Who we are
Architecture Without Borders Quebec (AWBQ) is an organization assisting populations suffering from crises, natural disasters or social inequalities. It 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, AWBQ represents the official humanitarian arm of the architectural profession. It promotes members’ social responsibility and volunteer involvement, and includes all 4,700 architects from the province. Based on this unique partnership among professional organizations, AWBQ also benefits from the commitment of other trades and many partners in the implementation of its programs.
Who we are
Architecture Without Borders Quebec (AWBQ) is an organization assisting populations suffering from crises, natural disasters or social inequalities. It 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, AWBQ represents the official humanitarian arm of the architectural profession. It promotes members’ social responsibility and volunteer involvement, and includes all 4,700 architects from the province. Based on this unique partnership among professional organizations, AWBQ also benefits from the commitment of other trades and many partners in the implementation of its programs.
Our values
Far from being a luxury, architecture is essential to human advancement, sustainable development and community autonomy. It involves rights as fundamental as housing, health, education, equality and security. They are dependent on adequate infrastructure, which requires quality architecture. Yet, due to uncertainty and injustice, most of the world’s inhabitants live in poorly built environments, and cannot build safe, healthy and environmentally sound living spaces. This situation persists even more as urbanization, migration and climate change are accelerating, further deteriorating vulnerable people’s habitat. Therefore, a united, quality and inclusive architecture is needed more than ever to find the best solutions to the challenges facing humanity.
90% of the world’s populationis living in inadequate conditions
Our values
Far from being a luxury, architecture is essential to human advancement, sustainable development and community autonomy. It involves rights as fundamental as housing, health, education, equality and security. They are dependent on adequate infrastructure, which requires quality architecture. Yet, due to uncertainty and injustice, most of the world’s inhabitants live in poorly built environments, and cannot build safe, healthy and environmentally sound living spaces. This situation persists even more as urbanization, migration and climate change are accelerating, further deteriorating vulnerable people’s habitat. Therefore, a united, quality and inclusive architecture is needed more than ever to find the best solutions to the challenges facing humanity.
90% of the world’s populationis living in inadequate conditions
Mission
To strengthen capacity building in vulnerable communities by engaging with the architectural sector.
Vision
A world in which all people have access to a high quality, built environment.
Values
Justice
An emphasis on the fundamental rights to which architecture can contribute.
Solidarity
The responsibility to help in a context of local and international interdependency.
Commitment
A desire for professionals in the construction industry to mobilize and participate towards a better world.
Respect
The utmost consideration for the needs, differences and dignity of all stakeholders involved.
Mission
RTo strengthen capacity building in vulnerable communities by engaging with the architectural sector.
Vision
A world in which all people have access to a high quality, built environment.
Values
Justice
An emphasis on the fundamental rights to which architecture can contribute.
Solidarity
The responsibility to help in a context of local and international interdependency.
Commitment
A desire for professionals in the construction industry to mobilize and participate towards a better world.
Respect
The utmost consideration for the needs, differences and dignity of all stakeholders involved.
Mission
RTo strengthen capacity building in vulnerable communities by engaging with the architectural sector.
Vision
A world in which all people have access to a high quality, built environment.
Values
Justice
An emphasis on the fundamental rights to which architecture can contribute.
Solidarity
The responsibility to help in a context of local and international interdependency.
Commitment
A desire for professionals in the construction industry to mobilize and participate towards a better world.
Respect
The utmost consideration for the needs, differences and dignity of all stakeholders involved.
Our Network
Architecture Sans Frontières International (ASF International) is a network of about 30 independent organizations spread across five continents. Its members are united by the Hasselt Charter, a joint declaration of principles that promotes a fair, socially responsible architecture, sensitive to cultural diversity, preserving heritage,and based on cooperation and respectfor human rights.
The network and its members collaborate on various local and international initiatives, including training for professionals, and advocacy with leading design and development agencies, including the United Nations. AWBQ and ASF International have also contributed together to the drafting of the Montréal Design Declaration, adopted in 2017 following the World Design Summit.
Our Network
Architecture Sans Frontières International (ASF International) is a network of about 30 independent organizations spread across five continents. Its members are united by the Hasselt Charter, a joint declaration of principles that promotes a fair, socially responsible architecture, sensitive to cultural diversity, preserving heritage,and based on cooperation and respectfor human rights.
The network and its members collaborate on various local and international initiatives, including training for professionals, and advocacy with leading design and development agencies, including the United Nations. AWBQ and ASF International have also contributed together to the drafting of the Montréal Design Declaration, adopted in 2017 following the World Design Summit.
Our Network
Architecture Sans Frontières International (ASF International) is a network of about 30 independent organizations spread across five continents. Its members are united by the Hasselt Charter, a joint declaration of principles that promotes a fair, socially responsible architecture, sensitive to cultural diversity, preserving heritage,and based on cooperation and respectfor human rights.
The network and its members collaborate on various local and international initiatives, including training for professionals, and advocacy with leading design and development agencies, including the United Nations. AWBQ and ASF International have also contributed together to the drafting of the Montréal Design Declaration, adopted in 2017 following the World Design Summit.
