earticle

영어

This study critically examines the current state of public youth centers in South Korea, which are constrained by rigid legal standards that fail to meet the evolving needs of contemporary youth. To address these limitations, this research analyzes spatial innovation cases from other domestic public facilities, including public offices, libraries, and schools, alongside a detailed review of the U.S. Dependent Youth Activity Center (DYAC) guidelines. The analysis reveals that successful public space innovation is driven by key principles such as user-centered planning, flexibility, and community engagement. Based on these findings, this study proposes a comprehensive framework for transforming youth centers, centered on two core principles: 'participatory design,' which empowers youth as the main agents of the design process, and 'modular space,' which ensures adaptability for diverse activities. The ultimate goal of this research is to provide a practical and theoretical foundation for evolving youth centers into dynamic, user-centered platforms that can effectively foster the growth and capabilities of future generations.