Reconnecting with nature
Winter room
Winter room: a place and a handbook of placemaking in the winter
How do you get people to people to stay outside in the cold, dark season? This is a handbook of placemaking in the winter and a meeting place in the woods in a Scan-dinavian town.
Sweden
Local
Upplands-Bro
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Yes
2024-06-30
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
Vinterrum was a research and development project funded by Vinnova (an innovation agency with a mission to strengthen Sweden's innovative capacity and contribute to sustainable growth) and implemented by Upplands-Bro Municipality in collaboration with LINK Arkitektur.
The project aimed to capitalize on the health-promoting aspects of people’s increased time spent in nature during the pandemic. Understanding the importance of culture, the project wanted to promote social connections in the local community.
One challenge was to attract people to be outdoors even during winter, which became a focus area for the project.
The project aims to use the lessons learned from COVID-19 to examine how we can create one of Bro's future attractive living environments. It focuses on social sustainability aspects such as health-promoting participation and inclusion and addresses circularity and consideration for nature. We are building on a previous development project called 'Placemaking in the Nordics'.
We wanted to take advantage of people's increased time spent in nature and the more profound insights into the importance of culture and social contexts to design the attractive living environments of the future. We wanted to develop a manual for creating better meeting places in nature to get a wide range of target groups to spend more time outdoors and in nature. In this way, we took advantage of and made available the health-promoting aspects of outdoor living in nature while supporting the local community and social contexts. A particular challenge in general is getting people to stay outside in winter, so we choose to focus on the dark, cold season.
The project had two main goals:
- To create a living winter meeting place in Bro's nature, making nature accessible to many people.
- To document the experiences from the project in a handbook to spread knowledge and insights about how to create living winter meeting places in nature.
The project aimed to capitalize on the health-promoting aspects of people’s increased time spent in nature during the pandemic. Understanding the importance of culture, the project wanted to promote social connections in the local community.
One challenge was to attract people to be outdoors even during winter, which became a focus area for the project.
The project aims to use the lessons learned from COVID-19 to examine how we can create one of Bro's future attractive living environments. It focuses on social sustainability aspects such as health-promoting participation and inclusion and addresses circularity and consideration for nature. We are building on a previous development project called 'Placemaking in the Nordics'.
We wanted to take advantage of people's increased time spent in nature and the more profound insights into the importance of culture and social contexts to design the attractive living environments of the future. We wanted to develop a manual for creating better meeting places in nature to get a wide range of target groups to spend more time outdoors and in nature. In this way, we took advantage of and made available the health-promoting aspects of outdoor living in nature while supporting the local community and social contexts. A particular challenge in general is getting people to stay outside in winter, so we choose to focus on the dark, cold season.
The project had two main goals:
- To create a living winter meeting place in Bro's nature, making nature accessible to many people.
- To document the experiences from the project in a handbook to spread knowledge and insights about how to create living winter meeting places in nature.
Inclusion
Nature
Culture
Co-creation
Placemaking
The Vinterrum project integrates several key sustainability qualities across social, environmental, and economic dimensions:
1. Social Sustainability – The project emphasizes placemaking to foster community engagement, inclusivity, and well-being. Creating an outdoor winter-friendly meeting place in Bro enhances social interactions, accessibility, and cultural activities. The process involved workshops with children and the elderly, ensuring diverse voices shaped the design.
2. Environmental Sustainability – Vinterrum prioritizes minimal environmental impact by using a semi-permanent and low-footprint design. Structures are adapted to the natural topography, and local materials are used where possible. The integration of lighting and pathways ensures accessibility without excessive land modification.
3. Economic Sustainability – The project follows Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper (LQC) principles, meaning a cost-effective, iterative design that avoids large-scale investments while maximizing impact. It aligns with circular economy principles, ensuring longevity and adaptive reuse of space.
4. Health & Well-being – Leveraging insights from the COVID-19 pandemic, the project promotes outdoor activities that address physical and mental health benefits. Fire pits, seating areas, and interactive elements encourage year-round outdoor presence.
5. Governance & Long-Term Impact – The initiative is embedded in the Omdaning Bro framework, ensuring continuity through municipal commitment and multi-stakeholder collaboration. A knowledge-sharing manual extends its impact beyond Bro.
Vinterrum exemplifies sustainability through inclusive co-creation, ecological sensitivity, and long-term adaptability.
