The ASFQ Grand Conference returns on June 5, 2025, with the theme ARCHITECTURE + INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY | Collaborating Across Borders! Held at the end of the day, the event will bring together local and international experts to discuss how architecture can be a lever for resilience and social justice on a global scale.

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Description

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For 17 years, ASFQ has been supporting projects around the world, implemented in a collaborative dynamic to co-design responses adapted to local realities, integrating traditional know-how, innovation and participatory approaches. Far from being isolated, this approach is part of a growing worldwide movement. Everywhere, a growing number of organizations and professionals are committing themselves to solidarity-based architecture, across all borders.

But what underpins the importance and legitimacy of such an approach? In a context marked by climatic, social and geopolitical crises, how can architecture contribute to sustainable development, resilience and community well-being? And above all, how can we overcome the historical power struggles between North and South, and ensure a truly collaborative architecture? These are all essential questions that need to be addressed!

To explore this complex theme, ASFQ’s Grand Conference 2025 offers an exceptional program. To open the conference, two representatives of internationally renowned firms, recognized for their exemplary practices, will take the floor as special guest speakers. The conference will be followed by a round table featuring experts in architecture and international development, who will discuss the challenges and opportunities of building with and for communities.

Held exclusively in person, the event will close with a cocktail reception, offering a privileged opportunity to network with professionals from diverse backgrounds. 400 participants are expected to attend this unique gathering, which will mark the close of the annual conference of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), June 1-4 in Montreal. It’s a rare opportunity to pool expertise and rally a committed audience around a common vision!

 

Program for the Grand Conference

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16:00 – Welcome of participants

16:30 – Opening address and conference

First confirmed international keynote speaker :

Katie Swenson is a recognized architect, researcher, writer and teacher. A Senior Associate at MASS Design Group, she co-leads the Advocacy team. Her work explores the essential role of design in social and economic justice, environmental sustainability and community well-being. With over 20 years’ experience, she is also an influential speaker. A prolific author, she has published Design with Love: At Home in America and In Bohemia in 2020 and contributed to several books on engaged architecture. Winner of the AIA Award for Excellence in Public Architecture in 2021, she directed the Rose Fellowship program at Enterprise Community Partners and founded the Charlottesville Community Design Center. Katie teaches at Parsons School of Design and speaks regularly on sustainable development and affordable housing. She holds degrees from the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Virginia.

Second international guest speaker | Coming soon

Round table :

Panel of experts | Coming soon

Animation | Coming soon

 

Stay tuned for our next announcements!

7:20 p.m. – Closing speechs

7:35 p.m. – Cocktails and networking

 

WHEN?
Thursday, June 5, 2024, 4:00 pm to 7:35 pm, followed by a cocktail reception.

WHERE?
Théâtre Paradoxe, Montréal (Métro Monk), at 5959 Bd Monk, Montréal, QC H4E 3E8

 

PRESENTIAL 
The event will take place face-to-face, with an expected attendance of 400. It will be followed by a cocktail reception for networking between professionals from different backgrounds.

LANGUAGE : french and english

CONTINUING EDUCATION
This conference can be credited with 2.5 hours of continuing education.

COCKTAIL
The conference will be followed by a wine and non-alcoholic beverage service.

 

RATES

Students/interns: $20 incl. tax

OAQ/AWBQ members: $40 incl. tax

Non-members: $50 incl. tax

 

INSCRIPTION

To register, click on the following button. This will take you to our online ticketing service, CanadaHelps.

 

Thanks to our annual partners!