Behovsrum

Behovsrum is a term used primarily in Swedish planning, architecture and social care to describe rooms designed to accommodate users' changing needs. The concept emphasizes user-centered flexibility, accessibility and safety, with the aim of enabling autonomy and participation for people with varying physical, cognitive or social requirements.

In practice, behovsrum appear in housing, care facilities and educational settings as flexible spaces that can be reconfigured as needs evolve. Typical features include adjustable furniture, modular partitions, clear and legible wayfinding, good acoustics, accessible routes, non-slip surfaces, ample daylight, and the ability to control environmental factors such as temperature and lighting. The design philosophy centers on creating environments that can support different activities and user groups without requiring major renovations.

Examples of how behovsrum can be used include a bedroom that can function as a caregiving suite, a living room that can be divided into a quiet corner or a small meeting space, or a multi-purpose room that can be reprogrammed for different therapeutic or educational activities. The overarching idea is to provide spaces that can adapt to changing personal circumstances, household compositions, or care needs while maintaining safety and comfort.

Etymology and status: the term Danish/Swedish compound behovs (needs) and rum (room) reflects its focus on fulfilling diverse user requirements. It is not a strictly standardized term and usage varies by municipality, institution and sector. It intersects with related concepts such as universal design, adaptable housing and flexible architecture. See also: universal design, adaptable housing, flexible architecture, inclusive design.