What is a Living Lab?

“Living Labs (LLs) are defined as user-centred, open innovation ecosystems based on systematic user co-creation approach, integrating research and innovation processes in real life communities and settings.”

This is an accurate summary of a Living Lab. It involves developing and testing innovations for next-generation housing – on site, in a real environment, and under specific circumstances. And to do things properly, we need to involve real, living people, going about their ordinary lives.

This is the simple idea behind HSB Living Lab. At Chalmers in Gothenburg we would construct a building for students and researchers, who would act as our on-site guinea pigs – our astronauts of the future. We would build and rebuild, develop and test new materials, products and services in the building. And then do it all again. For ten years.

HSB Living Lab is currently one of Sweden’s leading testbeds for sustainable housing.