Environments for physical literacy

Important results from the project

This project has taken its starting point in the social challenge of getting young people to be more physically active. We have focused on creating conditions for physical literacy for children and young people through innovative architecture in public environments, that is, how public buildings, its interior, exterior and outdoor environment can be designed to develop physical literacy. Together with architects, children and researchers, we have conducted workshops where the children have been able to propose solutions in public environments that develop physical literacy.

Expected long term effects

The project has contributed to increased knowledge of physical literacy among participating architects and public actors. Through a bench marking we have been inspired and invented state-of-the-art. The project has resulted in a variety of solution suggestions through our external monitoring and through workshops where the children participated. In the longer term, we want to create physical literacy solutions in public premises. Our project can inspire to such environments and we help Swedish architects take into account physical literacy in the design of public premises.

Approach and implementation

In step 1 we have created an understanding of physical literacy among the actors and developed initial concepts / sketches of solutions. We have put together a test / evaluation group with primary school students and conducted three workshops with them to capture their thoughts and ideas on physical literacy. The project has carried out an external monitoring and competence-disseminating efforts such as lectures.