Research

Older Adults’ Intergenerational Experiences in Community Spaces: A Gender-Responsive Perspective

Initiated 2019 · Revisited 2025–Present
Origin Master’s Research, University of Seoul
Current Status Independent Research
Location Seoul, South Korea
Outputs Master’s Thesis · Conference Proceeding & Presentation · Journal Manuscript in Preparation

This research examines "How do older men and women differ in their engagement in intergenerational interactions in community spaces?"

Through a cross-case comparison of five community spaces in Dobong, Seoul, the study examines why some spaces support such interactions while others do not, drawing on older adults' gendered preferences for visiting community spaces and interacting there. Semi-structured interviews were inductively coded to identify older adults’ preferences, which were then used as a framework for interpreting the patterns of observed intergenerational interactions.

It is ultimately aimed at informing approaches to planning intergenerational spaces that ensure neither older men nor older women are excluded.

Direction for City of Seoul Daycare Space Prototype · Guideline for City of Seoul Daycare Space

Initiated 2019 · Completed 2020
Role Researcher
Affiliation Sustainable Architecture & Urban Lab, University of Seoul
Project Lead Seoul Design Foundation
Partner Seoul Social Service Agency
Outputs Research Report · Design Guideline

These two projects explored how daycare centers could be spatially designed to strengthen community-based care, support aging in place, and improve caregivers’ working environments in response to an aging society. Together, they aimed to propose a new model for public daycare centers.

I contributed to developing a spatial evaluation framework based on the UK Department of Health’s dementia-friendly design guidelines and applying it to assess existing care facilities. I also compiled case studies of Japanese daycare centers, analyzing their spatial characteristics and identifying implications for planning.

Our team proposed a phased strategy for four types of care centers, designed to gradually evolve into community hubs that help local residents become more familiar with aging and care environments.

Aspects of recognition and use of community facilities in the aged society

Initiated 2019 · Completed 2019
Role Researcher
Affiliation Sustainable Architecture & Urban Lab, University of Seoul
Funding National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), funded by the Korean government (MSIT)
Output Conference Proceeding

This study explores older adults' lived experiences in community facilities in Sejong City, a new town planned with age-friendly principles.

Our team conducted a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) by interviewing older adults and examining gaps between planning intentions and how these environments were implemented and used.

I contributed to interviews, field investigations, and the development of strategies to address these gaps.