Towards an appropriation of the composite concept of Quality at ULaval

Processes & policies

As part of the implementation of the SSHRC Partnership program for the definition of a Quality portfolio for the built environment in Canada, the Université Laval site has taken steps to initiate research activities that will enable it to better integrate partners into the program's vision and initiate the appropriation of the concept of quality. Other site partners include the City of Quebec, the Old Limoilou and Maizerets neighborhood councils, the Association des Architectes en pratique privée au Québec, Circum Architecture, as well as the organizations Vivre en ville, Écobâtiment and Votepour.ca.

Workshops and round tables were organized, at which most of the partners expressed their concerns and expectations regarding the process of understanding quality in the built environment. The development of the Canardière district, which includes the Maizerets and Vieux-Moulin neighborhoods, is at the heart of this approach. The various partners expressed their perceptions of the various quality elements of this project. 11 quality criteria/guiding principles were presented and discussed.

This approach led the ULaval site to collect information on the partners' activities, enabling it to understand the context in which projects, programs and policies in the built environment are implemented, with potential impacts on the overall living environment and the well-being of social players, including citizens. The multi-dimensional, multi-factorial and complex nature of Quality has led us to consider it as a composite concept whose content varies according to the perception of the actors involved.

To learn more about the research site led in Quebec City by the Université Laval, click here.