공동주택 리모델링의 유니버설 디자인 적용 현황 및 개선방안에 관한 연구 = A Study on the Current Status of Universal Design and Improvement Plan of Apartment House Remodeling

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

(Background and Purpose) As society continues to age rapidly, the deterioration of existing apartment housing has become an increasingly urgent issue. In response, the demand for remodeling projects aimed at enhancing the physical and functional quality of residential environments is on the rise. Among the emerging priorities in this context is the need for residential spaces that can accommodate a wide range of household compositions and physical conditions. Universal design, which ensures usability and accessibility for people of all ages and abilities, is gaining recognition as a key strategy in apartment remodeling. This study aims to analyze the current state of universal design application in remodeled apartment complexes and to propose improvement directions for fostering more inclusive residential environments. (Method) Among apartment houses that have been remodeled or are in progress for more than 30 years since completion, cases were selected in the metropolitan area. The selection criteria considered the type of structural change such as vertical and horizontal extensions, the ratio of the elderly population, and whether public support was provided. By analyzing the design drawings, related documents, and on-site photos of each case, how universal design elements were applied to major spaces such as entrances, corridors, bathrooms, and kitchens was reviewed item by item. Through this, we tried to propose an improvement direction for effectively applying universal design to future apartment remodeling. (Results) In the entry space, some universal design elements were applied, improving accessibility and ease of movement. However, within individual units, structural constraints and limited floor area led to insufficient accessibility, safety, and spatial flexibility in key living areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and corridors. In particular, features such as adequate corridor width for wheelchair users, adjustable countertop heights, and the installation of safety handrails were mostly applied in a limited manner. (Conclusions) While universal design has been partially applied in apartment remodeling projects, this demonstrates that inclusive design must be integrated from the structural planning stage in order to be consistently reflected throughout the overall living environment. In response to an aging society, universal design should be actively adopted as a spatial strategy that accommodates the diverse needs of residents across the life cycle. In particular, it is essential to strengthen the policy and institutional foundations, enhance the technical and design implementation capabilities, and raise public awareness of universal design. These efforts will not only improve the quality of housing but also contribute to its sustainability and social value.