RESEARCH SITE: Led by Université de Montréal

THEME: Material Innovation in Spaces for Special Needs

All the present members of the student research team from the University of Montreal are listed below in alphabetical order. Every student was inspired to introduce themselves, including their nationality, background, and their current program. They were also asked the following two simple questions:

1. What does “Quality” in the built environment means to you in ONE word?
2. Where is your favorite place in Calgary that you like the most and maybe one that resembles that one word from the previous question? (This place can be a small, large, public, private, house, garden, mall, park, recreation, corridor, lounge– literally anywhere!)

Short Bio:

I am a graduate architect from the International University of Rabat (Morocco), a graphic designer and a BIM manager, currently enrolled in doctoral studies at the School of Architecture at the University of Montreal. I am exploring the effects of hybrid apparatuses (technological and spatial) specific to the smart city on the architectural scale of projects. By developing a theoretical model, it is possible to anticipate potential emergences related to the introduction of technology in the interactions between the different actor.esse.s of the city.

1. What quality in the built environment means to you in a Few words?

Honesty.

2. Where is your favorite place in Montreal that you like the most and maybe one that resembles that one word from the previous question?

Near the Lucien-L'Allier metro station, you can find the Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine house. The contrast of this neoclassical building with the surrounding tide of skyscrapers made me stop in my tracks and take the time to appreciate this lone witness of the past. A welcome break to catch ones breath in the frenzied race towards the heavens.

1. What quality in the built environment means to you in a Few words?

Spaces that are comfortable for all, designed with great environmental and social consideration.

2. Where is your favorite place in Montreal that you like the most and maybe one that resembles that one word from the previous question?

The Westmount Conservatory, a greenhouse that has just gotten its 1927 heritage structure restored, with a new reworked, more accessible interior design. It is free, and always full of life thanks to its many visitors and plants.

Short Bio:

I am studying for a PhD in architecture at the Université de Montréal, under the supervision of Jean-Pierre Chupin. My Ph.D. research focuses on the architectural quality of Canadian public buildings through the filter of universal accessibility and neurodiversity. As part of this partnership, this research contributes to the research project located on material innovation in spaces for people with special needs.

1. What quality in the built environment means to you in a Few words?

In my opinion, a quality environment means an environment that is accessible to all.

2. Where is your favorite place in Montreal that you like the most and maybe one that resembles that one word from the previous question?

I don't have a specific place that I prefer in Montreal. My favorite places are the quiet corners not too busy, small peaceful spaces and isolated from the rest of the city.

Short Bio:

I am a Canadian student in the first year of the master's program in architecture at the University of Montreal under the supervision of Bechara Helal. As part of my final study project, currently, I am participating in the tactical laboratory of inclusive design in which accessibility and inclusion are the new drivers of architectural design. My interests in this workshop focus on the accessibility of public space through the perception of security.

1. What quality in the built environment means to you in a Few words?

Accessible spaces where it is possible to build a sense of belonging, comfort, and community through the appropriation of places.

2. Where is your favorite place in Montreal that you like the most and maybe one that resembles that one word from the previous question?

The Patro community center and its adjacent parks, Normanville Park, and The Prévost Park. These places are adaptable and host neighborhood events, and amateur sports leagues, and offer a multitude of services and equipment accessible to the neighborhood both indoors and outdoors. Their proximity makes it a very lively center both in summer and in winter, and this is to a diversity of people. It is possible to go there for exchanging with others as well as to use the space in a more individual way.

Short Bio:

I am a second-year Architecture student in the bachelor's program at the University of Montreal. At present, I am working as a research assistant for Prof. Jean-Pierre Chupin. Besides, I have a particular interest in the theoretical side of the field and a desire to learn more about the concrete ways in which we can better our design processes with quality in mind.

1. What quality in the built environment means to you in a Few words?

To me, quality in the built environment means community.

2. Where is your favorite place in Montreal that you like the most and maybe one that resembles that one word from the previous question?

My favorite place in Montréal is Avenue Duluth, because of its enlarged sidewalks that make it feel like a place where the city rightfully belongs to its pedestrians, and for the way it seamlessly links two of Montréal's greatest parks.

Short Bio:

Paloma Castonguay-Rufino holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Architecture. After working in a firm, which is specialized in heritage conservation, she began a doctorate in architecture at the University of Montreal under the direction of Jean-Pierre Chupin, on the definition and rehabilitation of industrial heritage in Canada.

1-What quality in the built environment means to you in a Few words?

My perspective on quality in architecture is oriented toward issues of classification, reuse, and transformation of existing buildings.

2. Where is your favorite place in Montreal that you like the most and maybe one that resembles that one word from the previous question?

My favorite place in Montreal is the Lachine Canal.

Short Bio:

My nationality is Bangladeshi. I have completed my bachelor’s in architecture and Master’s degree in Human Settlements from Khulna University, Bangladesh. At present, I am pursuing my doctorate degree in the Individualized Ph.D. in Architecture at the University of Montreal under the guidance and supervision of Prof. Jean-Pierre Chupin, the Canada Research Chair in Architecture, Competitions, and Mediations of Excellence. My research interest is focusing on defining and measuring the ‘Social Value in Architecture of the Public Realm’. Through my research, I am questing for a better understanding of what social value in architecture is and how the notion of ‘social value’ can be considered and applied properly in the architectural transformation of the public realm. My main objective is to create a ‘Social Value Index’ for architecture. I am also the student representative from the University of Montreal at the Graduate Student Committee (GSC) of the SSHRC partnership Quality in Canada’s Built Environment.

1. What quality in the built environment means to you in a Few words?

Inclusiveness in terms of accessibility, age, and equity.

2. Where is your favorite place in Montreal that you like the most and maybe one that resembles that one word from the previous question?

Places des Arts is my favorite place in Montreal. I often like to go there both alone and with my friends just to observe and sense the vibrancy of this area as every kind of people visits here. It consists of widened sidewalks for pedestrians. There are numerous types of activities, both indoor and outdoor, for every season like galleries, exhibitions, theaters, shops, parks, plazas, restaurants, and public seatings that obviously create social value and increase the quality of this space.

Short Bio:

I am a Quebecker. I have a BA in interior design and a DESS degree in interior design from the University of Montreal. I am currently in the second year of my master’s degree. I am particularly interested in the question of the role of empathy in the design process. My research project aims to understand the relationship between the designer’s intentions and the experience of the place, via the theoretical framework of empathy, under the supervision of Virginie Lasalle.

1. What quality in the built environment means to you in a Few words?

Social, material, and experiential innovation.

2. Where is your favorite place in Montreal that you like the most and maybe one that resembles that one word from the previous question?

I grew up and still live in the countryside. Montreal is therefore an impressive city for me, not only because of its scale but also, paradoxically, because of the accessibility and proximity of services. So I think my favorite place in Montreal is the metro: each station has its own identity, and its own experience and allows a network of connectivity between people and spaces.