A Study on Consumer Awareness for the Active Use of Reused Materials for a Sustainable Space

Abstract

(Background and Purpose) As an alternative to solve environmental problems caused by a technology-driven industrial society, it is highly recommended that objects be repurposed after their end of lives without inducing a detrimental effect on the environment. It is time to systematically supply and manage such materials so that they can be continuously provided to the design industry. Therefore, this study attempts to approach and solve practical and realistic problems through an FGI survey to activate the use of reused materials for sustainable space design. (Method) Five groups were formed that were each composed of four subjects of an actual consumer group interested in eco-friendly, reusable, and sustainable space design. The subjects were in their 40s-50s, had a university or higher degree, and mainly resided in apartments. Because the subject groups were interested in concepts related to this study, it is considered to be sufficient to draw a more diverse and concrete opinion. The researcher conducted a workshop based on a questionnaire in an atmosphere where group opinions could be freely discussed, and then summarized the results. (Results) This FGI survey confirmed the results of a preceding statistical survey on the awareness, preference, and experience of reused materials. The main results are as follows. First, in the statistical survey, 48% of the respondents were aware of reused materials to a moderate degree; in the FGI survey, they generally knew about them. Second, the statistical survey results showed that detailed guidelines and a maintenance plan for reused materials are required in order for them to be used in space design; however, the FGI survey results showed that it is necessary to diversify the types as well as to secure demands. Third, when applying them to the space design, most respondents said that it is necessary to consider environmental friendliness, price, and harmony with the surroundings. Also, when choosing reused materials, statistics respondents preferred low-cost, easy-to-maintain, and long-lasting materials, while FGI respondents preferred long-lasting, easy-to-maintain, and low-cost eco-friendly materials, taking design, color, and structure into consideration. Finally, the FGI respondents demanded that the materials be long-lasting, easily disposable, and easy to maintain when they are used for space design in construction in the future. (Conclusion) In order to utilize the reused materials in space, it is necessary for the required resources to be smoothly supplied or directly collected through a network convention when and where they are needed. In order for a sustainable design with insight for a future to be established through this study, a new sustainable design axis of a social network and consumer participation should be formed for balanced development.