Architecture + Homelessness Catalogue 2025

Architecture Without Borders Quebec (AWBQ) has unveiled an important new research catalogue titled Architecture + Homelessness: Research on Living Environments and Their Design, launched in Montreal on September 9, 2025. The event gathered nearly 100 participants, including architects, municipal leaders, and community workers, highlighting the urgent link between urban design and the well-being of people experiencing homelessness.

A Research-Based Approach to Housing

The catalogue builds on earlier initiatives such as Architecture + Homelessness: Inclusive Practices for a Supportive City (2023). Edited by Professor Carolyne Grimard and written in collaboration with Sonia Blank of AWBQ, the publication presents insights drawn from post-occupancy studies across Canada. Through interviews, photo-voice workshops, and field observations, the team sought to understand how living environments affect individuals in transitional and permanent housing.

Linking Architecture and Social Support

The research stresses that both the quality of built environments and the strength of community support are vital factors in improving residents’ welfare. By centering the voices of people with lived experience, the catalogue advocates for design practices that move beyond basic shelter, aiming to create spaces that encourage dignity, safety, and belonging.

A Multi-Year Collaboration

This publication represents the culmination of a three-year program (2023–2025) developed between AWBQ and the School of Social Work at the University of Montreal. Supported by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the research program was designed to deepen knowledge of development practices that promote stability for people at risk of homelessness. Contributors include researchers, architects, project managers, and community partners, reflecting the collective nature of the work.

A Tool for Advocacy and Change

The catalogue is not only a research document but also a practical tool for advocacy. By illustrating the tangible benefits of thoughtful housing design, it provides leverage for pushing municipalities and organizations to invest in sustainable and supportive housing models. As Architecture Without Borders Quebec emphasizes, architecture has the power to become a driver of social change when aligned with human needs and inclusivity (Architecture Without Borders Quebec).

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