1. Social Sustainability – The project emphasizes placemaking to foster community engagement, inclusivity, and well-being. Creating an outdoor winter-friendly meeting place in Bro enhances social interactions, accessibility, and cultural activities. The process involved workshops with children and the elderly, ensuring diverse voices shaped the design.
2. Environmental Sustainability – Vinterrum prioritizes minimal environmental impact by using a semi-permanent and low-footprint design. Structures are adapted to the natural topography, and local materials are used where possible. The integration of lighting and pathways ensures accessibility without excessive land modification.
3. Economic Sustainability – The project follows Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper (LQC) principles, meaning a cost-effective, iterative design that avoids large-scale investments while maximizing impact. It aligns with circular economy principles, ensuring longevity and adaptive reuse of space.
4. Health & Well-being – Leveraging insights from the COVID-19 pandemic, the project promotes outdoor activities that address physical and mental health benefits. Fire pits, seating areas, and interactive elements encourage year-round outdoor presence.
5. Governance & Long-Term Impact – The initiative is embedded in the Omdaning Bro framework, ensuring continuity through municipal commitment and multi-stakeholder collaboration. A knowledge-sharing manual extends its impact beyond Bro.
Vinterrum exemplifies sustainability through inclusive co-creation, ecological sensitivity, and long-term adaptability.
The Vinterrum project blends aesthetics, architecture, and experiential qualities to create an engaging and inclusive outdoor space:
1. Aesthetic Qualities – The design is rooted in placemaking, emphasizing natural beauty and site-specificity. The project integrates the forest landscape, using organic shapes and materials harmonising with the surroundings. The radiating layout enhances spatial flow, creating a welcoming and immersive environment. Thoughtful lighting adds warmth and safety, especially in winter.
2. Architectural Qualities – The semi-permanent structures are designed for minimal environmental impact, adapting to the terrain rather than altering it. Multi-functional platforms, ramps, and a forest stage provide diverse uses while maintaining a light footprint. Wood and natural textures reinforce a sense of belonging and warmth, making the space inviting year-round.
3. Experiential Values – Vinterrum is designed for interaction and engagement. It offers spaces for rest, play, gathering, and cultural events, making it attractive to diverse user groups. Including fire pits, seating areas, and sheltered spots enhances comfort, encouraging people to stay longer. The Power of Ten+ principle ensures varied activities, from storytelling and concerts to relaxation and sport.
4. Seasonal Adaptability – The project embraces Nordic winter aesthetics, making outdoor life appealing even in the darkest months. Features like warm seating, fire-lit areas, and artistic elements create a cosy and social atmosphere, reinforcing a sense of place.
Vinterrum offers a carefully curated mix of aesthetics, architecture, and sensory experiences, turning a natural site into a vibrant, year-round destination.
1. Aesthetic Qualities – The design is rooted in placemaking, emphasizing natural beauty and site-specificity. The project integrates the forest landscape, using organic shapes and materials harmonising with the surroundings. The radiating layout enhances spatial flow, creating a welcoming and immersive environment. Thoughtful lighting adds warmth and safety, especially in winter.
2. Architectural Qualities – The semi-permanent structures are designed for minimal environmental impact, adapting to the terrain rather than altering it. Multi-functional platforms, ramps, and a forest stage provide diverse uses while maintaining a light footprint. Wood and natural textures reinforce a sense of belonging and warmth, making the space inviting year-round.
3. Experiential Values – Vinterrum is designed for interaction and engagement. It offers spaces for rest, play, gathering, and cultural events, making it attractive to diverse user groups. Including fire pits, seating areas, and sheltered spots enhances comfort, encouraging people to stay longer. The Power of Ten+ principle ensures varied activities, from storytelling and concerts to relaxation and sport.
4. Seasonal Adaptability – The project embraces Nordic winter aesthetics, making outdoor life appealing even in the darkest months. Features like warm seating, fire-lit areas, and artistic elements create a cosy and social atmosphere, reinforcing a sense of place.
Vinterrum offers a carefully curated mix of aesthetics, architecture, and sensory experiences, turning a natural site into a vibrant, year-round destination.
The project integrates inclusion at multiple levels, ensuring accessibility, diversity, and community engagement:
1. Co-Creation & Participation – The project follows a participatory design process, involving residents, particularly children and the elderly, in workshops and surveys to shape the space to their needs. This bottom-up approach fosters a sense of ownership and belonging.
