Abstract
The purposes of this study were to classify the changing periods of apartment outdoor space in Korea and to clearly understand the specific characteristics of each period. The study has been done through on-site observation of apartment complexes, and through the analysis of housing estate planning techniques, rules and regulations affecting outdoor spaces during the rapidly developing era. The results of this study shows that three major periods with distinct characteristics were found, which were as follows: 1) The first well defined period spans from 1960 to 1990. In this period, apartment construction was rapid, and as a result, quality of housing environments were sacrificed. As little attention was given to the landscapes in apartment complex, they were constructed very simple and identical in outdoor space of apartment complex. This period can be referred to as the 'commonly universal period in apartment outdoor space'. 2) The second period spans from 1991 to 1996, during which time a housing construction project for two million residences was completed in order to significantly stimulate the provision of houses to the general public. As a result, regulations were relaxed causing housing environments to deteriorate. Although apartments were constructed very close together, there was some diversification and experimentation in outdoor styles. This period can be referred to as the 'congestion period of apartment outdoor space'. 3) The third period spans from 1997 to the present. During this time the number of unsold apartments has grown considerably throughout the country. Many different apartment complex marketing strategies have been employed to reduced the glut of unsold apartments. This experimental trend has continued and been well-received since the IMF period. The distinguishing characteristics of this period are the introduction of a rich natural landscape, the increase in communications among residents, the human oriented design, and the refined and elegant design for the outdoor street furnitures. As a result, this period can be named the "differentiation period of apartment outdoor space".
