Sonderiktningen

Sonderiktningen is a term found in Swedish architectural and design discourse, used to denote a deliberate “special direction” or orientation applied to a space, object, or system. The word combines sonder-, meaning “special” or “distinct,” with riktningen, the definite form of riktning, meaning “direction.” In practice, sonderiktningen refers to intentional orientation strategies that influence how a space is perceived and experienced, including daylight access, views, acoustic behavior, ventilation, or accessibility.

In architectural and urban design contexts, sonderiktningen may describe the alignment of windows to maximize natural light, the placement of doors to improve circulation, or the orientation of a building to respond to site conditions. The concept is often used descriptively to convey a design rationale rather than as a formally codified method.

Usage of the term appears mainly in Swedish-language sources and is not widely standardized in international architectural lexica. Because of its specialized and regional nature, its exact scope can vary by author or project, and some practitioners may employ related terms such as orientation or sightlines to express similar ideas. Citations and definitions may thus vary, reflecting evolving design practice.