Move the Neighbourhood
[Bevæg byen med børn]

The practice based research project Move the Neighbourhood explores methods of co-designing public space with children to examine how collaborative approaches can contribute to the development of better integrated playful public spaces. Through practical experimentations the project examines how different types of co-design methods work, what the potentials are for the architectural outcomes and what the strategic impact on the local development can be.

NEW: Download final report presenting findings of the project (In Danish)

PIOS PLÆNE

In spring 2017 we collaborated with 40 5th grade children from Ellebjerg public school to develop and build urban installations for the site “Pios Plæne”.  The project was an integrated part of the school teaching, putting creative idea development and negotiations about public space on the learning agenda. Co-design methods included mapping, collaging, model making, 1:1 prototyping and site visits and resulted in the design of a series of hybrid installations – a hammock structure, a boxing pavilion, a piano and a tower. Construction took place as a collaboration between children, designers/researchers, the Byggeselskabet Maj and the Sydhavnen integrated urban renewal. See the video about the process.

KARENS MINDE

In fall 2017 Move the Neighbourhood co-designed and build five playable figures in the green spaces of the cultural house Karens Minde. This took place in collaboration with children from the adjacent after-school club Rubinen. The aim was to develop installations that could inspire play and interaction with a ball or with the body. The figures were designed and built on site with the children in collaboration with Byggeselskabet Maj and the Sydhavnen integrated urban renewal office. The process started in 2016 with a pilot to test methods and raise local awareness. See the video about the pilot

Move the Neighbourhood was nominated for the Architectural Association price Lille Arne 2018.

Move the Neighbourhood is part of the APEN research collaboration between University of Copenhagen (KU), School of Architecture (KADK) and University of Southern Denmark (SDU). Move the Neighbourhood is supported by the Danish Foundation for Culture and Sports Facilities, the Tryg Foundation and Sydhavnen integrated urban renewal.