Developing a new system to empower and inform community leaders in a growing city.
Tallinn
SDSI
Service Design
Lead Service Designer
SDSI Team - House of Sparrows
Xavier Jones
Besjan Haziri
Maarja Karlson
Shafaq Malik
Client
Tallinn is dedicated to creating sustainable and inclusive housing solutions to support its growing population. The city aims to accelerate the renovation of aging apartment blocks by employing modern, neighborhood-based approaches. Development efforts are focused on revitalizing former industrial areas and expanding urban living spaces, while also improving public transport and green infrastructure.
Given the complex property ownership structures, Tallinn is working to optimize land use and enhance housing accessibility. Sustainability is a key priority, with initiatives aimed at improving green spaces and increasing climate resilience. Through innovation and strategic planning, the city is shaping a more livable and future-ready urban environment.
Problem
Tallinn is facing a serious shortage of social housing, which limits affordable options for low-income residents and young people. Long waiting lists, a decline in homeownership, and rising rental costs are forcing many individuals into an increasingly expensive private market.
Additionally, the city's slow renovation rate of just 1% per year creates a significant obstacle to the goal of fully upgrading buildings by 2050, as there are 5,000 buildings in urgent need of renovations. Addressing these challenges is essential to prevent socio-economic segregation and to ensure long-term housing stability.
Tallinn aims to provide affordable, accessible, and energy-efficient housing with quality public spaces and transport. The city prioritizes diverse housing, sustainable construction, neighborhood preservation, local energy initiatives, and a housing fund to support those in need.
Tallinn
Methodology
The timeline follows a design thinking and service design process with strategic foresight. It begins with researching Tallinn’s housing challenges, followed by mapping key issues with stakeholders.
Next, future scenarios are developed through visioning and forecasting. Finally, solutions are brainstormed, prototyped, and refined to address urban challenges and inform policy.
How might we simplify the communication and coordination in the renovation process for housing managers?
Solution
The Housing Manager Compass is a strategic tool designed to assist housing managers in Tallinn as they navigate the challenges of complex renovations and engage with the community.
It enhances their mindset, skill set, and toolset, empowering them to lead confidently, connect with expert networks, and foster collaboration with residents. By offering guidance and support, the Compass facilitates smoother renovation processes, strengthens communities, and improves housing management effectiveness.
Features
The Housing Manager Compass will offer a secure digital platform designed to improve housing management through structured guidance, resource sharing, and community collaboration. This platform will connect managers with expert networks, provide tailored tools for renovation projects, and support resident engagement, ultimately fostering more sustainable and inclusive living environments.
Implementation
The system will be rolled out in phases, beginning with digital integration and collaboration with key stakeholders. As it develops, new features and insights will be added to ensure it addresses the needs of housing managers and communities. Clients will have the opportunity to influence its development and enhance its effectiveness.
