ABSTRACT
This chapter explores activities that have elements of socially motivated research, through the work of architectural researchers who have combined visual, cartographic and design methodologies with approaches drawn from management, education and community development, to create a range of methods useful for the field. Socially motivated architectural practices aim to transform the spaces and buildings people use and care about. Often they have a strong commitment to equality, sustainability and social justice, and research in this field supports these aims, valuing lived experiences and non-professional forms of expertise. Central to socially motivated research is a careful and close understanding of the people and places with which you are working as well as their context-for-action. Socially motivated architectural research can support clients and communities to develop skills and proficiencies necessary to change things they are concerned about be it a neighbourhood, a park, a street or a building.