Our Expertise
Architecture is the art of designing buildings and creating functional, resistant, comfortable and cohesive spaces. An initial design process is implemented before starting any construction and pays close attention to the future occupants by finding the best solutions adapted to each cultural, geographical and regulatory framework. We offer this expertise to our project partners with support in all phases, from the preliminary summary of needs all the way to delivery, including schematics, sketches and plans. Whether it be schools, clinics, community centres or housing, our understanding of design methods is human-centred and mindful of social impact. We ensure that architectural quality is present, as well-designed infrastructures will make a community proud and deliver life-changing services.
Our Expertise
Architecture is the art of designing buildings and creating functional, resistant, comfortable and cohesive spaces. An initial design process is implemented before starting any construction and pays close attention to the future occupants by finding the best solutions adapted to each cultural, geographical and regulatory framework. We offer this expertise to our project partners with support in all phases, from the preliminary summary of needs all the way to delivery, including schematics, sketches and plans. Whether it be schools, clinics, community centres or housing, our understanding of design methods is human-centred and mindful of social impact. We ensure that architectural quality is present, as well-designed infrastructures will make a community proud and deliver life-changing services.
Our Approach
Our approach seeks to rethink boundaries, including those of conventional architecture; we serve communities rather than clients. We cultivate collaboration between our partners, beneficiaries and volunteers. We meet needs and challenges for which the industry offers too few answers and resources. Our team must think outside the box and cultivate an attitude focused on solving complex problems.
In addition to building design and project management, our competencies range from research and consulting to innovation. Furthermore, the answers we find to challenge the status quo often tend to focus on training and advocacy as opposed to construction solutions. This is why we initiate professional development activities and take a public stand on issues associated with our mission.
Our Approach
Our approach seeks to rethink boundaries, including those of conventional architecture; we serve communities rather than clients. We cultivate collaboration between our partners, beneficiaries and volunteers. We meet needs and challenges for which the industry offers too few answers and resources. Our team must think outside the box and cultivate an attitude focused on solving complex problems.
In addition to building design and project management, our competencies range from research and consulting to innovation. Furthermore, the answers we find to challenge the status quo often tend to focus on training and advocacy as opposed to construction solutions. This is why we initiate professional development activities and take a public stand on issues associated with our mission.
Our Competencies
Principles of Intervention
As the humanitarian arm of the Order of Architects of Quebec, ethics is at the heart of our approach. Besides our values, industry codes and our international federation’s charter, key principles guide the projects we undertake with our partners:
- Relevance and continuity of the interventions
- Integrity, efficiency and honesty of everyone involved
- Inclusion of differences and marginalized individuals/span>
- Non-discrimination, independence and neutrality in the help provided
- Quality assurance and professional liability in all projects
Our Competencies
Principles of Intervention
As the humanitarian arm of the Order of Architects of Quebec, ethics is at the heart of our approach. Besides our values, industry codes and our international federation’s charter, key principles guide the projects we undertake with our partners:
- Relevance and continuity of the interventions
- Integrity, efficiency and honesty of everyone involved
- Inclusion of differences and marginalized individuals/span>
- Non-discrimination, independence and neutrality in the help provided
- Quality assurance and professional liability in all projects
Our Impact
Our programs target some of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, to which any responsible architecture should contribute: the fight against poverty, access to health, quality education, decent work, gender equality, resilient infrastructures, sustainable cities, reducing inequalities, responsible consumption, climate action and strong partnerships. AWBQ makes possible several yearly projects that change lives in Quebec and internationally. There are also various awareness-raising activities for our members and supporters that help to train a new generation of committed professionals and to set the humanitarian architecture movement in motion.
Our Impact
Our programs target some of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, to which any responsible architecture should contribute: the fight against poverty, access to health, quality education, decent work, gender equality, resilient infrastructures, sustainable cities, reducing inequalities, responsible consumption, climate action and strong partnerships. AWBQ makes possible several yearly projects that change lives in Quebec and internationally. There are also various awareness-raising activities for our members and supporters that help to train a new generation of committed professionals and to set the humanitarian architecture movement in motion.
Proud partner of the 1% !
1% for the Planet is a global movement that inspires businesses and individuals to support environmental solutions through memberships and daily actions. The private companies that are members of the movement undertake each year, in different ways, to donate 1% of their gross sales to approved environmental organizations.
As a 1% accredited partner since 2018, ASFQ invites all companies involved in the movement to invest in its humanitarian programs, all of which aim to increase the social and environmental resilience of communities here and elsewhere.
Proud partner of the 1% !
1% for the Planet is a global movement that inspires businesses and individuals to support environmental solutions through memberships and daily actions. The private companies that are members of the movement undertake each year, in different ways, to donate 1% of their gross sales to approved environmental organizations.
As a 1% accredited partner since 2018, ASFQ invites all companies involved in the movement to invest in its humanitarian programs, all of which aim to increase the social and environmental resilience of communities here and elsewhere.
Proud partner of the 1% !
1% for the Planet is a global movement that inspires businesses and individuals to support environmental solutions through memberships and daily actions. The private companies that are members of the movement undertake each year, in different ways, to donate 1% of their gross sales to approved environmental organizations.
As a 1% accredited partner since 2018, ASFQ invites all companies involved in the movement to invest in its humanitarian programs, all of which aim to increase the social and environmental resilience of communities here and elsewhere.