Co-creating Sustainable Futures: Innovation in Urban Student Housing

Halmstad University, Sweden

^* Corresponding author: Henrik.Barth@hh.se

Abstract

This paper explores the application of the 3MI innovation management framework in a hackathon-based academic project focused on sustainable student housing in Halmstad, Sweden. Six interdisciplinary student teams addressed real-world challenges related to sustainable mobility and social interaction in urban settings, proposing innovative solutions ranging from kinetic energy-harvesting pathways and smart infrastructure to adaptive social spaces and shared mobility platforms. The findings highlight the potential of early-stage, participatory innovation processes to produce scalable, environmentally responsible housing models. At the same time, limitations of the 3MI framework became evident, particularly its rigidity in dynamic design contexts and its limited guidance for end-user engagement and long-term impact evaluation. The paper concludes with recommendations for integrating more agile and user-centred tools to enhance innovation outcomes in urban development.