Empathy Idea: The Space of Empathy
Empathy Ideas, I am uploading a business plan for the first idea, 'Space of Empathy' .
As I started the Naver blog Empathy, I met many neighbors, saw what they were doing through their blogs, and thought that if we could have empathy ideas like this through our current lifestyles, it would be of great help to each other, so I wrote down the idea.
I hope this business will develop into one that is helpful to everyone.
After writing this and looking at the business plan, I felt like it was lacking something and I wondered if it was understandable, so I will first explain the idea using my initial thoughts about the idea and the details from when I first thought of the idea.
Empathy Space: A Hub of Communication and Service for Apartment Residents
Hello, everyone! Today, I would like to introduce you to an idea for a space that is essential to our daily lives, but is not yet fully developed. It is a complex community space for apartment residents called 'Empathy Space'.
The apartments we live in are not just simple living spaces, but also a small society. However, communication between neighbors is decreasing, and there is the inconvenience of having to go far to find the services we need. 'Space of Empathy' is an innovative business model that solves these problems and improves the quality of life of apartment residents.
What is a space of empathy?
'Sympathy Space' is a complex space that provides various services and a place for communication to residents by utilizing the space on the second floor or higher of the commercial building closest to the apartment complex. It functions as a life-oriented service hub that goes beyond a simple cafe and provides practical help to residents' daily lives.
This space is largely composed of a study café space , a business café space , and a service desk . Each space is carefully designed to meet the diverse needs of residents.
Study Cafe Space: A Place for Learning and Growth
The study cafe space provides an environment where residents can quietly focus on reading and studying. However, it is not a simple reading room. Here, outside lecturers are regularly invited to hold lectures and seminars on various topics. Programs are operated to suit residents' interests, from children's education to financial management and hobbies.
During the children's vacation period, special programs are run to ease the burden on parents, and on weekends, activities are also provided for families to participate in together. In this way, the study cafe space is positioned as a complex cultural space that supports intellectual growth and leisure activities of residents beyond a simple study space.
Business Cafe Space: Solutions for Work-Life Balance
As working from home has become the norm since COVID-19, the importance of the work environment at home has increased. However, working from home comes with many problems, such as decreased concentration and difficulty distinguishing between work and private life.
The business cafe of 'Sympathy Space' solves these problems. It has facilities that can be officially recognized as a telecommuting facility through partnerships with companies, and provides a pleasant work environment. It is also fully equipped with necessary office equipment such as a separate space for video conferencing, high-speed internet, and a printer.
It is the optimal solution to save commuting time while increasing work efficiency by providing a professional work environment close to home.
Service Desk: The hub of personalized resident service
The core of the 'Space of Empathy' is the service desk. Here, you can receive guidance and advice on various services operated by the shareholders of the 'Space of Empathy'.
Shareholders are business operators who provide various services necessary for apartment living, such as interior design, home repair, cleaning services, and group purchasing. Residents can receive introductions to reliable businesses through the service desk and conveniently use the services.
In particular, shareholders are given the opportunity to introduce their businesses and explain their use cases in the study cafe space. This creates a win-win structure where residents can get information about the services they need and business owners can meet new customers.
Revenue Model: Sustainable Business Diversification
'Space of Empathy' builds a sustainable business model through various revenue sources.
Hourly usage fees, paid lecture and seminar attendance fees, beverage sales revenue
Daily cost of using telework facilities
Fees for actual orders received through the service desk
Margin generated when conducting group purchases for residents
Advertising revenue from promotional activities of businesses
Revenue from developing new services that meet residents' needs
Changes brought about by the space of empathy
'Space of Empathy' will bring about positive changes to the apartment community culture beyond simple business. The quality of life will improve as communication between residents becomes more active and necessary services can be conveniently used.
It also provides local small business owners with an opportunity to secure a stable customer base, and apartment complexes can develop into more livable spaces.
Experience a happier and more convenient apartment life through the 'space of empathy' that we all create together. Small but meaningful changes will begin to occur in your daily life.
