Journal of the Korean Housing Association ISSN:2234-3571(Print) 2234-2257(Online) 한국주거학회논문집

The purpose of this study is to identify various types of third space in consideration of the housing needs and characteristics of independent young adult households, through conducting a questionnaire survey. They are classified as the housing underprivileged because their social position and economic base are relatively unstable. Therefore, it is necessary to consider various spatial infrastructure to support housing welfare in residential areas for independent young adult households. Based on these problems, this study adopted the concept of “the Third Place” suggested by Ray Oldenburg. A questionnaire survey was conducted to examine independent young agults’ experiences and perceptions of the third place for them. The results are as follows: First, the relatively important characteristics of the third place are accessibility, relaxation, and comfort. This is related to the highest preference for ‘rest-oriented’ space among the types of the Third Place. Second, the third place hardly reflects the characteristics of independent young adult households. It is necessary to seek a space plan in connection with various spatial resources in the local community. Third, they had a higher desire for the place for meditation and personal rest than the desire to make social relationships. As the conclusion, this study proposed a direction for the characteristics, functions, and types of the third place reflecting the practical needs and characteristics of them.