This study aims to analyze the changes in interior spatial composition and finishing materials in Korean apartments since the 2000s, and to predict future design and material trends. The goal is to provide foundational data for architecture and interi...
This study aims to analyze the changes in interior spatial composition and finishing materials in Korean apartments since the 2000s, and to predict future design and material trends. The goal is to provide foundational data for architecture and interior design. Apartments comprise 52.4 % of all housing in South Korea, reflecting growing consumer demand better quality of life and premium residential environments. By examining cases apartment built in 2000, 2010, and 2020, this research explores the evolution of interior layouts and finishing materials in relation to societal and technological changes. The apatments of 2000s featured a basic separation between public and private zones, with multifunctional rooms but limited convenience due to shared bathrooms. In the 2010s, more segmented designs and efficient circulation paths emerged, including dual kitchen layouts for enhanced functionality. By 2020, smart home technologies and eco-friendly designs supported greater spatial flexibility and quality of life. Finishing materials evolved from simple structural protection to emphasizing aesthetics and multipurpose functionality. By 2020, materials with antibacterial, soundproofing, and energy-saving properties became widespread, aligning with consumer needs. Future apartment designs are expected to focus on diversified multipurpose areas, vertical duplex layouts, and private terraces, alongside the integration of smart technologies and sustainable materials. These changes will enhance the uniqueness of Korean apartments and strengthen their global competitiveness. Despite limitations in case selection, this study identifies key trajectories in Korean apartment design and material use, highlighting their potential for global competitiveness. Ongoing research into spatial planning and material technology is essential to further enhancing the distinctiveness of Korean apartments.