The recent economic, social, and cultural changes led to increased interest in health and physical fitness. As more and more women are joining the workforce, men are increasingly interested in their appearance to win the cut-throat competition in the ...
The recent economic, social, and cultural changes led to increased interest in health and physical fitness. As more and more women are joining the workforce, men are increasingly interested in their appearance to win the cut-throat competition in the job market. Thus, they are investing a substantial amount of money on grooming themselves. A recent study on the correlation between looks and salary reflects the social trend where appearance is perceived as a competitive edge. Such trends are greatly affecting the sports and beauty industries and the overall consumption. Amid the diverse experience of consumers and their stronger desire for sophisticated design, their spending habits are increasingly diversified, leading to social diversification.
The concept of 'hybrid,' a byproduct of the diversified modern society, is a general phenomenon occurring in diverse fields and industries. It has expanded into the field of design where new, innovative items are always valued. It has accelerated the diverse expression in multiple areas of design.
The field of interior design has been expanded into other art-related fields as well. The expansion led to 'hybrid space,' reflecting the 'hybrid cultural phenomenon.' It is about creating new items by combining and incorporating existing items, instead of using a new style. Such attempts stem from the following premises: It is possible to establish a new design concept based on the theories on creation through combination of existing elements; The systematic theories on hybrid spatial organization are valid. The purpose of this study is to analyze the features of hybrid expression through spatial trends in health care centers. The ultimate purpose is to apply the features to interior space planning.
Chapter 1 introduces the background, purpose, scope, and methods of this study. Chapter 2 analyzes the features of hybrid expression after introducing its concept. Chapter 3 provides a basic overview of health care centers, the programs, and spatial organization. Chapter 4 analyzes the space and programs of health care centers through actual cases and the features of hybrid expression in the space. Chapter 5 discusses the design of health care centers as an indoor space for analysis of hybrid expression. Chapter 6 provides the following conclusion based on the findings.
First, health care centers consist of the following spaces in most cases: fitness, skin care, food and drinks, management, and other service areas. On average, the fitness area represents the highest proportion. Thus, there should be user-oriented common spaces, including a lounge in the fitness zone with minimal space.
Second, to minimize the distances between different facilities, their linkage and traffic frequency should be considered. Thus, the management office and attached facilities should be located near the entrance to be spotted easily by users.
Third, the information area and waiting area were most unique and diverse in terms of spatial expression. As for fitness facilities, they were planned with a open arrangement structure for spatial linkage and scalability. As for skin care area, it should exude a warm and soft atmosphere. As for food and beverage space, it should have visual openness for easy access from a lounge or a waiting area attached to it. However, the food and beverage space should be separated from other areas for more convenient use; it should be considered during the spatial planning.
Fourth, the formal hybrid featured 'transformation and juxtaposition' of spatial elements. Juxtaposition means placing two things closely together for a contrasting effect. The related elements include ceiling, walls, columns, axis, and mass. Such formal hybrid are based on informal juxtaposition with distortion of forms and continuous form composition without hierarchy. It led to the metaphorical yet visual play and multiple expressions of meanings. Such transformation and juxtaposition are the foundation of the formal hybrid; they were created through a reversed spatial hierarchy with exaggerated expression of the forms and their scale.
Fifth, the features of hybrid spaces include the following: spatial interpenetration; ambiguous boundaries; spaces with multiple viewpoints. For example, spatial boundaries were faded by blurring interlayer boundaries through a void, transparent materials, or spaces of continuous forms. Also, the overlap and conflicts of different programs led to accidental spatial effects. As such programs were attached and sequenced, it formed a dynamic relationship that led to convergence and mobilization. As a result, hybrid programs were formed within a successive structure.
The differentiated spatial features of health care centers with hybrid expression could offer new spatial experience to consumers. In a commercial space, establishing its unique identity is obviously crucial. The findings of this study can be used to predict how the hybrid expression features of health care centers will develop in the future.