2. Multi-Generational & Diverse User Groups – The space is designed for broad accessibility, catering to families, seniors, and individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds. A key goal is to attract people who do not typically engage in outdoor activities, ensuring that nature becomes an inclusive shared space.
3. Physical & Sensory Accessibility – The project prioritizes universal design, incorporating ramps, well-lit pathways, and seating to accommodate people with limited mobility. Features like fire pits and sheltered seating create a welcoming environment for extended outdoor stays, especially in winter.
4. Cultural & Social Inclusion – Vinterrum promotes cultural diversity through art, storytelling, and community-led events. The programming includes concerts, open-air workshops, and non-traditional winter activities to attract a wider audience beyond conventional outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Equitable Urban Planning – Located in a suburb with socio-economic contrasts, the site is strategically placed to be easily accessible from different neighbourhoods. The design bridges different communities, promoting social interaction across demographic divides.
6. Long-Term Engagement & Governance – The project is embedded in Omdaning Bro, a municipal transformation initiative, ensuring continuous activation and adaptation. The municipality and local stakeholders collaborate to maintain and evolve the space over time.
By integrating inclusive design, programming, and governance, Vinterrum ensures that public space is welcoming, accessible, and meaningful for all.
1. Co-Creation & Participation – The project follows a participatory design process, involving residents, particularly children and the elderly, in workshops and surveys to shape the space to their needs. This bottom-up approach fosters a sense of ownership and belonging.
2. Multi-Generational & Diverse User Groups – The space is designed for broad accessibility, catering to families, seniors, and individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds. A key goal is to attract people who do not typically engage in outdoor activities, ensuring that nature becomes an inclusive shared space.
3. Physical & Sensory Accessibility – The project prioritizes universal design, incorporating ramps, well-lit pathways, and seating to accommodate people with limited mobility. Features like fire pits and sheltered seating create a welcoming environment for extended outdoor stays, especially in winter.
4. Cultural & Social Inclusion – Vinterrum promotes cultural diversity through art, storytelling, and community-led events. The programming includes concerts, open-air workshops, and non-traditional winter activities to attract a wider audience beyond conventional outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Equitable Urban Planning – Located in a suburb with socio-economic contrasts, the site is strategically placed to be easily accessible from different neighbourhoods. The design bridges different communities, promoting social interaction across demographic divides.
6. Long-Term Engagement & Governance – The project is embedded in Omdaning Bro, a municipal transformation initiative, ensuring continuous activation and adaptation. The municipality and local stakeholders collaborate to maintain and evolve the space over time.
By integrating inclusive design, programming, and governance, Vinterrum ensures that public space is welcoming, accessible, and meaningful for all.
Vinterrum has provided multiple benefits to the community, enhancing social cohesion, public space accessibility, and long-term sustainability:
1. Strengthening Social Cohesion – Vinterrum has fostered interactions between different groups, including families, seniors, and underrepresented communities by creating an inclusive and engaging meeting place. The participatory approach has strengthened local engagement and a sense of ownership.
2. Increased Outdoor Activity & Well-Being – The project encourages people to spend more time outdoors, particularly in winter. By integrating fire pits, seating areas, and sheltered spaces, Vinterrum promotes mental and physical health through increased socialization and contact with nature.
3. Improved Accessibility & Inclusivity – The space has been designed with universal accessibility in mind, incorporating ramps, lighting, and safe pathways. This ensures that people of all ages and abilities can comfortably use the site, making outdoor recreation more equitable and welcoming.
4. Revitalization of Public Space – The project has transformed an underutilized natural area into a vibrant, well-designed destination. The combination of cultural events, sports, and social activities has enriched the local urban environment, making it a year-round attraction.
5. Economic & Cultural Development – Vinterrum has stimulated local cultural life and created opportunities for local entrepreneurs and organizations by hosting community-driven events, performances, and markets. The increased activity in Bro can also positively spillover effects on local businesses.
6. Long-Term Urban Planning Impact – Vinterrum models sustainable urban development, inspiring future projects that integrate placemaking, social sustainability, and nature-based solutions. The lessons learned will benefit Bro’s continued growth.
Vinterrum has contributed to a more connected, active, and inclusive community, enhancing social and environmental resilience.
1. Strengthening Social Cohesion – Vinterrum has fostered interactions between different groups, including families, seniors, and underrepresented communities by creating an inclusive and engaging meeting place. The participatory approach has strengthened local engagement and a sense of ownership.
