Evaluation Analysis of Lounges in Elderly Skilled Nursing Facilities as Spaces for Activity Programs

프로그램 수행공간으로서 무료노인전문요양시설의 휴게홀 평가분석

The purpose of this study is to analyze physical characteristics, spatial composition, and using behavior of lounges in elderly skilled nursing facilities as spaces for activity programs and also to evaluate the spaces with the framework based on the indices for performing activity programs in elderly facilities. The results of the study were as follows: First, the lounge of an independent type ensured the privacy to perform programs, and so activities were managed more systematically. On the other hand, an expanded corridor type made the elderly feel difficult to pay attention to activities due to co-use of lounges and corridors. In a lounge of a hall type, the elderly had easy access to the place, but it also had weak home-like atmosphere because the space was used as a lobby entrance. Second, the facilities with western types of tables in whole lounges showed big changes in spatial composition, such as moving all the tables for any activities. It resulted in more preparation time and created obstacles in passages and space use. Third, in the evaluation of lounges based on the framework, most of lounges had accessibility of good quality, but they needed to improve home-like atmosphere and flexibility. To create home-like atmosphere, various spatial compositions and classifications in the lounge should be tried. Moreover, enough space and easy movable furniture can be considered for flexible spatial compositions.