Abstract
This study examines space modification in one-bedroom-plus condominium units in Bangkok, focusing on the relationship between Generation Y’s characteristics and how they adapt interior layouts to suit their lifestyles. While previous research has addressed flexible housing in general, few studies have focused specifically on how Generation Y modifies space within condominium units to accommodate their needs in the Bangkok context. The study analysed 7,596 one-bedroom-plus units developed in Bangkok and modified by 44 architectural stakeholders to reflect Generation Y's preferences. Using function, partition, and floor indicators, and applying k-means cluster analysis, six spatial modification approaches were identified: open-space layouts, functional space redistribution, comprehensive space reconfiguration, selective partition reconfiguration, integrated bedroom and multifunctional room, and flexible space division. These approaches reveal patterns in how Generation Y negotiates openness, privacy, multifunctionality, and regulatory constraints. The findings contribute to interiority scholarship by demonstrating how Generation Y residents in Bangkok actively shape one-bedroom-plus condominium units to balance openness, privacy, multifunctionality, and regulatory limits. These insights inform flexible residential design that supports ongoing reconfiguration without compromising building integrity, offering guidance for residents, developers, and policymakers towards resilient, user-centred urban living.
Publication Date
1-30-2026
References
Alfirevic, D., & Alfirevic, S. S. (2024). Principles of residential space configuration. Institute of Architecture and Urban & Spatial Planning of Serbia (IAUS).
Al-Murahhem, F. M. (2022). My house and Coronavirus: Experiences of the pandemic full lockdown. Interiority, 5(2), 237–258. https://doi.org/10.7454/in.v5i2.225
Antonides, G., & van Raaij, W. F. (1998). Consumer behavior: A European perspective. Wiley.
Assetwise. (n.d.). Maxxi Prime Ratchada Sutthisan. https://assetwise.co.th/condominium/maxxiprime/
Azmi, A. U., Chiranthanut, C., & Thungsakul, N. (2024). Comparison of apartment space design and residential standards of Indonesia. Journal of Architectural/Planning Research and Studies (JARS), 21(1). https://doi.org/10.56261/jars.v21.258092
Baker, J., & Oppewal, H. (2023). The effects of floor plan representations on preferences for apartments. Journal of Housing and the Built Environment, 38, 727–752. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10901-022-09966-w
Bedi, A., & Rahadi, R. A. (2024). Adapting to change: A study of post-pandemic Millennial housing preferences. EKOMBIS REVIEW: Jurnal Ilmiah Ekonomi Dan Bisnis, 12(2). https://doi.org/10.37676/ekombis.v12i2.5420
Beth, L. M., Couillou, R. J., & Maalt, K. (2023). Work from home: Lessons learned and Implications for post-pandemic workspaces. Interiority, 6(1), 91–114. https://doi.org/10.7454/in.v6i1.259
Brand Now. (2021, November 23). Millennials (Gen Y) vs. Gen Z consumer behaviors: What brands need to know. https://brandnow.asia/2021/11/23/millennials-gen-y-vs-gen-z-consumer-behaviors-what-brands-need-to-know/
Bruyns, G. (2018). Tactical interiority: Hong Kong's "lived" interiors as praxis for tactical living in high-density landscapes. Interiors, 9(3), 346–371. https://doi.org/10.1080/20419112.2019.1642571
Chaihanchanchai, P., & Anantachart, S. (2023). Beyond traditional demographic profile: Generation Y lifestyle typologies in Thailand. Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences, 44(3), 683–692. https://doi.org/10.34044/j.kjss.2023.44.3.05
Choosang, A. (2004). Kan chai phuenthi lae ongprakop khong nuai thiyu-asai nai chumchon ae-at khet mueang channai krungthepmahanakhon [Space utilisation and components of slum housing units in inner Bangkok metropolitan districts] [Master's thesis, Chulalongkorn University]. Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD). https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/chulaetd/13932
Chulasai, B., & Chotipanich, S. (2003). Facility management. Chulalongkorn University Printing House.