2. Increased Outdoor Activity & Well-Being – The project encourages people to spend more time outdoors, particularly in winter. By integrating fire pits, seating areas, and sheltered spaces, Vinterrum promotes mental and physical health through increased socialization and contact with nature.
3. Improved Accessibility & Inclusivity – The space has been designed with universal accessibility in mind, incorporating ramps, lighting, and safe pathways. This ensures that people of all ages and abilities can comfortably use the site, making outdoor recreation more equitable and welcoming.
4. Revitalization of Public Space – The project has transformed an underutilized natural area into a vibrant, well-designed destination. The combination of cultural events, sports, and social activities has enriched the local urban environment, making it a year-round attraction.
5. Economic & Cultural Development – Vinterrum has stimulated local cultural life and created opportunities for local entrepreneurs and organizations by hosting community-driven events, performances, and markets. The increased activity in Bro can also positively spillover effects on local businesses.
6. Long-Term Urban Planning Impact – Vinterrum models sustainable urban development, inspiring future projects that integrate placemaking, social sustainability, and nature-based solutions. The lessons learned will benefit Bro’s continued growth.
Vinterrum has contributed to a more connected, active, and inclusive community, enhancing social and environmental resilience.
Vinterrum successfully integrated local knowledge, regional expertise, and national innovation frameworks by engaging stakeholders at multiple levels, ensuring a socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable urban space.
1. Local
— Upplands-Bro Municipality was the project owner and coordinator. They managed funding, integration with local strategies, logistics, and long-term maintenance.
— Residents were engaged through workshops, surveys, and co-creation activities. Their input shaped the design, accessibility, and activities.
— Local organizations & schools contributed to programming and activation, ensuring the space remained vibrant and relevant.
This ensured community ownership and long-term sustainability, made the space culturally relevant and inclusive for different user groups and strengthened social cohesion.
2. Regional
— LINK Arkitektur was central in placemaking strategy, urban design, and sustainability planning. They integrated Nordic placemaking principles into the project, ensuring it aligned with broader urban development trends.
— Security & accessibility experts helped refine design elements to ensure safety and usability, especially for vulnerable groups.
This provided technical expertise in inclusive design and environmental sustainability, ensured the project followed the best urban planning and placemaking practices, and strengthened the project’s scalability and replicability.
3. National
— Vinnova funded and supported the project. They provided financial resources, strategic oversight, and evaluation frameworks.
— Research institutions contributed insights into health, social behaviour, and outdoor space utilization, helping validate the project’s impact.
This enabled the initiative's financial feasibility and scalability, ensured the project aligned with national innovation goals and urban development policies, and strengthened knowledge-sharing and best-practice dissemination across Sweden.
1. Local
— Upplands-Bro Municipality was the project owner and coordinator. They managed funding, integration with local strategies, logistics, and long-term maintenance.
— Residents were engaged through workshops, surveys, and co-creation activities. Their input shaped the design, accessibility, and activities.
— Local organizations & schools contributed to programming and activation, ensuring the space remained vibrant and relevant.
This ensured community ownership and long-term sustainability, made the space culturally relevant and inclusive for different user groups and strengthened social cohesion.
2. Regional
— LINK Arkitektur was central in placemaking strategy, urban design, and sustainability planning. They integrated Nordic placemaking principles into the project, ensuring it aligned with broader urban development trends.
— Security & accessibility experts helped refine design elements to ensure safety and usability, especially for vulnerable groups.
This provided technical expertise in inclusive design and environmental sustainability, ensured the project followed the best urban planning and placemaking practices, and strengthened the project’s scalability and replicability.
3. National
— Vinnova funded and supported the project. They provided financial resources, strategic oversight, and evaluation frameworks.
— Research institutions contributed insights into health, social behaviour, and outdoor space utilization, helping validate the project’s impact.
This enabled the initiative's financial feasibility and scalability, ensured the project aligned with national innovation goals and urban development policies, and strengthened knowledge-sharing and best-practice dissemination across Sweden.
The Vinterrum project successfully integrated multiple disciplines and knowledge fields, resulting in a well-designed and sustainable public space. Experts from LINK Arkitektur (landscape and structural architects) and Upplands-Bro Municipality (ecology strategists, maintenance experts, elderly care, childcare, social integration, and communication specialists) worked together throughout the process.
