Ivana Stankovic

Master of Science Thesis 2005/06
KTH, Stockholm
8.2 Professional assessment
In the Theoretical framework developed during this research work, it is suggested that
instruments and means that are defined as a result from the research performed with children
are consequently assessed through a professional prism and proposed for implementation into
the analyzed study area.
Being an engineer of architecture, specialized in bioclimatic architecture design (eco-building)
and with additional education in environmental engineering and sustainable infrastructure, in
this research my focus is mostly on improvements in the physical environment. One might
assume that aesthetics, nature and technology are my main concern. In fact, they include
visual impact, functionality, material use and specification, environmental concern, energy
conservation, water and waste management, and maintenance. But, I find it equally important
to analyze social and societal interactions, since people are occupants of the environment we
live in, we are creating, and we are modifying. Overall, it is a multi-dimensional approach that
views an individual as a member of the society, and the society as a member of the
environment.
The selected and analyzed site is a built up area with a layout, structure and function that was
mainly formed before in the late 1960s. Some changes have been made during the last 15
years, which as discussed before mainly led to deterioration of the area.
The aim of this thesis is not to make drastic changes in the area, but to improve the quality of
life by upgrading it, using sustainable measures, which also involve affordability of suggested
changes as an important element of success. As already mentioned, stakeholders are the main
carriers of change. Thus, this research might be viewed as an applied action research. As
suggested in a paper by Susanna Elfors: ‘many action research writers emphasize that action
research should focus on weaker groups in society that have not been paid enough attention
to.’ 79 Children are definitely a weaker group with not enough rights in Serbia. What is more
important they are our future, but their needs and opinions are rarely considered in decisions
affecting the future of our communities.
In addition, large physical changes in the area (as large scale demolition of buildings or parts of
building blocks) are not the subject of this study. Also, due to the wide scope of research, and
results showing that many things need to be addressed and improved, it is impossible to go
into detailed planning of improvements. Rather, I will address improvements suggested by the
stakeholders involved in this research. Since stakeholders are children, whose view of the
surroundings is from an entirely different perspective, many of the necessary changes will
probably not be mentioned in the results. Also, children have different priorities than other
stakeholder groups. It will not be discussed in this document the appropriateness of defined
priorities. If other stakeholders were involved, the results would have been different. Therefore,
in the real world setting, it is necessary to include all stakeholders and address the results
equally. As a result, it will most probably initiate negotiations in instruments and means for
changes, and priorities for implementation since different stakeholders have different views and
necessities. One stakeholder group might see something as problem, while the other sees it as
a benefit. It is important to be aware of those possible conflicts and plan for their mitigation.
8.2.1 Physical sphere – existing multifamily housing buildings
8.2.1.1 Apartments
Apartments are highly private areas. Children in the performed research didn’t focus much on
analyzing apartments they live in and consequently, suggesting improvements. Some children
79 Elfors, S. (2005). Action Research for Environmentally Sustainable Housing, Using research as a tool for
change. Draft paper presented on a seminar held on 13 th December 2005 at KTH.
Ivana Stankovic 99