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Ottawa, Wednesday, October 15, 2008
We have come together, in this place where people gather to discuss and share opinions and knowledge, for the 29th Art Matters forum, being held in conjunction with the presentation of Governor General’s Medals in Architecture. This will be an expanded version of Art Matters, as we have opened the discussion to the public.
Art Matters demonstrates the willingness that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I share to make the institution we represent a place where people can express themselves openly, where thoughts circulate freely, where daring and new ideas are encouraged. I hope a great many of you will take part in the debate. We have opened up this discussion forum during our travels across Canada and abroad.
With us today are the recipients of the Medals in Architecture and representatives from the Royal Architectural Institute, whose work and commitment I commend.
I would also like to sincerely thank our panellists—Sheryl Boyle, assistant professor of architecture; David Hughes, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada; and Jean-Claude Marsan, architect and urban designer—who will share their unique and innovative ideas about architecture during our discussion.
Jean-Daniel and I wanted to hold this particular Art Matters here, in this institution of higher education devoted to cutting-edge architecture and urban design, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
In so doing, we are saying that architecture is indeed an art.
The particular art of living together.
An art that has become even more important since we turned into urbanites, as René Berger called us. That is, since the majority of our population—and populations in general—have chosen to settle in large urban centres.
This influx into the city has favoured real estate speculation and the standardization of development models, especially in regions on the outskirts of large cities.
How can we protect the soul of our cities and communities when demographic pressures force us to find solutions as quickly and inexpensively as possible?
In fact, in every place I have visited across Canada, social housing has been a key issue.
A city is a place to live.
A city speaks through its buildings, its houses, its monuments, its avenues and its gardens.
What are our cities saying?
What values and aspirations do they reflect?
I believe that architecture and urban planning are at the heart of our conception of sustainable development, and I am delighted to have the chance to encourage a public debate on their role in society.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the role of architecture in ensuring sustainable development that is more human, inclusive and integrated.
Thank you for taking part in this discussion, you who create our living spaces, who give more soul to our cities and communities, the places where we belong, find happiness, face challenges.
Thank you to the citizens who have joined us today. By being here, you have shown us how much you care about the environment and physicality of the communities in which you live.
Finally, thank you to Carleton University’s Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism for having opened its doors and collaborating with us on this event.
Jean-Daniel and I, as well as our entire team, cannot wait to hear what you have to say.