Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Department of Housing Environment (Chair Jang Mi-seon) completed a customized housing improvement project for elderly households. The project, carried out in cooperation between the National University Fostering Project's 'Regional Spatial Welfare Implementation Project' and the Korea Housing Welfare Social Cooperative's 'Happy Home' project, culminated in a move-in ceremony on November 18.

The project began in May and ran for approximately six months. It is significant for helping an elderly resident who had lived for a long time in poor conditions to reside in a safer and more comfortable space.

The target home had been occupied for more than 60 years and was deteriorated. One resident had dementia, making home management difficult, and another had limited mobility, which caused considerable inconvenience in daily life. The bathroom lacked even a washbasin, finishes throughout the home were generally aged, lighting levels were low, and there were no ventilator or window screens. In particular, thresholds and high level differences created a very high risk of falls.

Faculty and students carried out a range of improvements focused on elderly safety, including renovation of the bathroom (adjusting level differences, installing safety grab bars, a washbasin, and a wall-mounted shower chair), replacement of aged finishes, installation of a new ventilator and window screens, and replacement with high-luminance lighting. These measures greatly enhanced the home's overall safety, hygiene, and convenience.

Seeing the improved space, the elderly resident said, 'The bathroom was very uncomfortable, but they installed the grab bars well and I can use it comfortably now, so I am truly grateful. The kitchen wall had turned black, but it is clean now and I like it. I used to sit on the floor to eat, but they provided a dining table, so it is perfect for two people to sit and eat together. The students swept and cleaned the house until recently; I feel so thankful that someone would do this for me.'

This case is notable not only as a house-repair project but also because it naturally fostered intergenerational exchange and mutual care. During the work period, the resident warmly welcomed students with snacks, and on days when a caregiver was absent, students purchased side dishes and helped with daily needs. This process gave students a deep understanding of the everyday lives and difficulties faced by older adults.

The student representative said, 'Although the resident must have found the process inconvenient at times, she always greeted us with a bright smile and even made pancakes for us, which gave us strength. Having participated again this year after last year's demonstration project, it was especially meaningful to communicate more deeply with the resident and reflect her story in the design.' He added, 'Beyond design and construction support, it was a learning process about understanding the life of the space user.'

The move-in ceremony was attended by JBNU Department of Housing Environment faculty and approximately 30 undergraduate students, representatives of the Korea Housing Welfare Social Cooperative, and local elderly residents, who toured the improved space and celebrated the resident's new start together.

Chair Jang Mi-seon stated, 'This project is a representative model case of local housing welfare created jointly by the National University Fostering Project, the Korea Housing Welfare Social Cooperative, the university, and students. It is very meaningful that an elderly person who lived in poor conditions for a long time can now enjoy a safer life.'

Meanwhile, the JBNU Department of Housing Environment has steadily promoted demonstration-based space improvement projects for local housing-vulnerable groups and has built a 'local spatial welfare practice model' that combines pro bono contributions, field learning, and public cooperation. The department plans to continue expanding various spatial welfare projects that connect university education with the local community.