{"id":331714,"date":"2021-06-16T14:47:16","date_gmt":"2021-06-16T14:47:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.asf-quebec.org\/about-us\/"},"modified":"2024-03-02T11:13:27","modified_gmt":"2024-03-02T16:13:27","slug":"about-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.asf-quebec.org\/en\/about-us\/","title":{"rendered":"About us"},"content":{"rendered":"

Who we are<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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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.<\/p>\n

Created in 2008 by the Order of Architects of Quebec, AWBQ represents the official humanitarian arm of the architectural profession. It promotes members\u2019 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Our founding partner<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div>
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Learn more<\/span><\/a><\/div>
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Who we are<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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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.<\/p>\n

Created in 2008 by the Order of Architects of Quebec, AWBQ represents the official humanitarian arm of the architectural profession. It promotes members\u2019 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Our founding partner<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div>
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Our values<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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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\u2019s 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\u2019s habitat. Therefore, a united, quality and inclusive architecture is needed more than ever to find the best solutions to the challenges facing humanity.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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90% of the world\u2019s population<\/span>is living in inadequate conditions<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Our values<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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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\u2019s 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\u2019s habitat. Therefore, a united, quality and inclusive architecture is needed more than ever to find the best solutions to the challenges facing humanity.<\/p>\n<\/div>

90% of the world\u2019s population<\/span>is living in inadequate conditions<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Mission<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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To strengthen capacity building in vulnerable communities by engaging with the architectural sector.<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>
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Vision<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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A world in which all people have access to a high quality, built environment.<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>
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Values<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Justice<\/h3>\n

An emphasis on the fundamental rights to which architecture can contribute.<\/p>\n

Solidarity<\/h3>\n

The responsibility to help in a context of local and international interdependency.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Commitment<\/h3>\n

A desire for professionals in the construction industry to mobilize and participate towards a better world.<\/p>\n

Respect<\/h3>\n

The utmost consideration for the needs, differences and dignity of all stakeholders involved.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Mission<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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RTo strengthen capacity building in vulnerable communities by engaging with the architectural sector.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Vision<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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A world in which all people have access to a high quality, built environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Values<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Justice<\/h3>\n

An emphasis on the fundamental rights to which architecture can contribute.<\/p>\n

Solidarity<\/h3>\n

The responsibility to help in a context of local and international interdependency.<\/p>\n

Commitment<\/h3>\n

A desire for professionals in the construction industry to mobilize and participate towards a better world.<\/p>\n

Respect<\/h3>\n

The utmost consideration for the needs, differences and dignity of all stakeholders involved.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Mission<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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RTo strengthen capacity building in vulnerable communities by engaging with the architectural sector.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Vision<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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A world in which all people have access to a high quality, built environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Values<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Justice<\/h3>\n

An emphasis on the fundamental rights to which architecture can contribute.<\/p>\n

Solidarity<\/h3>\n

The responsibility to help in a context of local and international interdependency.<\/p>\n

Commitment<\/h3>\n

A desire for professionals in the construction industry to mobilize and participate towards a better world.<\/p>\n

Respect<\/h3>\n

The utmost consideration for the needs, differences and dignity of all stakeholders involved.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Our Network<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Architecture Sans Fronti\u00e8res International (ASF International) is a network of about 30 independent organizations spread across five continents. Its members are united by the\u00a0Hasselt Charter<\/i><\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

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 Montr\u00e9al Design Declaration<\/i><\/a>, adopted in 2017 following the World Design Summit.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Our Network<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Architecture Sans Fronti\u00e8res International (ASF International) is a network of about 30 independent organizations spread across five continents. Its members are united by the\u00a0Hasselt Charter<\/i><\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

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 Montr\u00e9al Design Declaration<\/i><\/a>, adopted in 2017 following the World Design Summit.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Our Network<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Architecture Sans Fronti\u00e8res International (ASF International) is a network of about 30 independent organizations spread across five continents. Its members are united by the\u00a0Hasselt Charter<\/i><\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

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 Montr\u00e9al Design Declaration<\/i><\/a>, adopted in 2017 following the World Design Summit.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Our Team<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Our team consists of dedicated employees and committed administrators, supported by the vital contribution of volunteers and collaborators.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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LEARN MORE<\/span><\/a><\/div>
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Our Team<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Our team consists of dedicated employees and committed administrators, supported by the vital contribution of volunteers and collaborators.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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LEARN MORE<\/span><\/a><\/div>
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Our Team<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Our team consists of dedicated employees and committed administrators, supported by the vital contribution of volunteers and collaborators.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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LEARN MORE<\/span><\/a><\/div>
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Our Partners<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Our partners are at the heart of our mission. Through their provision of financial and technical support, help in sharing important information and by other forms of contributions, they are integral to the humanitarian involvement of Quebec architects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Get to know our partners<\/span><\/a><\/div>
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Our Partners<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Our partners are at the heart of our mission. Through their provision of financial and technical support, help in sharing important information and by other forms of contributions, they are integral to the humanitarian involvement of Quebec architects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Get to know our partners<\/span><\/a><\/div>
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Our Partners<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Our partners are at the heart of our mission. Through their provision of financial and technical support, help in sharing important information and by other forms of contributions, they are integral to the humanitarian involvement of Quebec architects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Get to know our partners<\/span><\/a><\/div>
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Our programs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Our activities are organized into several programs aimed at pushing the boundaries of architecture. Some help in priority areas in Quebec and internationally. Others mobilize industry players to contribute to social leadership and increase the positive impact of our projects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Learn more about our programs<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Our programs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Our activities are organized into several programs aimed at pushing the boundaries of architecture. Some help in priority areas in Quebec and internationally. Others mobilize industry players to contribute to social leadership and increase the positive impact of our projects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Learn more about our programs<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Our programs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Our activities are organized into several programs aimed at pushing the boundaries of architecture. Some help in priority areas in Quebec and internationally. Others mobilize industry players to contribute to social leadership and increase the positive impact of our projects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Learn more about our programs<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Our Expertise<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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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.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Our Expertise<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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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.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Our Approach<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Our Approach<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Our Competencies<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Principles of Intervention<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>
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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\u2019s charter, key principles guide the projects we undertake with our partners:<\/p>\n