Mapping as a strategic tool for evidencing social values and supporting joined-up decision making in Reading, England

Social value is high on policy agendas in the UK but there is little agreement on the definition of social value in the context of the built environment or on how the gathering of social value data might be spatialized. This paper gives an account of a project at the University of Reading, the aim of which was to develop a pragmatic methodology for collecting social value data with local communities. In response to rich information collected through workshops, a practice-based approach was taken, whereby 14 handmade community maps were drawn digitally, following a consistent set of drawing rules. The resultant multi-layered vector maps gathered and collated different interpretations of value and converted them into an accessible visual format. This supported dissemination, feedback and visual analysis with both participants and the Local Authority. In turn, the research sought to position mapping as a strategic tool for revealing common values and communicating potential in the built environment, with the aim of developing value-based knowledge particularly useful to early design, and decision-making, processes around strategic land management.