How (and Why) to Work with Innovation When Developing Sports Facilities
A Three-Session Masterclass / Thursday, 18 March 2027 / This masterclass is held in English and organised by IAKS Nordic and the Danish Foundation for Culture and Sports Facilities (LOA). A conference registration includes all three sessions.
About the Masterclass
How do we develop sports facilities that remain relevant in light of the changes, challenges, trends, and tendencies we see in society in general and in leisure life specifically?
What is the relationship between access to sports facilities and the level of physical activity?
Are we actually experiencing a shortage of sports facilities, or do we have enough facilities but lack the functionality we need?
These are some of the questions we will be addressing in this masterclass.
Bringing together Nordic knowledge, research, and practical experience, the masterclass is designed for professionals, decision-makers, planners, architects, and facility developers interested in innovative approaches to sports and leisure facility development.
The masterclass consists of three 90-minute sessions on the same day, each including short breakout discussions and group work. The presentations will draw on Danish research and analysis, while the breakout sessions will explore similarities and differences across Swedish, Nordic and international contexts.
The masterclass is structured around three interconnected themes:
- Session 1: Why work with innovation? – The Project Paradox
- Session 2: How to work with innovation? – Overcoming the paradoxes and anchoring the vision
- Session 3: What to build?
International perspectives with IAKS Nordic
In partnership with Träffpunkt Idrott, IAKS Nordic contributes to an international programme that brings together Nordic and international knowledge, perspectives and experience. The programme connects professionals and experts from across the Nordic region and beyond to share ideas, explore current challenges and discuss new approaches to the planning, development and operation of sports and leisure facilities.
About IAKS Nordic
IAKS Nordic is a non-profit association that brings together people, organisations, public authorities, institutions and companies with an interest in sports and leisure facilities. It provides a forum for professionals involved in developing, operating and constructing sports and leisure facilities to meet and share experience, knowledge and ideas. Established in 2017, IAKS Nordic organises events, seminars, networking activities and study trips across the Nordic region. This description is based closely on IAKS Nordic’s official presentation.
About the Danish Foundation for Culture and Sports Facilities (LOA)
The Danish Foundation for Culture and Sports Facilities (LOA) is an independent public foundation under the Danish Ministry of Culture. Each year, it provides approximately EUR 12 million in funding for innovative sports, cultural and leisure facilities across Denmark. Its mission is to rethink traditional facility design and create spaces that respond to changing patterns of physical activity, culture and community life.