Leonardo’s research makes a significant contribution to the emerging field of social value in the built environment. Using Amartya Sen’s capability approach as a theoretical lens, his work positions housing as a crucial “conversion factor” that enables people to live the lives they have reason to value.
The research is particularly timely given the UK’s Public Services (Social Value) Act and the growing importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria in housing decisions. Through qualitative case studies of contrasting housing estates and in-depth work with residents and practitioners, Leonardo developed innovative ‘co-created pattern languages’ – participatory tools that reveal how spatial design and everyday life intersect to produce social value. His findings offer practical insights for housing associations, architects, and policymakers seeking to assess social value through resident-centred, participatory approaches rather than traditional top-down metrics.
The thesis was developed within the broader RE-DWELL European research network, which provided a fertile ground for this innovative research. Over three years, Leonardo benefited from numerous workshops, summer schools, and conferences organised by the network and partner organisations, gaining a nuanced and comprehensive perspective on the complex issues at stake in contemporary housing research.
The thesis was completed under the supervision of Dr. Stephen Gage at the School of Architecture, University of Reading and co-supervised by Prof. Lorraine Farrelly (School of Architecture & Built Environment, University of York), Prof. Jean-Christophe Dissart (Institut d’Urbanisme et de Géographie Alpine, Université Grenoble Alpes), and Dr. Elanor Warwick (RE-DWELL Project Partner Organisation). The examination was conducted by Prof. Rebecca Tunstall (University of York) and Prof. Cristina Cerulli (University of Reading).
This international collaboration reflects the cross-disciplinary nature of contemporary urban living research, bringing together expertise in architecture, geography, urban planning, and social policy from across Europe.
Congratulations to Dr. Ricaurte Ospina on this significant achievement!