Analysis of Elderly Housing Spaces in Japan Based on the Ecological Model -Focusing on the Elements and Principles of the Ecological Model-

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

(Background and Purpose) This study analyzed successful cases of elderly housing spaces using an ecological model and explored the direction for elderly housing spaces in Korea based on these findings. Bronfenbrenner's ecological model emphasizes the interaction between individuals and their environment, positing that human behavior and development are closely linked to environmental factors. The model analyzes how various environmental levels, such as the microsystem, Mesosystem, Exosystem, and macrosystem, influence individuals. Therefore, in an era where the concept of service is emphasized over physical space, integrating the ecological model into elderly housing could improve the quality of life for the elderly. The purpose of this study is to propose a direction for elderly housing spaces by analyzing successful cases of integrating the ecological model and suggesting ways to improve the environment for the elderly in Korea. (Method) After reviewing the elements and principles of Bronfenbrenner's ecological model, the study examined environments where these elements and principles are integrated from the perspective of elderly care. Based on this, evaluation criteria were developed, and the appropriateness of these criteria was verified by three experts (two in spatial design and one in elderly care, all holding doctoral degrees). The evaluation criteria were then applied to select four elderly housing spaces in Japan, where the use of the ecological model was analyzed. (Results) The case analysis revealed that in three out of the four selected spaces, both general residents and elderly residents coexisted. Although the housing complexes were categorized separately, they were inhabited harmoniously. The findings regarding the ecological model are as follows: First, in terms of the microsystem, housing environments were well-designed with accessibility and safety features. In the Mesosystem, social networks were well-connected with the community through programs like resident participation, and resources were linked to medical services and cultural events. The Exosystem benefited from government and local policies and services, and all facilities operated in compliance with regulations. In the Macrosystem, societal values and attitudes that emphasize respect and importance for the elderly, inherent in Japanese culture, were observed. The Chronosystem ensured that continuous technological updates were made to accommodate changes over time, providing a convenient living environment. (Conclusions) The ecological model, when applied to environments for the elderly, suggests that the Microsystem should create environments reflecting the daily lives of the elderly, while the Mesosystem should consider interpersonal relationships. The Exosystem should reflect institutional factors in the environment, and the Chronosystem should create spaces that adapt to temporal changes.