Community21 explores social and sustainable design and the links between these emergent areas. Our research is highly collaborative, working with industrial partners and global brands, international NGOs and charities, governing bodies, as well as directly with civic populations in the UK and overseas. Together we co-define the research questions relevant to diverse and often under-represented communities in the twenty-first century.  

Our projects have included investigating new material innovations and frameworks for community level and industrial circular economies and the social, cultural and environmental value of better management of waste. This includes collaborators such partners such as The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, The British Council (UK, Indonesia, Nepal and Philippines), Veolia, PUMA, New Balance, The Dreamcatcher Foundation (South Africa), The NHS, Emmaus and The Design Council.   

We explore means to develop engagement towards improving biodiversity and our natural environment with partners such as The Marine Conservation Society, UNESCO Biosphere region, Rewilding Sussex and Rewilding UK, The Forest Foundation in Philippines, The UK and World Crafts Council. We have devised research that reveals the role of technology and making in support of youth and public engagement. This has involved inclusive, urban design and community planning with The Nominet Trust, U+I, The Trust for Developing Communities, The Rural Community Council Network, The Department of Communities and Local Government, The Cabinet Office and The Rural Commission. 

Our researchers literally ‘make’ research and the results of our collaborative, creative enquiries manifest through, and are embodied within tangible material, objects and products, places and spaces, tools and devices, directly applying co-produced research where it is needed most.  

Visit our website https://community21.org