Key disciplines involved:
1. Urban Planning & Placemaking:
Provided site strategies and placemaking principles aligned with Nordic culture and environmental considerations.
2. Architecture & Landscape Design:
Designed structures, seating, and pathways that blend with the natural landscape while ensuring functionality and aesthetics.
3. Social Sciences & Community Engagement:
Conducted workshops and surveys to meet community needs, promoting social sustainability and inclusivity.
4. Environmental Science & Ecology:
Assessed environmental impacts and integrated sustainable solutions while preserving local biodiversity.
5. Security & Accessibility:
Developed safe, accessible spaces that cater to all users, including the elderly and disabled.
6. Public Health & Well-Being:
Incorporated design elements that promote mental and physical health, like social seating areas and fire pits.
7. Cultural Programming:
Planned events and art installations to activate the space year-round, particularly in winter.
Collaboration & Added Value:
Regular workshops and community input ensured continuous dialogue between fields, resulting in a functional, inclusive space. This interdisciplinary approach created a dynamic environment that enhances social interaction, sustainability, and well-being. The collaboration ensured long-term benefits with a design tailored to the community’s needs.
Key disciplines involved:
1. Urban Planning & Placemaking:
Provided site strategies and placemaking principles aligned with Nordic culture and environmental considerations.
2. Architecture & Landscape Design:
Designed structures, seating, and pathways that blend with the natural landscape while ensuring functionality and aesthetics.
3. Social Sciences & Community Engagement:
Conducted workshops and surveys to meet community needs, promoting social sustainability and inclusivity.
4. Environmental Science & Ecology:
Assessed environmental impacts and integrated sustainable solutions while preserving local biodiversity.
5. Security & Accessibility:
Developed safe, accessible spaces that cater to all users, including the elderly and disabled.
6. Public Health & Well-Being:
Incorporated design elements that promote mental and physical health, like social seating areas and fire pits.
7. Cultural Programming:
Planned events and art installations to activate the space year-round, particularly in winter.
Collaboration & Added Value:
Regular workshops and community input ensured continuous dialogue between fields, resulting in a functional, inclusive space. This interdisciplinary approach created a dynamic environment that enhances social interaction, sustainability, and well-being. The collaboration ensured long-term benefits with a design tailored to the community’s needs.
The Vinterrum project integrates new approaches to placemaking, design, and community engagement to create an inclusive, sustainable, and functional winter-friendly public space. Its innovation can be understood in the following ways:
1. Placemaking in natural settings
Vinterrum extended traditional placemaking principles to a natural setting, adapting them to winter in the Nordics. The project explored how outdoor spaces can be attractive even in cold, dark seasons, challenging conventional ideas.
2. Iterative design process
Co-creating with residents, including children and seniors, helped shape the space based on real user needs. Unlike top-down urban design, Vinterrum evolved through testing, prototyping, and evaluation, ensuring flexibility and adaptability.
3. Inclusive design
The project was designed to be welcoming for all, including groups traditionally underrepresented in outdoor recreation, such as non-native residents, people with disabilities, and the elderly. It incorporated universal design, ensuring accessible paths, ramps, and safe, warm seating areas, making nature more inclusive.
4. Sustainable design
The structures were lightweight, semi-permanent, and adaptable, minimizing environmental disruption while maintaining aesthetic harmony with nature. The project followed LQC principles, meaning cost-effective interventions that could be scaled, replicated, and adjusted over time.
5. Culture, nature & public health
Health and well-being strategies were combined with cultural and social activities, encouraging people to gather outdoors. The project promoted year-round outdoor living, reinforcing the mental and physical benefits of being in nature, even in winter.
Vinterrum redefined public spaces in cold climates, combining placemaking, accessibility, sustainability, and social engagement. Developing a replicable model for winter placemaking provided valuable insights into how to activate outdoor spaces beyond traditional seasons
1. Placemaking in natural settings
Vinterrum extended traditional placemaking principles to a natural setting, adapting them to winter in the Nordics. The project explored how outdoor spaces can be attractive even in cold, dark seasons, challenging conventional ideas.
2. Iterative design process
Co-creating with residents, including children and seniors, helped shape the space based on real user needs. Unlike top-down urban design, Vinterrum evolved through testing, prototyping, and evaluation, ensuring flexibility and adaptability.
