Five Questions with Daejin Kim
Associate Professor Daejin Kim joined the faculty of the Department of Interior Architecture & Design in August 2024 and teaches courses for graduate and undergraduate students in topics including healthcare design, research methods, and environmental psychology for design.
I am passionate about exploring how design can enhance human health and well-being, particularly for older adults. I look forward to contributing to FSU’s dynamic academic environment and collaborating with students and faculty to advance interior design research and education.
-Daejin Kim
Originally from South Korea, Kim received his PhD in interior design from University of Florida and pursued post-doctoral research training at North Carolina A&T State University, where he contributed to a large grant project focused on developing aging-in-place strategies for low-income older adults.
Kim is a co-author of the new textbook “Space Planning for Healthcare Design,” available this March.
Below, Kim shares about his research, his new books and how he’s settling in at FSU:
Q: What is the primary focus of your research?
A: My research focuses on the relationship between the built environment and human health and well-being, emphasizing aging-in-place strategies and healthcare design. I examine how environmental factors impact safety, accessibility, and overall quality of life.
Q: In two or three sentences, can you describe your new book(s)?
A: As a co-author, I recently published a book titled “Case Study on Housing Supply for Retired Elderly Individuals.” My book chapter explored various co-location housing projects of affordable housing and public libraries in Chicago, which has had significant social, economic, and educational impacts on the community. This book, written in Korean, is a collaborative work by 11 authors from different countries, including South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and the United States. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and designers interested in aging-in-place solutions and senior housing development from a global perspective.
I am also the lead author of a book titled “Space Planning for Healthcare Design,” which will be published this March. This book explores both traditional and emerging clinical health settings, emphasizing a holistic approach to hospital design. It examines how space planning addresses the unique needs of patients, healthcare staff, and caregivers. Organized into thirteen chapters, the book covers essential areas found in hospitals, clinics, and outpatient facilities, providing a comprehensive guide to designing functional and supportive healthcare environments.
Q: What are some important things to consider when designing for the healthcare industry?
A: One of the most important considerations when designing healthcare environments is understanding how environmental elements impact occupants’ physical, psychological, and social well-being. Additionally, these relationships can vary based on factors such as gender, age, and cultural differences.
Q: What first sparked your interest in this area of research?
A: My interest in this area of research was sparked when I studied environmental psychology, a discipline that explores how people interact with the built environment. This led me to focus my research on how interior design impacts human health and well-being.
Q: What do you like most about FSU?
A: What I like most about FSU is its strong academic community, dedicated faculty, and talented students. The university, college, and our department foster an inspiring and collaborative environment that supports innovation and excellence.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?
A: I am passionate about exploring how design can enhance human health and well-being, particularly for older adults. I look forward to contributing to FSU’s dynamic academic environment and collaborating with students and faculty to advance interior design research and education.