• Journal of the Korean Institute of Rural Architecture
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.29-37
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• 2016

This research is studied changes of outdoor lavatories in use of detached houses in rural areas. Out of 40 houses studied in a 1995 survey, 23 houses were performed again in 2015. Number of lavatories installed in indoor and outdoor both in 1995 are more than in 2015. However, number of indoor lavatories in 2015 are more because outdoor lavatories were demolished. Among 23 houses, 15 outdoor lavatories have been installed in 13 houses. Out of these 15 lavatories, eight have been used continuously from 1995 through 2015. Currently four are used for other purposes, and five have demolished. Outdoor lavatories tend to be built in the rear of the housing site. Those located in rear tend to be demolished rather than in front side because of decreasing in use. In rural areas, outdoor lavatories not only serve as spaces to fulfill basic human needs, but are used to store agricultural tools. Changes of family composition and member also exert an influence. When family members were decreased, outdoor lavatories tended to be demolished. However, although family members were decreased, the reason that outdoor lavatories have been used continually is for exterior work or farming and temporarily increasing family members in holiday and family events. The more family members used, the more outdoor lavatories are managed well. The more houses where the aged reside in, the more outdoor lavatories are not improved.