3. Inclusive design
The project was designed to be welcoming for all, including groups traditionally underrepresented in outdoor recreation, such as non-native residents, people with disabilities, and the elderly. It incorporated universal design, ensuring accessible paths, ramps, and safe, warm seating areas, making nature more inclusive.
4. Sustainable design
The structures were lightweight, semi-permanent, and adaptable, minimizing environmental disruption while maintaining aesthetic harmony with nature. The project followed LQC principles, meaning cost-effective interventions that could be scaled, replicated, and adjusted over time.
5. Culture, nature & public health
Health and well-being strategies were combined with cultural and social activities, encouraging people to gather outdoors. The project promoted year-round outdoor living, reinforcing the mental and physical benefits of being in nature, even in winter.
Vinterrum redefined public spaces in cold climates, combining placemaking, accessibility, sustainability, and social engagement. Developing a replicable model for winter placemaking provided valuable insights into how to activate outdoor spaces beyond traditional seasons
The project investigated placemaking to strengthen and perpetuate the new outdoor habits established during the COVID-19 pandemic and attract people who would not otherwise spend time in nature.
During the project, we practically tested the knowledge generated during Placemaking in the Nordics by prototyping a meeting place in Bro's nature. Both design and process were based on research and best practice. To achieve the project's goals, we focused on:
— A co-creation process: Participation and anchoring were our tools for understand-ing the residents' needs and dreams and creating commitment and conditions for the place to be cared for and used over time.
— An identity-creating and place-specific design: By giving the place uniqueness and aesthetic value, we wanted to promote pride and emotional anchoring.
— Design that promotes social context and security: With the support of research, we defined and applied several design strategies to ensure that the design would support the function as a safe meeting place.
According to placemaking, activities are central to vibrant and well-used places. This becomes even more important in winter when the weather can reduce the desire to be outside for long periods. The municipality planned an ambitious program of activities to attract people and bring the place to life in winter.
During the project, we continuously reflected and analysed how our efforts worked in practice – what was successful and what worked poorly? The insights from the project and the process form the basis for the handbook.
During the project, we practically tested the knowledge generated during Placemaking in the Nordics by prototyping a meeting place in Bro's nature. Both design and process were based on research and best practice. To achieve the project's goals, we focused on:
— A co-creation process: Participation and anchoring were our tools for understand-ing the residents' needs and dreams and creating commitment and conditions for the place to be cared for and used over time.
— An identity-creating and place-specific design: By giving the place uniqueness and aesthetic value, we wanted to promote pride and emotional anchoring.
— Design that promotes social context and security: With the support of research, we defined and applied several design strategies to ensure that the design would support the function as a safe meeting place.
According to placemaking, activities are central to vibrant and well-used places. This becomes even more important in winter when the weather can reduce the desire to be outside for long periods. The municipality planned an ambitious program of activities to attract people and bring the place to life in winter.
During the project, we continuously reflected and analysed how our efforts worked in practice – what was successful and what worked poorly? The insights from the project and the process form the basis for the handbook.
1. Political & Institutional Anchoring
The project is regularly presented in the Municipality’s safety committee, where municipal leaders review and integrate insights into local and regional urban development strategies. By maintaining a continuous dialogue between the project team and decision-makers, Vinterrum helps embed winter placemaking approaches into public policy, making them easier to replicate.
2. Engagement
The project team aimed to share results and processes with community members to foster ongoing local adoption and adaptation. By encouraging local interest and word-of-mouth dissemination, Vinterrum ensures its principles can be replicated organically in other public spaces, even without direct municipal intervention.
3. Professional Networks
The project leader actively participates in regional and national urban development networks, which provide platforms for disseminating insights and influencing future projects. These networks facilitate peer learning, scaling strategies, and cross-municipal collaboration, ensuring Vinterrum’s methodologies can be adapted to urban and rural settings.
4. Adaptive & Iterative Approach
The project follows the Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper (LQC) principles, which mean cost-effective and easily implementable interventions that can be adjusted based on local needs. The manual developed from the project provides a step-by-step guide for creating similar winter-friendly public spaces, making it easier for other municipalities and organizations to adopt the approach.
Through strategic dissemination, political anchoring, community engagement, professional networking, and adaptable design principles, Vinterrum has been structured as a model for future placemaking projects in Sweden and beyond. By documenting and sharing its processes through webinars, policy discussions, community outreach, and professional networks, the project’s impact extends beyond Bro, influencing urban development at multiple levels.
