Analysis of a universal model house of the U.S. in the view of environmental-behavioral aspect

A greater number of persons with disabilities including an increasing number of aging population has brought concerns on diversity and equality in use of products and environments. Universal design concepts have been introduced rapidly and widely in the built environments in Korea. The purpose of this study was to analyze a model house built in 2006, in the U.S. as a universal design home, systematically examine the universal design model house features, and explore possibility of application of the universal design features in the U.S. into a Korean setting. For this study, site analysis and contents analysis methods were used. Although housing norm, behavioral patterns and environmental contexts would be different, majority of universal design features appeared in the model house were expected to apply. Overall universal design features in the model house sought for attractive, comfort, convenient and safe environment with a little cost. Universal design features in the model house appeared in unobtrusive ways. Universal design considerations on floor materials in living room and bath and furniture arrangement need to modify or replace according to Korean lifestyle.

미국 유니버설 디자인 모델주택의 환경행태학적 분석