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Prototypes show the way to tomorrow's shelters

Prototypes show the way to tomorrow's shelters

Published: 3 September 2026

What does it mean to bring a child's perspective to the shelter? How can 3D knitting give us textile materials for safer buildings? And how can residents' power of action be maximized in connection with an alarm? These are three examples among 18 project that are now starting their work with prototypes to explore how tomorrow's shelters and protected spaces can be designed, used and integrated into society.

This web page has been machine translated. If there are any uncertainties, please refer to the Swedish text.

The projects receive funding through the call for proposals Tomorrow's shelters - prototypes for a strengthened civil defense and share 14.1 million SEK. The call for proposals is part of the National Innovation Program for Civil Defense, which is a collaboration between Vinnova and the Swedish Civil Defense Agency.

The 18 projects will design prototypes that are close to practical use and will be reported on in May 2027.

– The aim is for the prototypes to stimulate innovative thinking and give impetus to the work of developing shelters and protected spaces that are relevant to us in Sweden now and in the near future, says Marie Karlsson, responsible for programme manager at Vinnova.

With its 64,000 shelters, Sweden has one of the world's best shelter systems. But to meet tomorrow's challenges, our shelters and protected spaces need to be upgraded. The approved projects are expected to explore innovative solutions for safety, accessibility, technology and user experiences. They will also engage actors who do not normally work with civil defense, such as architects, creators and researchers. The prototypes are expected to contribute to dialogue and knowledge dissemination about civil defense.

Example of project getting funding

Worth protecting - How are children and shelters related?

The project explores how a shelter can be designed to give children a sense of security and minimize negative stress. Established assumptions about what a shelter should be, how it should function and look are challenged. Children are invited as active co-creators in the entire process, from needs formulation to design and evaluation.

3D textiles for the protected environments of the future

The project uses so-called 3D knitting to develop textile solutions that strengthen civil protection, where properties such as splinter protection, acoustics and shielding can be integrated into one and the same product. It aims to meet the need for complementary, passive protection, without extensive building interventions. The prototype will validate needs, identify where the technology is most beneficial and lay the foundation for rapid market introduction. 3D knitting (Complete Garment Knitting can be described as a technology where a computer-controlled knitting machine manufactures a textile product in a single step where different functions can be integrated.)

Hand strength for resistance

Shelters should be made available and ready within 48 hours in the event of a high level of alert or war. Many people will need to contribute to this work. But how can the gap between preparedness information and the ability to act be bridged? The project will develop and test prototypes that make it easier for people to understand, practice and participate in the preparation, operation and use of shelters and protected spaces.