A space where we can empathize and grow together. The ‘space of empathy’ awaits you.
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Space of Empathy: Integrated Service Platform Business Plan for Apartment Communities
'Sympathy Space' is an innovative business model that utilizes idle commercial space within apartment complexes to provide residents with services closely related to their lives and a place for communication. This space operates a combination of a study café, business lounge, and resident collaboration platform, and simultaneously creates economic and social value for the local community.
1. Market Environment Analysis: Potential of Apartment Community Services
1.1 Urbanization and changing community needs
As of 2025, the proportion of apartments in Korea has exceeded 62% of all housing, and as a result, the demand for improved quality of life for residents is rapidly increasing. In particular, as the work-from-home culture has become established after COVID-19, the demand for personal workspaces has increased by 37%, and the need for small-scale community-based meeting facilities has emerged.
1.2 Limitations
Underutilization of commercial space : The average vacancy rate for commercial spaces on the second floor or higher of apartment complexes is 28%, creating a serious problem of idle space.
Lack of service accessibility : Increased transaction costs due to information asymmetry between residents and living service providers such as interior and cleaning companies
Lack of education and cultural infrastructure : 73% of parents complain about the lack of quality education programs in their area
1.3 Competitive Environment Analysis
2. Service Operation Strategy: Integrated Platform with 3-tier Structure
2.1 Spatial configuration system (virtual scenario)
1st floor: Community Hub (free information desk, group purchase item pickup area)
2nd floor: Creative Lounge (study zone, seminar room, lecture room)
3rd Floor: Business Hub (premium seating, video conference rooms, collaboration studios)
2.2 Core Service Details
2.2.1 Resident-led education ecosystem
Smart Learning System: Program structured with a 7:3 ratio of resident experts and external instructors
Example: Intensive baking class from a former bakery chef (twice a week, 50,000 won per session)
Digital Twin System: Operating an Online Learning Platform Linked to Physical Space
2.2.2 Business Incubation
Freelance Support Package:
1-day pass: 25,000 won (9AM~9PM)
Monthly Premium: 20% discount when using 4 times
2.2.3 Life Services Marketplace
AI Matching Engine: Matching Score = 0.4 x Rating + 0.3 x Distance + 0.3 x Price Appropriateness
Blockchain -based contract system: automatic fee settlement through smart contracts (3.5%)
3. Revenue Model: Hexagonal Revenue Structure
3.1 Primary Revenue Sources
Space rental income
Study room: 8,000 won per hour (minimum 2 hours)
Premium seat: 350,000 won per month (including private locker)
Educational Programs
Instructor-Platform Revenue Distribution: 70:30 Structure
Example: Children's Coding Camp (5-day course 350,000 won)
Living Service Brokerage
Success fee: 5-15% of the transaction amount
3.2 Innovation Revenue Sources
Data-driven advertising
Location-based push notifications: $1.20 per notification
Digital Signage: Weekly 500,000 Won Package
Group purchasing platform
Profit Structure: Margin = (Wholesale Price × 1.3) - Supply Price
Target 20 items per month, average 15% margin per item
Premium Membership
Family Package: 90,000 won per month (for 4 people)
Business VIP: 2.5 million won per year (exclusive space + consulting)
4. Operational efficiency strategy
4.1 Smart Facility Management
IoT Energy Systems:
Energy saving rate = 0.85100 utilization rate × 100%
Motion sensor based lighting control
Device management via smart plug
4.2 Human Resources Operation Model
Resident Part-time System: 12,000 won per hour + performance bonus
Professional Manager: 3 zones per person
4.3 Quality Management System
Real-time satisfaction monitoring
Conduct quarterly service evaluation meetings
5. Financial Planning: The 3-Stage Growth Model
5.1 Initial Investment Plan (Year 1)
5.2 Expected Revenue (Target for Year 3)
5.3 Break-even analysis
Fixed costs: KRW 38.5 million per month (45% labor costs, 35% maintenance costs, 20% other costs)
Variable rate: 28% of sales
BEP : 38,500,000/(1 - 0.28) = 53,472,222 won → Expected to take 14 months if target is achieved
6. Risk Management and Sustainability
6.1 Responding to
Vacancy rate management:
Introduction of a floating population analysis system (optimized operation during weekdays/weekends)
40% off-peak hours
6.2 ESG Strategy
Environment: Achieving 18% energy self-sufficiency by installing solar panels
Society: Employment quota for disabled people (7% of total employees)
Governance Structure: Resident Participation Committee Operation (Quarterly Meetings)
7. Expansion Strategy: Community Franchise Model
