housing in Korea, in an attempt to investigate the social logic lying in its domestic space by measuring the spatial configuration. This research is based on empirical data and uses a quantitative methodology; Space Syntax. Characteristics of spatial structure in apartment units and their meanings were identified through this research. The implication of the living room-centered layout type most common in Korean apartments was discussed from the viewpoint of the domestic space genotype.