By integrating rigorous research with applied consulting, South Heaven seeks to engender a system of bottom-up thinking about how to build environments and livable cities. Our collaborative and action-based research activities contribute to the development of new knowledge and offer innovative design solutions and policy guidance for both the public and private sectors. It serves policy- and decision-makers, professional agencies and organizations, development agencies, stakeholders in urban development with a view to creating a platform for critical thinking around community-driven architecture in the global South and beyond.