Abstract
The study was intended to suggest the efficient usage plan of the village community center in rural area by examining the floor plan and usage pattern of the village community center and the needs of the elderly for them. This would be helpful to the welfare of the elderly in rural areas. The subjects were 24 community centers and representatives of each village, and 96 old peoples lived in there, GyungNam. The data were collected by sketching and taking pictures of community centers, and interviewing with the representatives and old peoples. The results were as follows : 1) when the percentage of old population, the physical conditions of private houses of the elderly, and the usage pattern and needs for village community center were considered, the village community center as the welfare center for the elderly would be efficient. 2) The necessary spaces in village community center were entrance, kitchen, 2 rooms, living room, restroom, and storage. In addition to these, healthcare room or auditorium can be added according to the conditions of each village. 3) The elderly wanted the village community center as a social exchange space. Therefore, two rooms which many centers had, can be used for it, one for men and another one for women. 4) The living room can be used as the space for dining. 5) Maintenance and its fee should be considered at the stage of planning. 6) The outdoor toilets should be upgraded and the indoor restroom would be desirable.