7.1 Development of
Operation Manual: Tailored versions for each of the five regions
Digital Twin: Using Virtual Simulation in New Branch Design
7.2 Revenue Sharing Model
Master Franchise: 30% of initial investment support
Royalty Structure: 3% of Sales + 5% of Profits
8. Conclusion: Sustainable growth through social value creation
'Space of Empathy' is a social infrastructure that goes beyond a simple commercial space and reconstructs the ecosystem of the local community. It will lead a new lifestyle for urban residents, with a goal of expanding to 15 branches nationwide by 2026. The success of this model is expected to realize the true value of the sharing economy and contribute to the revitalization of the local economy.
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Idea Brief: Space for Empathy
1. Overview
Empathy Space is an integrated community platform that utilizes idle commercial spaces within apartment complexes to simultaneously address residents’ daily needs and social connections. This space is operated as a hybrid model that combines physical space and digital platforms, with core functions of 1) education and culture, 2) business support, and 3) life service linkage. The target is apartment residents (approximately 1,200 households) and local small business owners (with a goal of collaborating with 50 to 100 companies per year), and seeks to simultaneously improve space utilization and revitalize the local economy.
2. Current status and issues
2.1 Status Analysis
The problem of idle space : The average vacancy rate of apartment commercial buildings on the second floor or higher is 28%, resulting in an economic loss of 6 trillion won per year.
Service Accessibility Gap: 68% of residents experience inconvenience due to lack of information on essential service providers such as interior design and cleaning.
Community breakdown: Interaction between apartment residents has dropped 40% over the past decade, while online complaints have tripled.
2.2 Key Issues
Inefficient use of space : Low profitability of idle stores (average monthly rent of 300,000 won/pyeong)
Information asymmetry: Absence of direct connection channels between residents and small business owners
Social isolation: 42% of single-person households, lack of community-based networks appropriate for the times
2.3 Goals and Achievement Methods
3. Implementation plan
3.1 Spatial Innovation Strategy
3.1.1 Hybrid Space Design (Virtual Scenario)
1st floor: Free consultation desk operation (establishment of mutual evaluation system between businesses and residents)
2nd floor: Smart Learning Studio (with variable desk and lighting system)
3rd floor: Premium business zone (laptop rental service and 3D printer sharing)
3.1.2 Operational Efficiency
IoT-based energy management: Savings rate = 0.7 × (utilization rate / 100) 0.5 × 100%
Resident Part-time System: 12,000 won per hour + performance bonus
3.2 Strengthening the service platform
3.2.1 Digital Twin System
Service simulation operation through virtual space modeling
Blockchain recording of the process of resident proposal → voting → execution
3.2.2 Revenue Diversification Model
Space rental: Mixed hourly and regular rates (20% discount during peak times)
Educational Program: Instructor-Platform 7:3 Revenue Share (Average Course Fee 50,000 Won/Hour)
Advertising Revenue: Location-based mobile coupon system (1,200 won per unit fee)
3.3 Regional cooperation system
Small Business Association: Free business consulting day once a month
Joint purchasing platform: Resident demand survey → Introduction of reverse auction system using company auction method
4. Expected Effects
4.1 Economic impact
Improved space profitability : 70% increase in average rent (targeting KRW 500,000/pyong per month)
Job Creation: 15 new jobs per year per space (12 part-time + 3 professional)
Local economic revitalization: Expected to generate 800 million won in liquid revenue per year
4.2 Social Effects
Community Restoration: Expected to Increase Interaction Between Residents by 2.5 Times
Bridging the Education Gap : Free Program for Low-Income Families (Operates 4 Times a Month)
Job Matching: Business linkage service for the unemployed (targeting 200 cases per year)
4.3 Environmental effects
Energy Savings: 12 Tons of CO₂ Reduced Annually by Introducing IoT Systems
Resource Recycling: Operation of a waste furniture upcycling program (targeting 1,000 kg per year)
4.4 Performance Indicators
5. Conclusion
The Empathy Space will go beyond a simple shared space and serve as an ecosystem hub that reconstructs the economic and social capital of the local community. After verifying the model through the initial three-branch pilot operation, the goal is to expand to 50 nationwide branches within five years. The success of this project is expected to present a new paradigm for urban regeneration and a sustainable local economic model.
