Architecture and Homelessness Design Catalogue Now Available in English

Architecture Without Borders Quebec (AWBQ) has recently announced that its catalogue of practices, “Architecture + Homelessness: Inclusive Practices for a Supportive City,” is now available in English.

The increase in homelessness in urban areas was worsened by the pandemic and as a result, housing, migratory, and climatic crises, are a challenge faced by cities worldwide.

AWBQ noted that it’s necessary now more than ever to study and transform 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,” said Bruno Demers, executive director of AWBQ. “By offering it in English, it aims to facilitate cross-cultural exchange and inspire collaborative efforts on a global scale.”

The catalogue was designed to inform and equip design professionals, community organizations, and urban development stakeholders and provides a portrait of architecture and design practices that have the potential to contribute to the well-being of people experiencing homelessness (PEH).

Additionally, based on a review of existing literature, the catalogue looks at all scales of design, from the city to the object and lists over sixty practices grouped into five main categories. It is also illustrated with various projects.

A first in Canada, this research is being conducted under the guidance of an interdisciplinary advisory committee of a dozen experts, along with the support of various research collaborators.

AWBQ will also be hosting their second edition of the Architecture + Itinérance conference in Montréal this month. The name of the conference translates to “architecture and homelessness” and will be returning to Agora du Coeur des sciences (Hydro-Québec) de l’UQAM on November 22, 2023.

In addition to the conference, the ASFQ will also be hosting its annual fundraiser called La Soirée des Grands A which will make a comeback on November 29, 2023 after a hiatus during the pandemic, to celebrate their 15th anniversary.