A study on building sustainable communities in high-rise and high-density apartments – Focused on living program

The purpose of this study is to suggest a conceptual model for sustainable communities, considering sustainable development and placemaking perspectives of community building in Korean apartment complexes. This study then verifies the validity of the model as an action plan. Based on a review of literature at home and abroad, the model was conceptualized on the structure of living programs and physical and social settings for sustainable communities in Korean apartment complexes. The living program, which connects physical and social settings, consists of four action subjects: Activation of community spaces, activation of community programs, activation of participation, and activation of ecological living and design. This model demonstrates that a living program will increase resident satisfaction and result in a sustainable community. Three subjects out of the four suggested in the living program of the model were empirically tested based on previous research data. According to the correlation analysis between living programs and residential satisfaction, when residents are satisfied with community spaces, programs, and participation in the community, overall residential satisfaction rises. Accordingly, the living program of the conceptual model plays a meaningful role in developing sustainable communities in Korean apartment complexes.