Making a Difference on Critical Issues Common to the World

Architecture Without Borders Quebec (AWBQ) launched that its catalogue of practices, "Architecture + Homelessness: Inclusive Practices for a Supportive City" is now available in English, opening doors to a wider audience and fostering global conversations about this critical issue.

Introduction to practices and classification
Photo credit: AWBQ, 2023

The increase in homelessness in urban areas, exacerbated by the pandemic and housing, migratory, and climatic crises, is a challenge faced by cities worldwide. In such a context, it seems more necessary than ever to study and transform our cities by engaging the practice of architecture to ensure that they are more inclusive and supportive of people experiencing homelessness, or who are at risk of homelessness.

This catalogue is part of AWBQ’s commitment to inclusive design and social justice. By offering it in English, it aims to facilitate cross-cultural exchange and inspire collaborative efforts on a global scale.  - Bruno Demers, Executive Director of AWBQ

Typologies
Photo credit: AWBQ, 2023

VinziRast + La Ferme du Rail
Photo credit: Photos by Kurt Kuball (left) and Christophe Ponceau (right). Image taken from AWBQ's Catalogue, part B.

Designed to inform and equip design professionals, community organizations, and urban development stakeholders, the catalogue provides a portrait of architecture and design practices that have the potential to contribute to the well-being of people experiencing homelessness (PEH). Based on a review of existing literature, the catalogue looks at all scales of design, from the city to the object. It lists more than sixty practices grouped into five main categories, and is illustrated with various inspiring projects.

A first in Canada, this research is being conducted under the guidance of an interdisciplinary advisory committee of a dozen experts, and with the support of several research collaborators. AWBQ would like to acknowledge their essential contributions to the completion of this project, made possible thanks to the financial support of the Government of Quebec and the City of Montreal.

In the context of ongoing research, AWBQ invites you to join them for the second edition of the Architecture + Homelessness colloquium on November 22nd in Montreal. Tackling the topic of “Inhabiting the city beyond housing”, the day will include panels and workshops fostering collective discussion around urban encampments and access to public space.

Architecture Without Borders Quebec (AWBQ)

Architecture Without Borders Quebec (AWBQ) is an organization assisting populations suffering from crises, natural disasters, and social inequalities. The organization works with communities to build their capacities through the involvement of different actors in the architectural field. AWBQ works overseas with other Canadian international cooperation organizations, and within Quebec, in urban areas and with Indigenous peoples. Created in 2008 by the Order of Architects of Quebec (OAQ), AWBQ represents the official humanitarian arm of the architectural profession. It promotes members’ social responsibility and volunteer involvement, and includes all 4,500 architects from the province. Based on this unique partnership among professional organizations, AWBQ also benefits from the commitment of other trades and numerous partners in the implementation of its programs.