Social infrastructure
places, spaces and structures that enable people to get together, socialise and co-operate
Popular
a research and advisory practice to help us understand, design, operate and maintain our social infrastructure
What we offer
Research
Mapping, measuring and understanding social infrastructure using qualitative, quantitative and participatory methods
Strategy and Policy
Supporting strategic planning for social infrastructure as part of masterplans, new builds and developments
​
Helping those who own and run social infrastructure to realise its potential
Public Engagement
Designing and delivering community engagement, participation and co-creation to map present and future social infrastructure
Community Ownership
Research and advisory for groups transitioning community assets into democratic ownership, including governance and finance models
Knowledge Sharing
Bringing together people who own and manage social infrastructure to share experiences
​
Pooling and sharing resources to help advance the field
Our team
We bring together practical, policy and academic expertise in social infrastructure, citizen participation, housing and regeneration, community assets, democratic ownership and the social economy. Click here to learn more about our past work.
Testimonials
"We commissioned Popular as part of our research into neighbourhood high streets, asking them to identify high streets in deprived areas that had in the past declined but are now thriving once again, and uncover their story. They did the hard yards: visiting each neighbourhood in person, speaking to the traders, residents, and local leaders who had been at the centre of the story, rather than reconstructing it from a distance. They delivered a research and policy paper, workshops, and online sessions, all of which is some of the strongest evidence we have that renewal is possible - it is vivid and specific where it needs to be, and clear-eyed and practical where it counts. Popular are collaborative, intellectually engaged, passionate, and deeply committed to their craft and their mission."
Ross Mudie, Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods
Contact us
Disclaimer: Popular is currently at the pre-incorporation stage. We trade as three sole traders under shared brand.