Physical literacy in public environments

In the project, we explore and test how design of public premises and environments based on physical literacy may support the development of children's and young people's movement vocabulary. This can include both the design of the building itself and its outdoor environment but also the location of the building and functions as well as the use of interior and exterior elements. During step 1, together with children, we have developed ideas, sketches and concepts inspired by physical literacy.

In step 2, we will develop prototypes based on the developed sketches and test these together with children and young people in at least three public environments in Umeå municipality and in Eskilstuna municipality, we will also contribute with increased knowledge about physical literacy among architects, urban planners and property operators by developing knowledge-enhancing innovations. Ideas and places for movement must permeate public environments right from the planning process to the construction and management process. This approach requires a systems perspective where different actors are involved and gain knowledge about why certain decisions are made.

Our stage 2 project wants to contribute both with knowledge in the form of policies and guidelines around physical literacy with public- and private actors who design public environments, but also with inspiring prototypes that show how physical literacy can be used in public environments. Policies and guidelines should ultimately contribute to public environments where physical literacy are already taken into account in the planning stage and that the actors involved in a planning and implementation process understand what is meant. Prototypes will serve as inspiring examples.

The overall aim with this project is to contribute to giving children and young people the opportunity to develop an active and healthy life and to create attractive and sustainable communities.

Project objective

The project's goal is to develop innovative solutions together with the target group and relevant social actors. These solutions are imbued with knowledge and understanding of physical literacy as a tool. To implement the new approach and social innovation tool, in the context of public environments, the project engages actors in the community planning process to work for a change at the system level. The project also aims to communicate results and knowledge within and outside academic contexts.