• Korean Institute of Interior Design Journal
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.179-187
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to explain the uniqueness of tropical space style by identifying it in Southeast Asia. For this purpose, literature review was examined from 26 specialized tropical space style books and categorized. Its results are expected to be used as reference materials in designing spaces related to Southeast Asia and for constructors planning to run their business in Southeast Asia or Korea. The results of categorization are as follows; 'Tropical Traditional', 'Tropical Colonial' and 'Tropical Modern'. First, in case of Tropical Traditional Style, the traditional styles are adopted in roof and some of traditional styles are adopted in walls, windows and doors. Second, in case of Tropical Colonial Style, Renaissance or neo-classical styles are adopted in most of columns, archs, windows and doors. The traditional styles are also blended. Third, in case of Tropical Modern Style, straight line designs are adopted dominantly. However, decorative objects of traditional style are used to catch eyes. In summary, traditional style are imbedded more or less in all of tropical style and particularly, decorative objects of traditional style are key elements representing tropical space.