What We Do
Mapping Futures was founded in 2014 with a focus on evidence-based development planning. We specialise in neighbourhood planning, geographic information system (GIS) mapping, neighbourhood analysis, developing planning and design strategies and policies as well as project management to see local action plans through to delivery. Our strength lies in our experience in information and data analytics and evidence gathering.
We have worked successfully with stakeholders across all built environment and public sector organisations. We have experience working with Local Authorities, local residents, civic leaders and active community groups to help them better understand the issues and opportunities in their local areas. We work collaboratively with the client to find, collect, analyse and present the right information to ensure they can communicate their story. We map and visualise the evidence and articulate ideas and objectives into strategies, designs and action plans that drive positive change.
Our Approach
We approach our work by continuously innovating and challenging mainstream thinking. Our values, rooted in social justice and environmental sustainability, guide our work in planning and designing the kinds of places that we really want and need. We want our strategies and plans to achieve places that are designed to:
- Incorporate smart insights and solutions
- Integrate opportunities for all
- Achieve an environment that is healthy and promotes the wellbeing of its inhabitants
Our Mapping Futures framework defines our guiding principles for sustainable development:
- Evidence-driven: we believe that problems can only be solved if we consider all the evidence. We do this through our spatial research and analysis, through exchange of knowledge with the communities and through applying forward thinking research that is geographically relevant.
- Human Centred: we believe that design driven by achieving the wellbeing of citizens, will also result in places that are socially just, aesthetically and harmoniously creative, innovative, energy efficient, functional and economically viable. We see wellbeing as an outcome that is delivered by equalising the political power dynamics between actors; by centralising the importance of culture as a means of celebrating difference and diversity of place; by driving economic opportunities and capacities at all capability levels; and by designing environments that promote healthy lifestyles.
- Environmentally Responsive: we believe that if you design to promote healthy environments, then these will also be places that are accommodating and responsive to people’s physiological and psychological wellbeing and be economically resourceful. We strive to achieve liveable places through advocating design that incorporates multisensory and biophilic principles to promote human health.