Effect of Physical Environment and Programs on the Social Interaction of Youth Space Users in Seoul in the Case of Pilot Projects

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of the structure of a community space for local youth, called the Zero Gravity Zone, on the social interaction and satisfaction of its users. The factors of social interaction were influenced by the level of relationship, fellowship and participation. The research sites were the Youth Space G-valley (YS_G) and the Youth Space Daebang-dong (YS_D) in Seoul. As its research method, this study utilized partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling to analyze the influence structure. Results showed that YS_G, which is mainly used by office workers, has a significant effect on the overall satisfaction and social interaction of its users by providing physical space. On the other hand, YS_D, which is mainly used by college students and job-seekers, has a significant effect on the overall satisfaction and social interaction of its users by providing programs. Based on the above results, rather than standardizing operational spaces, it is necessary to plan and operate spaces such as these around the characteristics of the youth in each region to ensure frequent social interaction, which is the policy goal of the youth community.