Children and housing

In the home itself, we place great emphasis on good daylight and air conditions, well thought-out floor plans and clear spatial connections that make the home easy to use and enjoy. Homes need to be flexible and work for different family compositions and living situations over time. Entrances, stairwells and common areas are designed so that they are perceived as safe and manageable at all times of the day and night, which strengthens the sense of security for both children and adults.

The home environment is an equally important part of a child's living environment. Green and rich residential courtyards, parks and cared-for spaces provide space for play, movement and encounters, and together with safe walking and cycling routes can strengthen children's ability to move between home, school and leisure activities. Careful and child-friendly design of residential courtyards, streetscapes and public spaces can also be a way to compensate for overcrowding and address inequalities by giving all children access to quality environments for play and recreation. For example, by implementing a resident dialogue together with the residents and the property owner, we are keen to incorporate the residents' needs and wishes into the design.

In and around the home, there also needs to be space for children's own imagination. Unprogrammed spaces are important, i.e. environments that are not predefined but can be used by children themselves for play, exploration and their own initiatives. In this way, residential environments are created that not only function in everyday life, but also support children's development, freedom of movement and sense of belonging in their neighborhood.