In the second half of the 21 century, as the importance of neighborhood vicinities were strengthened, the importance of neighborhood living facilities has increased too. In order to see changes in urban functions, improvements in the quality of life, ...
In the second half of the 21 century, as the importance of neighborhood vicinities were strengthened, the importance of neighborhood living facilities has increased too. In order to see changes in urban functions, improvements in the quality of life, and a formation of a social capital, it is necessary to provide efficient neighborhood living facilities. However, empirically, the development of new cities in Korea has not only been focused too much on the physical and quantitative side, efforts to improve the quality of life has been insufficient and as a ‘self-reflection’ the neighborhood living facilities are being revisited.
This study analyzed the residents’ level of satisfaction and utilization of a neighborhood living facility and proposed suggestions of locations for a developmental neighborhood living facility. Nonhyeon-dong Namdong-gu Incheon was selected as the study area.
According to the results, first, the satisfactions of residents of Nonhyeon for accessibility of the neighborhood living facility were not high. Demands to modernize the facility to satisfy the new city residents have been risen.
Second, for a more comfortable use of the neighborhood living facility, the new city should become a safe city. A city planning to improve the quality of life should be contributed. With a formation of a social capital in the neighborhood area, identity and local patriotism will be contributed.
Third, in order to actualize the above implications, it is suggested that developers and new city administrators predict in advance the age, gender, economic status, etc. of the tenants. This is a way for the developers and administrators to conversely reflect the positions of the residents. It is expected that understanding the perspective of the residents on the convenience and accessibility will facilitate the design and location plan and will reduce the dissatisfaction of the neighborhood living facilities
Fourth, in terms of a Building Code, it is demanded that a system improvement is provided to neighborhood living facilities. The current system cannot reflect the neighborhood demand in a fast changing society. Even though a neighborhood unit theory based on elementary schools may be met with its limits, it was alright. Through in-depth studies, efforts for a system improvement may be required to see a possible development of neighborhood living facilities.
Fifth, if an appropriate plan is not established, the neighborhood living facility in the new city cannot reflect its regional uniqueness. This is because the conditions of capital or the realistic situation of the city can determine the cheapness of a facility in the region. Therefore, the local residents in the city should act as facilitators and monitor the facility, improve the quality of life, and become a facility to form social capital.
Sixth, the mindset that a neighborhood living facility is a cultural facility should be changed. New city apartment complexes should not be an inevitable facility, it should be various layers of a playground, and needs to be regarded as a place for communication and interaction. The neighborhood living facility should be understood by the residents that it is important as it acts as a public square within an apartment complex.
Seventh, an ongoing management of the neighborhood living facility is essential. According to the results of a regression analysis, the general view of the neighborhood living facilities also affected the management of the facilities. Through a constant maintenance and management of the neighborhood living facility, it is important to enhance residents’ identity formation and local patriotism and contribute to the rise in urban competitiveness.