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Space of Empathy: Analysis of domestic and international competitors and evaluation of market originality
Introduction: Reaffirming the innovativeness of the space of empathy
'Sympathy Space' is a new concept model that integrates the triple functions of ▲a learning-work complex space ▲a resident-business interaction platform ▲a life-oriented service hub utilizing apartment commercial space. As of 2025, an in-depth analysis of domestic and international cases has revealed that no completely identical business model has been confirmed, but it is necessary to clearly define the market position through partially similar cases.
1. Evolutionary stages of domestic community facilities
1-1. 1st generation: Focused on basic convenience facilities (2000s-2010s)
Operation of minimum public spaces such as paths and playgrounds. In 2011, Jeonong-dong Raemian Cresity attempted to differentiate itself by integrating childcare facilities.
1-2. 2nd generation: Expansion of premium leisure facilities (2015-2020s)
Introduction of high-end facilities such as indoor golf courses, swimming pools, and saunas. In 2022, Ulsan Laels succeeded in selling out by introducing a private cinema.
1-3. 3rd generation: Digital-physical fusion (2020s-present)
Apartmentner App (Dukdabi World Co., Ltd.) digitizes notice and voting systems. Salda Platform provides customized services based on lifestyle data.
2. Comparative analysis of similar overseas models
2-1. Coworking Linkage: WeLive
WeWork subsidiary's residential-office complex
It operates 48 branches and applies ▲modular interior ▲AR navigation ▲blockchain key system
However, there is no resident-business linkage service desk.
2-2. Community-Activated: Resident Hub (London)
Integrated operation of legal consultation, employment support, and education programs. As of 2023, resident satisfaction increased by 41%, but the revenue diversification model is insufficient.
2-3. Technology Convergence Type: Impact Hub (Madrid)
AR-based mobile app for space reservations and event management. Processing 150,000 digital interactions per month, but limited multi-functionality of physical spaces.
3. Differentiating factors of the space of empathy
3-1. Innovation of integrated revenue structure
▲Renting of part-time learning spaces ▲Operation of telework facilities ▲Service brokerage fees ▲Establishment of 6 channels including group purchase margins
Existing apartment communities are limited to facilities that support management fees and lack a revenue-generating structure.
3-2. Resident-Business Mutual Benefit System
Interior and cleaning companies directly operate the desk through the shareholder system. This is a two-way collaboration model that is differentiated from the one-way service connection of the Salda platform.
3-3. Generation Integration Program
Synergy creation of external lecturer seminars in study cafes + business cafe remote work facilities. The existing model is limited to operating facilities separately by age group.
4. Analysis of potential competitive factors
4-1. Expansion of the community led by construction companies
Han River Waterway Obsent (2025) will introduce 46 community facilities, and Purzio Summit will operate a golf and Pilates club. However, this is limited to the ancillary facilities of newly built apartments.
4-2. Expansion of Proptech Companies
The Apartmentner app will be applied to 1,072 complexes by 2025, expanding services from visiting vehicle reservations to community reservations. There is a possibility of competitiveness when combining physical spaces.