Condo Newb. (2021, July 7). 10 reasons why a 1 bedroom plus condominium is suits every lifestyle. https://www.condonewb.com/talk/1513/1-Bedroom-Plus
Enertiv. (n.d.). What is building performance?https://www.enertiv.com/resources/faq/what-is-building-performance
Ionescu, V. (2018). The interior as interiority. Palgrave Communications, 4(33), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-018-0088-6
Kaenpech, A. (2016, April 29). An examination of condominiums physical elements and function to respond the lifestyles of Generation Y in Bangkok central business district: The experienced designers' perspectives. RSU National Research Conference 2016, 569–577. https://rsucon.rsu.ac.th/files/proceedings/nation2016/G3-08.pdf
Karni, E. (2000). Movable partitions—flexible dwelling: The intersection of dynamic interior space and adaptable dwelling units. ACSA Technology Conference, 179–182.
Kiatmontri, J. A. M. (2016). Kan plianplaeng kaiyaphap khong nuai phak asai kan yu asai lae thatsanakhati khong phu yu asai nai akhanchut phak asai nai boriwen soi a ri - phahon yothin rawang pi 2530-2559: korani sueksa akhanchut nai soi a ri [Physical changes of living unit and attitude of residents in condominium between 1987–2016: Case study of condominium in Soi Ari–Phahonyothin] [Master's thesis, Chulalongkorn University]. Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD).
Lachman, M. L., & Brett, D. L. (2015). Gen Y and housing: What they want and where they want it. Urban Land Institute. https://uli.org/wp-content/uploads/ULI-Documents/Gen-Y-and-Housing.pdf?utm_source.com
Leesatapornwongsa, B. (2019). Kan plianplaeng thang kaiyaphap khong sing amnuai khwam saduak lae phuenthi suanklang nai akhanchut phak asai nai krungthepmahanakhon lae parimonthon rawang phoso 2536-2561 [Physical changes in the facilities and common areas of condominiums in Bangkok and vicinity from 1993 to 2018] [Master's thesis, Chulalongkorn University]. Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD). https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/chulaetd/9062
Li, C., & Ngamvimutteyaporn, Y. (2023). Exploring the entrepreneurial intention of Generation Y people in Thailand. International Journal of Application on Economics and Business, 1(3), 1265–1274. https://doi.org/10.24912/ijaeb.v1i3.1265-1274
LPN. (2023, July 8). Æ lo dap bi lo yu ē so rabu hok patčhai samkhan nai kānphatthana khon dō nai mưang ["LWS" identifies six key factors in urban condominium development]. https://www.lpn.co.th/ข่าวประชาสัมพันธ์/ข่าวสารจากแอลพีเอ็น/lws-report-6-key-factors
Ma, J., Hong, J., Yoo, B., & Yang, J. (2021). The effect of religious commitment and global identity on purchase intention of luxury fashion products: A cross-cultural study. Journal of Business Research, 137, 244–254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.08.040
Magana, U. G., & Abascal, G. F. (2022). The austerity chic interior, Gen Z, and Millennials' domestic dream. Interiority, 5(2), 137–154. https://doi.org/10.7454/in.v5i2.216
Mahmoud, H. H. (2017). Interior architectural elements that affect human psychology and behavior. ARChive, 1(1). https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3055621
Memon, M. A., Shaikh, S., Mirza, M. Z., Obaid, A., Muenjohn, N., & Ting, H. (2023). Work-from-home in the new normal: A phenomenological inquiry into employees' mental health. International Journal Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(1), Article 48. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010048
Ministerial Regulation No. 55. (2000). Building control act B.E. 2522. Royal Gazette.
Morales-Bravo, J., & Navarrete-Hernandez, P. (2022). Enlightening wellbeing in the home: The impact of natural light design on perceived happiness and sadness in residential spaces. Building and Environment, 223, Article 109317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109317
MSCI. (2020). Millennials demographic change and the impact of a generation. https://www.msci.com/documents/1296102/23766493/ThematicIndexInsight-Millenials-cbr-en.pdf
New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. (2024). HPD guidelines for repairs & maintenance.
https://www.nyc.gov/assets/hpd/downloads/pdfs/services/hpd-guidelines-repairs-maintenance.pdf
Nikolić, T. M., Delic, T., & Perić, N. (2022). Consumer behavior of Gen Y and Gen Z during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic crisis management a non-medical approach. Second International Thematic Proceedings. https://www.fpsp.edu.rs/sites/default/files/2023-04/Proceedings-%20COVID%2019.pdf#page=64
Nititerapad, C., Tochaiwat, K., Phuphairachaphong, K., & Jutimongkonkul, K. (2022). Guidelines for home design in the new normal era in Thailand. Journal of Hunan University (Natural Sciences), 49(8). https://doi.org/10.55463/issn.1674-2974.49.8.2
Noble. (2018). Noble ambience Sukhumvit 42. https://www.noblehome.com/th/condominium/ambience-sukhumvit-42
Origin. (2023). Park Origin Phayathai.
