Thesis shows the way to healthy living environments - Karin wants to build communities where people feel good

How do you create environments where people thrive, move and feel a sense of community, in the midst of an intense social transformation? That was the question that prompted Karin Blom to immerse herself in health-promoting urban planning in her thesis at Luleå University of Technology.

- At the current pace of construction in northern Sweden, people's well-being is often overlooked, says Karin Blom, a recent graduate in architecture. "I wanted to highlight this perspective, because it is at least as important as building housing.

Inspired by Blue Zones

Karin was inspired by so-called Blue Zones, places in the world where people live longer and healthier lives. What these areas have in common is that everyday movement, social interaction and easily accessible services are a natural part of life.

- There was an interest from the Arctic Design Center, which is part of Region Norrbotten, to look at how to weave Blue Zones thinking into community planning here in the north. "That became the basis for my work," she says.

With that as a starting point, she began to investigate how Swedish municipalities actually work with the issue of health in spatial planning, and quickly realized that there was a lack of tools.

A concrete support for municipalities

Karin chose to develop a practical framework that municipalities can use as inspiration when planning new residential areas. The idea is that it should serve as a support, whether you are in the early stages of a detailed plan or are about to develop an existing environment.

- I found that there is a lack of a structured approach in many municipalities when it comes to health-promoting living environments. It's often difficult to know where to start, and then it's easy for the issue to simply not be prioritized," she says.

According to Karin, it has a lot to do with time and resources. When the housing shortage is acute, construction is often done at a high pace, which means that other aspects have to wait.

- "The emphasis is on the fact that we need more housing, and that's true. But it means that we don't really have time to think about the big picture. Green areas, meeting places and services often come afterwards. I believe that these elements must be included in the planning from the outset, even if it costs more and requires more preliminary work.

With people at the center

Karin believes that people must be put first in urban planning. She wants to see communities where it is easy to live sustainably, move around and meet other people in everyday life.

- "We need to start building with people first. It should be easy to cycle, walk and get around, not just drive. And we need to create environments that provide space for spontaneous meetings. That's how community is built," she says.

She also highlights the challenges of sparsely populated areas and sees opportunities to develop public transport and places that still promote social contacts, even when distances are great.

Wants to continue making a difference in the north

Karin Blom is 23 years old and comes from Borås, but would like to see a future in Norrbotten. She thinks it is an exciting place to work for those who want to help shape the communities of the future.

- "I would like to stay here in the region. There are so many exciting things happening right now and urban planning will always be needed. I really feel that I can contribute here.

The degree project is an example of how students at Luleå University of Technology already during their education are involved in shaping solutions to society's major challenges - with both knowledge, creativity and commitment.