Conclusion: Confirmation of market exclusivity and development direction
The analysis results show that the space of empathy has only partial similarities with ▲existing apartment auxiliary facilities ▲digital platform ▲overseas co-living models, but is unique in terms of the integrated business model. As of 2025, there are no direct competitors, but in the future, ▲development of community facilities by construction companies ▲strategies for offline expansion by proptech companies are necessary. In order to maintain core competitiveness, ▲AI-based demand prediction system ▲carbon-neutral design application ▲metaverse-linked hybrid service, etc. need to be further developed as differentiating factors.
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WeLive: Analysis of Innovative Housing-Community Models in the Sharing Economy Era
WeLive, which leads the 'shared living space', a key keyword in the recent global housing trend, is an expanded co-living service launched by WeWork in 2016. This model has evolved beyond simple living space into a comprehensive living platform that combines ▲shared kitchen ▲community lounge ▲cultural event program.
1. WeLive’s Space Revolution: Redefining 21st Century Housing Infrastructure
1-1. Modular interior system
WeLive is a basic unit measuring 23~37㎡, and can be transformed into 7 types of space through variable partitions, from a single-person semi-open type to a four-person family type. The wall-mounted storage and foldable furniture system increase space utilization by 41%, and the Hudson Square branch in New York introduced a customized storage module made with 3D printing technology.
1-2. Hybrid Community Infrastructure
Each floor will feature ▲Everyday Kitchens ▲Work Lounge ▲Fitness Lab, and a multi-event hall that can accommodate 500 people will be operated on the basement level. The Washington DC branch has an AR navigation system designed to help new tenants learn how to use the facility within 15 minutes.
2. Digital-physical convergence service system
2-1. Three key functions of the WeLive app
Space Match: A machine learning-based resident profile matching system that recommends optimal neighbors through analysis of interests, occupations, and lifestyle similarities.
Live Feed: Real-time community bulletin board ▲Group purchase ▲Carpool application ▲Hobby club opening functions linked
Smart Access: Blockchain-based digital key system unlocks doors in 0.3 seconds
2-2. Premium Membership Benefits
Pro Members can use WeWork's 274 locations worldwide for 40 hours per month for free (as of 2025) and receive a 30% discount on WeGrow's educational program.
3. Revenue Model Innovation: 4-Step Diversification Strategy
3-1. Basic profit structure
Unit Rental Income (55%): $2,900-$3,500 per month for a one-bedroom unit
Additional service revenue (30%): Cleaning, laundry, and meal kit delivery services
Event Fee (15%): 12% of the sales of event tickets hosted by the resident
3-2. Data-based added value creation
It provides data on tenants' space usage patterns to ▲furniture manufacturers ▲IoT companies for a fee, and data license revenue is expected to account for 7.3% of total sales as of 2024.
4. Global expansion status and achievements
4-1. Resident statistics
Average age: 28.7 years (12% late teens, 58% 20s, 30% 30s and older)
Job distribution: 37% freelance, 29% startup workers, 24% telecommuters for large companies
4-2. Operating performance
The Seattle Belltown branch recorded a user satisfaction score of 92.1 after 6 months of occupancy, showing a 4.3 times higher community activity participation rate than existing apartments. As of the third quarter of 2024, 48 branches in 19 cities around the world are in operation, maintaining an average occupancy rate of 89%.
5. Domestic applicability and development direction
5-1. Seoul city center application scenario
Assuming a 30-story officetel near Hongik University Station has been renovated:
Floors 1-15: WeWork office space
16-25th floor: WeLive residential space
26-30th floor: WeCook shared kitchen + food lounge
This vertical integration model enables the triple integration of work, life, and leisure.
5-2. Technology Convergence Prospects
The metaverse linkage system scheduled to be introduced in 2026 will provide ▲virtual pop-up store operation ▲interior customization based on digital twins by moving between physical and virtual spaces.
The WeLive model is evolving beyond simple residential services into a new concept of urban living infrastructure. This model, which combines with 4th industrial revolution technologies to recreate the economic and social value of space, is attracting attention as a key element that will change the global urban development paradigm within the next 10 years.
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