Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Planning & Design (대한건축학회논문집:계획계)

Architectural Institute of Korea (대한건축학회)
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A Comparative Study on Suicide Rates of Upper and Lower Floors of High-rise Apartment

고층아파트의 저층과 고층의 자살률 비교 연구

  • Received : 2019.06.09
  • Accepted : 2019.08.12
  • Published : 2019.08.30
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Abstract

This study attempts to analyse the effects of high-rise living on suicide rates. All the apartments in the City A and every suicide were examined in detail. Research methods are as follows. First, a database including tenure type and number of residents in all apartment complexes was created. Second, apartments were categorized into two income groups of private apartments and social housing, and spatial configuration characteristics of a typical apartment were analysed. Third, differences in suicide rates were analysed for lower and upper levels in both apartment categories. Finally, the relationship between high and lower levels of apartments with their spatial configuration characteristics and suicide rates was compared. The analysis shows significant differences between lower and upper floors living residents' suicide rates. It can be stated that the low-income residents are more sensitive to living in high-rise environment. Also, it suggests the need to improve the high-rise living environment of vulnerable social groups. In addition, spatial integration decrease in upper floors of high-rise buildings, and it can be interpreted that spatial configuration may affect residents' pathological disorders or even suicidal behaviors.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

Supported by : 한국연구재단

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