The project is regularly presented in the Municipality’s safety committee, where municipal leaders review and integrate insights into local and regional urban development strategies. By maintaining a continuous dialogue between the project team and decision-makers, Vinterrum helps embed winter placemaking approaches into public policy, making them easier to replicate.
2. Engagement
The project team aimed to share results and processes with community members to foster ongoing local adoption and adaptation. By encouraging local interest and word-of-mouth dissemination, Vinterrum ensures its principles can be replicated organically in other public spaces, even without direct municipal intervention.
3. Professional Networks
The project leader actively participates in regional and national urban development networks, which provide platforms for disseminating insights and influencing future projects. These networks facilitate peer learning, scaling strategies, and cross-municipal collaboration, ensuring Vinterrum’s methodologies can be adapted to urban and rural settings.
4. Adaptive & Iterative Approach
The project follows the Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper (LQC) principles, which mean cost-effective and easily implementable interventions that can be adjusted based on local needs. The manual developed from the project provides a step-by-step guide for creating similar winter-friendly public spaces, making it easier for other municipalities and organizations to adopt the approach.
Through strategic dissemination, political anchoring, community engagement, professional networking, and adaptable design principles, Vinterrum has been structured as a model for future placemaking projects in Sweden and beyond. By documenting and sharing its processes through webinars, policy discussions, community outreach, and professional networks, the project’s impact extends beyond Bro, influencing urban development at multiple levels.
The Vinterrum project addresses global challenges by offering local, scalable solutions in urban planning, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability:
1. Climate Adaptation & Sustainable Urban Development – Tackles the challenge of underutilized public spaces in cold climates, creating year-round, accessible outdoor areas that promote sustainable urban living.
2. Social Inclusion & Equity – Responds to growing social inequality by making nature and public spaces welcoming for all, including marginalized and underrepresented groups.
3. Public Health & Well-Being – Encourages outdoor activity and social interaction, countering the adverse effects of urban isolation, mental health decline, and sedentary lifestyles.
4. Community Resilience & Placemaking – Uses participatory design to strengthen local identity and civic engagement, ensuring resilient and connected communities.
By integrating sustainability, inclusivity, and community-driven urban design, Vinterrum offers a replicable model for addressing these global challenges locally.
1. Climate Adaptation & Sustainable Urban Development – Tackles the challenge of underutilized public spaces in cold climates, creating year-round, accessible outdoor areas that promote sustainable urban living.
2. Social Inclusion & Equity – Responds to growing social inequality by making nature and public spaces welcoming for all, including marginalized and underrepresented groups.
3. Public Health & Well-Being – Encourages outdoor activity and social interaction, countering the adverse effects of urban isolation, mental health decline, and sedentary lifestyles.
4. Community Resilience & Placemaking – Uses participatory design to strengthen local identity and civic engagement, ensuring resilient and connected communities.
By integrating sustainability, inclusivity, and community-driven urban design, Vinterrum offers a replicable model for addressing these global challenges locally.
Vinterrum was evaluated to determine whether we had achieved our goal of creating a lively meeting place during the winter for our target groups: families with children and the elderly. In the evaluation, we examined whether the place was used by and attracted our target groups. The activities were evaluated based on the number of visitors and the composition of the participants. When it came to the design, we looked at the design, function and accessibility. What had worked better and worse? Finally, we examined how crime, safety and vandalism had changed in the area. The evaluations were made both during and after the winter season.
Method
To investigate whether the place was used outside the events, we interviewed pre-schoolers, schoolchildren, and elderly people and visited the site several times.
Conclusion
Both target groups use the place during winter, but it is primarily the preschool that spends much time there. Activities have included nature play, teaching and eating packed lunches.
People spend time there during spontaneous visits, and children create their play environment. A fire has often been lit in the fireplace. The interviews revealed that the place is well-used and appreciated. Vinterrum is experienced as a different kind of meeting place.
Method
To investigate whether the place was used outside the events, we interviewed pre-schoolers, schoolchildren, and elderly people and visited the site several times.
Conclusion
Both target groups use the place during winter, but it is primarily the preschool that spends much time there. Activities have included nature play, teaching and eating packed lunches.
People spend time there during spontaneous visits, and children create their play environment. A fire has often been lit in the fireplace. The interviews revealed that the place is well-used and appreciated. Vinterrum is experienced as a different kind of meeting place.
