Jeonbuk National University (JBNU)'s Department of Housing Environment culminated its year-long tailored housing improvement project for elderly households with a move-in ceremony for an elderly person with hemiplegia held on December 19 in Geumsang-dong, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju.

The move-in ceremony served as the closing event for the demonstration project, which improved the home environment with consideration for the daily life and safety of older adults with mobility difficulties. About 50 people attended, including the target elder, representatives from Jeonju City and the Housing Welfare Center, partner organization staff, and faculty and students from the Department of Housing Environment.

The housing improvement project focused on minimizing gait instability and fall risk caused by hemiplegia. The team reconfigured circulation paths and improved the space for overall safety by leveling floors, removing thresholds, installing safety grab bars, and upgrading lighting.

In particular, the bathroom, which had been difficult to use alone, was completely renovated so that the elder can now enter the bathroom independently using a walker and carry out washing and bathing. The bathtub was removed, slip-resistant floor finishes and safety grab bars were installed, and sanitary fixtures, lighting, and storage were reorganized to enhance both safety and usability.

The kitchen, which had developed mold due to rooftop leaks, also received waterproofing work to resolve structural issues, and the ceiling, walls, and floor finishes were fully refurbished. Customized housing improvements were implemented with comprehensive consideration of the resident's physical condition and lifestyle, including replacing the aged sink and cabinets.

Prior to the move-in ceremony, the Department of Housing Environment held the "2025 Results Sharing Session" on December 18 to share the educational and research outcomes in the field of spatial welfare achieved over the year. More than 50 works were exhibited, and outstanding pieces were selected in the design and research categories.

The Grand Prize went to an elderly housing demonstration project case that had already completed move-in, and the Best Award in the Design Category was also given to the elderly housing improvement case that held the December 19 move-in ceremony, recognizing both on-site completion and educational outcomes. Students additionally proposed various housing improvement ideas aimed at realizing local spatial welfare.

Third-year student Jeong Hee-jun (Department of Housing Environment), who received the Grand Prize, said, "I have participated in the demonstration project for two years, but this time I focused more on understanding the elder's daily life and feelings than on the design results. I was deeply moved when the elder invited us to an end-of-year meal before the move-in ceremony, and I believe this experience will remain with me for a long time as I study my major."

Jang Mi-sun, Head of the Department of Housing Environment, said, "This Results Sharing Session was an occasion to share with the local community the educational and research outcomes that students and faculty accumulated over the year, including the spatial improvement demonstration project. More than the completed results, the process of students meeting people in the field, understanding lives, and growing is most meaningful." She added, "We will continue to link demonstration projects and education to steadily practice spatial welfare that truly helps the local community."

Kang Chun-won, Dean of the College of Human Ecology, said in his congratulatory remarks, "This project represents the Department of Housing Environment's practice-oriented education and research achievements centered on the daily lives of older adults. It is significant that the university's expertise has led to tangible change in the local community."