As individualization intensifies in contemporary society, the density of social relationships has diminished, while family structures have become increasingly diversified. Consequently, patterns of privacy among family members have also grown more var...
As individualization intensifies in contemporary society, the density of social relationships has diminished, while family structures have become increasingly diversified. Consequently, patterns of privacy among family members have also grown more varied. These changes have led to increasing interest in residential planning that considers a balanced regulation of privacy within households. In the context of domestic housing, standardized apartment layouts have long been established as the dominant housing type, resulting in limitations in accommodating diverse lifestyles and family compositions. Given the continued diversification of family structures, there is a growing need for research on apartment design that reflects the boundary regulation concept among individuals.
This study examines how boundary regulation manifests across different spatial zones within apartment units based on Altman’s boundary regulation concept. By applying the analytical findings to design, the study aims to provide an opportunity to reconsider spatial composition methods that have become taken for granted within Korea’s apartment construction culture. Rather than proposing fundamental changes to entrenched design systems, the study focuses on presenting diverse alternatives that demonstrate the potential for flexible residential environments.
The research methodology begins by establishing the necessity of diverse privacy regulation through an examination of social change and the residential characteristics of multi-unit housing. Subsequently, the concepts and characteristics of Altman’s privacy theory are systematically reviewed, and design-applicable elements are derived to construct an analytical framework. After selecting case study units and analyzing their floor plan characteristics, alternative layouts are proposed to identify patterns of privacy regulation in a structured manner. Based on these findings, suitable family composition scenarios are inferred for each layout, and implications regarding the relationship between spatial configuration and family structure are derived.
The results indicate that privacy characteristics vary significantly according to unit layout. Based on these characteristics, flexible and adaptable alternatives were developed through the strategic placement of transitional zones and boundary control devices. In particular, layouts incorporating alpha rooms demonstrated diverse spatial configurations mediated by transitional spaces, revealing the potential for balanced boundary regulation that is not biased toward either excessive openness or isolation. This highlights the necessity of moving beyond the premise of fixed functional zoning within apartment units and suggests that flexible unit layouts can effectively respond to variations in privacy regulation arising from different family relationships.
Looking forward, the arrangement and adaptability of spatial zones should become central considerations in residential design to accommodate the diverse family structures of future society. Through this approach, collective housing environments can evolve to support both individual quality of life and the diversity of family relationships. Ultimately, this study aspires to contribute to the development of apartment housing as a uniquely Korean residential culture—one in which family-centered collective living coexists with individual independence.