서울디자인국제포럼

Seoul City: Combating Isolation for Single-Person Households through Space Design such as Sharing Warehouses, Community Kitchens, and Creative Workshops

The Seoul Design Policy Office Press Release has obtained written consent from the speaker to publish the summarized and edited content

Seoul Develops and Implements , a Community Space to Reduce Isolation Among Middle-Aged and Older Single-Person Households

Seoul City has developed and implemented , a community space aimed at alleviating the sense of isolation among middle-aged and older single-person households. The Dongdaemun-gu Family Center's second branch, located at 89 Muhak-ro, was selected as the first site. Spanning approximately 50 pyeong (about 165 square meters), the space features a charming design that modernly reinterprets the nostalgic feel of childhood school classrooms.

The Dongdaemun-gu Family Center, a facility consisting of four above-ground floors and one basement level, provides integrated and specialized family support services and programs. Since 2018, the center has taken the lead in projects aimed at building social networks to prevent isolation among single-person households. In 2020, it expanded its services to include middle-aged and older single-person households.

The development of , a community space for middle-aged and older single-person households, began in July and underwent reviews by the Public Design Promotion Committee. The project was completed on December 13, with the space officially opening to the public.

Design Concept Focused on Reducing Isolation

Before initiating the project, Seoul's Design Policy Bureau selected "reducing isolation among single-person households" as the central theme through consultations with experts. The project concentrated on creating a space where middle-aged and older single-person households (ages 40–64) could rebuild their social networks. The space was designed to facilitate emotional connections through communication and offer diverse content, ultimately reducing feelings of isolation.

The decision to target this demographic stems from research showing that social isolation and loneliness increase with age. Furthermore, despite the rising number of middle-aged and older single-person households, policies have largely focused on younger and elderly populations, leaving this group relatively underserved.

Expert Collaboration and Targeted Design

Seoul City incorporated feedback from experts in design, welfare, and mental health, as well as surveys of target users, to create a specialized psychological care space. By incorporating generational preferences and providing cultural content to enhance life satisfaction, the project aimed to create a leisure-oriented community space that prevents isolation. The design emphasized three core values:

Hospitality and Respect: A welcoming atmosphere that promotes interaction while respecting individual privacy.

Learning and Achievement: Programs and spaces designed to foster intellectual and emotional growth, along with a sense of accomplishment.

Loose Connections: Opportunities for casual networking and emotional exchange, tailored to different ages, situations, and interests.

Space Overview and Features

The name conveys the idea of sharing and healing ("maru" meaning a place of gathering in Korean). The facility consists of five distinct zones:

Together Library

A lounge space featuring practical books, a curated music room with generational hit songs, and an information board providing welfare services and programs for single-person households. Designed with wood-toned flooring and curved ceiling frames for a cozy atmosphere, this space also hosts "Neighborhood Friends," a program for forming community groups.

Sharing Warehouse

A dual-purpose area with a refill station for recyclable goods and a rental station for tools. Transparent glass windows allow users to view ongoing programs in the adjacent group space.

Village Classroom

A multi-purpose area accommodating over 20 people, equipped with a green chalkboard, kitchen facilities for cooking classes, and an instrument room. Programs like "Happy Dining" and financial education workshops are conducted here.

Creative Workshop

An open-plan space for small group craft activities, featuring natural light, pendant lighting, and modular walls for flexible usage. Programs include hobbies like drawing, crafting, and making tile coasters.

Mind Garden

A counseling space developed with design elements to reduce stress, such as soothing colors, scents, and textures. Services include initial interviews, psychological assessments, and stress-relief programs.

Expanding the Impact of Design

will be operated by the Dongdaemun-gu Family Center and is open to all local residents. Program participation is available through the center's website. Following previous projects like "Ma-eum Pool" (2018) and "Mind Garden" (2022), Seoul City continues to promote healing through people-centered design.

Additionally, Seoul plans to develop a manual detailing the design concepts, construction methods, and key insights from the project to encourage replication in other communities.

Choi In-kyu, Director-General of Seoul's Design Policy Bureau, emphasized the significance of the project:

" is a space where middle-aged and older single-person households can comfortably gather and connect. We hope citizens will visit to experience the transformative power of design. Seoul will continue to develop and expand designs that enhance citizens’ quality of life."

Han Mi-young, Director of the Dongdaemun-gu Family Center, added:

"We hope becomes a warm and joyful space where middle-aged and older single-person households at risk of isolation can experience the warmth of human connection. The center will continue striving to expand inclusive family services."