ABSTRACT
In a field which is dominated by economic arguments a strong case needs to be made for the social value, the wellbeing, generated by housing. This chapter begins with a discussion of current preoccupation with value and audit and a reflection on shortcomings in the communication of the value of good design. I argue that value needs to be reconceived in terms of capabilities, freedoms it offers people to develop themselves. The discussion charts the evolution of a series of experiments in defining and capturing the social value of homes and neighbourhoods. Four social value themes are identified which are explored in the subsequent four chapters in this section.