Panero, J., & Zenik, M. (1979). Human dimension & interior space: A source book of design reference standards. Whitney Library of Design.
Parsons, J. (2011). What you don't know about Gen Y renters. Units. https://naahq.org/sites/default/files/documents/What-You-Dont-Know-About-Gen-Y-Renters_Units_Dec2011.pdf
Pelsmakers, S., & Warwick, E. (2022). Housing adaptability: new research, emerging practices and challenges. Buildings and Cities, 3(1), 605–618. https://doi.org/10.5334/bc.266
Phatinawin, T. (2015). Naeonom kan okbaep khrongkan akhanchut phak asai nai khet krungthepmahanakhon thi topsanong kap pharuetikam khong klum khon che noe re chan wai i [Design trend of condominium for Generation Y customer in Bangkok metropolitan administration] [Master's Thesis, Thammasat University]. TU Digital Collections.
Purnaumbara, K. L. (2023). Millennial's residential design principle & basic model to improve work- from-home performance through mindfulness practices. Journal of Architectural Research and Design Studies, 7(2), 50–66. https://doi.org/10.20885/jars.vol7.iss2.art1
Rafsanjani, A. D., & Rezaei, M. (2021). Design element in interior architecture: Examination and analysis. Armanshahr Architecture & Urban Development, 14(34), 107–119. http://dx.doi.org/10.22034/AAUD.2019.184738.1874
Real Estate Information Center (REIC). (2021, September 19). O sang hā bæp nai top čhōt dōn čhai Gen Y [What type of real estate do Gen Y prefer?]. https://www.reic.or.th/Knowledge/SuggestionHomeDetail/85
Rungruangphon, P. (2021). A study of Generation Y decision process for condominium. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic Research and Development, 3(3), 1–26. https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/JMARD/article/view/251814
Supalai. (2021). Supalai Loft Prajadhipok-Wongwianyai [Image].https://sg1-cdn.pgimgs.com/projectnet-unit/69067/ZUFP.104151296.R550X550.jpg
Tabaeian, S., & Einifar, A. (2011). A study of the perspectives of architectural and environmental psychology. International Journal of Architecture and Urban Development, 1(1), 28–31.
TCDC. (2023). Trend 2023. Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization).
Teesuk, D. (2015). The development of interior architectural design in residential condominium units in Bangkok. Built Environment Research Associates Conference, Thammasat University, Thailand.
The Bureau of Registration Administration. (n.d.). Sathiti chamnuan prachakon yaek rai ayu [Thailand population statistics by age]. Official Statistics Registration System. https://stat.bora.dopa.go.th/stat/statnew/statyear/#/FilterPageAge
Till, J., & Schneider, T. (2005). Flexible housing: The means to the end. Architectural Research Quarterly, 9(3–4), 287–296. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1359135505000345
Urailertprasert, N. (2020). Transformation of residential activities in CBD under digital technology case study: Single living unit of condominium. Sarasatr, 3(2), 357–370. https://so05.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/sarasatr/article/view/240493?utm_source.com
Wahab, M. H. A., Ahmad, S., Masri, M., & Hamid, A. B. A. (2015). Malay furniture: Design, function and meaning. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 202, 285–293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.08.232
Xie, X., Osińska, M., & Szczepaniak, M. (2023). Do young generations save for retirement? Ensuring financial security of Gen Z and Gen Y. Journal of Policy Modeling, 45, 644–668. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpolmod.2023.05.003
Zsóka, Á., Szerényi, Z. M., Széchy, A., & Kocsis, T. (2013). Greening due to environmental education? Environmental knowledge, attitudes, consumer behavior and everyday pro-environmental activities of Hungarian high school and university students. Journal of Cleaner Production, 48, 126–138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2012.11.030
Submitted Date
2024-09-03
Accepted Date
2025-10-29
First Page
87
Last Page
114
Recommended Citation
Taraka, T. (2026). Space Modification in One-Bedroom-Plus Units for Generation Y in Bangkok. Interiority, 9 (1), 87-114. https://doi.org/10.7454/in.v9i1.1127
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Author(s) retain the copyright of articles published in this journal, with first publication rights granted to Interiority.