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The text of the Happy Homes Project (HHP) has been adapted from the definition of social value included in the RIBA Social Value Toolkit (2020)
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Happy Homes launch event
On Thursday 28 November 2024 Pollard Thomas Edwards launched Happy Homes, a groundbreaking social value ‘app’ that has the power to transform residential design for years to come.
The sold-out event, at Diespeker Wharf workspace, shared the findings of the now-complete 24-month Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnerships research programme focused on measuring social value in the design of homes. In a nutshell, Happy Homes identifies what residents experience as positive in the design of their homes, with information from architects and multidisciplinary teams, and puts the information into a usable form. Partner Patrick Devlin and project leader Gloria Vargas Palma outlined the next steps as Happy Homes, a KTP between PTE and the University of Reading and University of Cambridge, enters the product development phase. As Dr Palma explains: ‘Over the past two years, through in-depth interviews and home visits, we have been building an unprecedented database that shows how thoughtful design inspires positive responses in residents. Tonight, we will show how Happy Homes can empower designers and clients to recognise the genuine social value embedded in the homes they deliver.’ Ultimately, Happy Homes will serve as a powerful resource, identifying patterns of social value and guiding innovative strategies that create long term value through design. The next stage is the creation of a Happy Homes ‘toolkit’ – with an easy-to-use interface providing clear, informative feedback and ultimately a Happy Homes BIM plug-in to help design teams to embed ‘social value’ into their designs at the earliest stage. In the coming months we will also provide regular updates detailing how you can get involved - accessing free-to-use online project testing and feedback to develop and validate the Happy Homes toolkit, supported by project partners. Why should I use Happy Homes? Design Teams - Happy Homes helps teams refine, innovate and challenge design proposals, improving decisions on the spaces, elements and details that enhance social value. Developers - Happy Homes supports developers in making earlier, better decisions on design, delivery, and operations, enhancing product appeal and residents’ wellbeing. Residents - Happy Homes enables residents to share valued social experiences, ensuring their feedback will shape the design of their future homes. |
Panel speakersTabarak Ballal
Professor of Construction Engineering and Management, University of Reading Alistair Gale Head of Programming, Design and Aftercare, Islington Council Laura Murray Strategic Partnerships Manager, Countryside Partnerships Angela Cousins Alma Estate resident Gloria Vargas Palma Social Value Design Research Associate, Pollard Thomas Edwards |
