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
Public Buildings
Housing Housing
Streets and Paths
Parks,⁣ Squares and Plazas
Neighborhoods and Districts
Others
Quality in Canada's Built Environment: Roadmaps to Equity, Social Value and Sustainablity

Share your lived experience


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TELUS Convention Centre in Calgary
Erin 27 October 2026
“These spaces work well at a larger scale, especially during events. Movement through the space is manageable, and accessibility is […]

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Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar – Calgary
Erin 27 October 2026
“This place stands out not only because of the physical space, but also because of how the experience is managed. […]

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Dandy Brewing Company – Calgary
Erin 27 October 2026
“At first glance, it looks like a simple bar, but there is a lot happening in the way the space […]

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Calgary TELUS Convention Centre
Nabeel 27 October 2026
“The Convention Centre stands out for its accessibility, even though the surrounding conditions are not always ideal. There is no […]

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Ditchfield cafe
Léa 12 August 2026
Ditchfield Coffee is a bright and welcoming place. The staff is always smiling and takes the time to chat with […]

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Place Plumereau
Roxane 18 June 2026
Place Plumereau in Tours, also known as Place Plume, is a place for gathering and celebration. It is like the […]

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Pembina Hall Student Residences
Félix 2 June 2026
Pembina Hall Student Residences offers comfortable and immaculate private rooms right on the University of Manitoba campus. Just a few […]

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Decidedly Jazz Danceworks
Nabeel 15 May 2026
“What stands out about this space is how accessible it feels from the moment you arrive. There is a clear […]

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Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Sheena 9 May 2026
When entering the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, the sounds of the city were almost nonexistent, except for the occasional plane flying […]

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Prince’s Island Park
Sheena 9 May 2026
In the summertime, walking through Prince’s Island Park in the late afternoon established a sense of connectivity to the city […]

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Grassi Lakes
Sneha Maliat 9 May 2026
Grassi Lakes is a beautiful example of Alberta’s natural landscape, where mountains, hiking trails, forests, and turquoise water come together […]

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Bowness Park Boathouse
Sneha Maliat 9 May 2026
I have a summer position at the Boathouse in Bowness Park, and every year I look forward to the arrival […]

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Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge
Hosna 9 May 2026
“Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge, to me, is an exemplary user experience and quality in the built environment because […]

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Marda Loop Neighbourhood
Veronica 9 May 2026
“Marda Loop is one of the places in Calgary that I feel is very dynamic and engaging. I remember walking […]

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Walkway, University of Calgary
Sneha Maliat 9 May 2026
“Last fall, while working as a Teaching Assistant for an undergraduate course, I had the opportunity to lead students on […]

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Kensington Public Plaza
Sneha Maliat 9 May 2026
“After a long and busy day, I often feel the need to escape, even if it is just somewhere nearby. […]

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Eighth Avenue Place
Brian R. 8 May 2026
“I experience Eighth Avenue Place through its quality. It stands out for how well it is put together, in a […]

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Bow River Pathway
Brian R. 8 May 2026
“I experience the Bow River Pathway as a place that is very welcoming. What stands out right away is that […]

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Calgary Central Library
Brian R. 8 May 2026
“I experience the Calgary Central Library as a strong public gesture, something that feels like the city’s living room. When […]

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TELUS Sky Tower
Brian R. 8 May 2026
“I experience TELUS Sky more as an experiment within the city. It is not necessarily about public access, but about […]
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.