What Is We Made That?
We Made That is a creative force dedicated to shaping equitable places through incisive research and impactful projects. Focused exclusively on the public sector and charities, this team is all about delivering public good. Their work dives deep into understanding places and people, crafting solutions that matter. It’s not just about buildings or spaces—it’s about creating environments where communities thrive.
Main Benefits of Their Urban Research
The Urban Research Unit at We Made That brings a multi-disciplinary approach to the table, blending observation, mapping, engagement, surveys, audits, and data analysis. This thorough intelligence supports clear-eyed understanding and drives meaningful change. Here are some key highlights:
- Specialized expertise in social value, high streets, local economies, industry, and culture
- Projects that reveal hidden employment and heritage in regeneration areas
- Quantification of the wider impacts of creative and cultural sectors
- Innovative strategies addressing contemporary high street challenges
- Guidance on industrial intensification and workspace planning tailored for London’s needs
Exploring Diverse Urban Topics
The scope of We Made That’s research is impressively broad. From mapping cultural infrastructure in the West Midlands to exploring the intricate links between London’s culture and industry, their work covers a lot of ground. Each project is a piece of a bigger puzzle, helping to understand how urban spaces function and evolve. It’s about more than just data—it’s about stories, connections, and potential.
Selected Projects That Make a Difference
Some standout projects include the Charlton Riverside Employment and Heritage Study, which uncovers the layers of history and work in a Thames-side regeneration area. Then there’s the Creative Supply Chains Study, quantifying the ripple effects of creative and cultural sectors. Other projects like the High Streets & Town Centres Adaptive Strategies and the High Streets For All Study focus on making urban centers more inclusive and resilient. Each initiative pushes the envelope on how cities can adapt and flourish.
Collaborations with Key Clients
We Made That partners with a wide range of public bodies and organizations, including Transport for London, Greater London Authority, and Arts Council England, among many others. These collaborations ensure that their research and strategies are grounded in real-world needs and have the backing to create tangible impact. Working with local authorities and cultural trusts alike, their influence spans across regions and sectors.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – fostering inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban spaces
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – supporting local economies and employment through research and planning
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – promoting innovative industrial planning and infrastructure development
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – enhancing social value and inclusivity in urban environments
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – collaborating with public sector and charities to maximize public good
Why Urban Research Matters
Urban research isn’t just about numbers or maps—it’s about understanding the heartbeat of communities. By digging into social value, local economies, and cultural dynamics, We Made That helps unlock the potential of places that might otherwise be overlooked. Their work informs masterplans, strategies, and designs that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the people who live there. In a world that’s constantly changing, this kind of insight is invaluable.
