What is lived experience?
“Lived experience” refers to personal knowledge, perceptions, and feelings about the built environments in which we live, work, and play. Responses reflect meaningful personal opinions rather than expert, scientific, or even formal descriptions.
Mapping positive lived experiences in Canada
Share your lived experience
Halifax Lakes and Rivers
“In a small city like Halifax, we have a unique blend of city and nature. Many of our best public
Alley-Oop – Vancouver
“My example of a quality lived experience is a semi-permanent laneway transformation in Vancouver called Alley-Oop. It is an example
Calgary New Central Library
“I particularly remember my experience of the imagining, approving, building and visiting the new Calgary Central Library designed by architects
Devonian Gardens – Calgary
“I believe that a positive experience of quality in the built environment should not only meet the practical needs of
Montreal
“I particularly remember visiting Montreal in 2022. I appreciated the ease of getting around the city without relying on a
Voisinérie – Montreal
“I particularly remember visiting the Voisinérie, a project to green a parking lot located in social housing in Montreal North.
Grand Marché de Québec
“Although the project is recent, the new Grand Marché de Québec is a concrete example of the quality described above.
Emily Follensbee School – Calgary
“I particularly remember visiting Emily Follensbee School, an elementary school for children with complex disabilities. What is striking is how
Canals of Birmingham – United Kingdom
“I lived in Birmingham, United Kingdom, for two years. The place I would like to highlight are the canals that
Richvale Park and Greenway – Richmondhill, ON
“The Richvale Park and Greenway in Richmondhill, ON in my childhood. This park had been recently revamped/revitalized in 2010 when
Guidelines
Typically, between 500-1000 words.
Positive Lived Experience should touch on at least one of QUALITY IN CANADA’S BUILT ENVIRONMENT goals.
Should aim to include at least one good quality image accompanied with a caption.
Should be accessible and understandable to a wide audience, e.g. everyday language, and explain any more complex concepts with which not everyone will be familiar.
Contributions in EN-FR
Include a short author bio.
Process will include submission, review and edition.