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
Esplanade Tranquille – Montreal
“The first time I stumbled upon Esplanade Tranquille, a year-round indoor public space in Quartier des Spectacles, at the core
BAnQ’s Grand Library – Montreal
“I particularly remember visiting La Grande Bibliothèque du Québec by Patkau Architects, Menkès Shooner Dagenais Le Tourneux Architectes, and Croft
The Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC)
“The Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC) is opening a dedicated Elders’ Lodge that offers affordable housing, indoor and outdoor
Toronto Music Gardens – Toronto
“I particularly remember visiting the Toronto Music Gardens at the city’s waterfront. My last visit to the harbourfront retreat was
Bowness Park – Calgary
“I particularly remember visiting Bowness Park in Calgary during wintertime before sunset. As you slowly enter the park you are
METU Faculty of Architecture – Ankara, Turkey
“As I am new to Canada, I recall my undergraduate faculty building in Ankara, Turkey being a very good example
“Petit Laurier” – Plateau-Mont-Royal – Montreal
“My experience of living in my neighbourhood, the “Petit Laurier” in the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough, is the best example of a
Co-housing community in the municipality of Neuville
“I currently live in a cohousing community in the municipality of Neuville. We are 12 households, each with our own
Métis dovetail homes
“Historic Métis Handhewn dovetail homes are quality architecture. They are built from the land using local materials and respect the
Emily Follensbee School – Calgary
“I particularly remember visiting Emily Follensbee School, an elementary school for children with complex disabilities. What is striking is how
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.