Architecture and Landscape Architecture (July 2025)

Design Thinking

The built environment is brimming with design challenges—whether we’re talking about everyday products or entire cities, these problems don’t have simple, one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, they offer a spectrum of possibilities waiting to be explored. In this dynamic, hands-on course, students will learn to approach complex, open-ended problems through the mindset of a designer. By engaging with a series of diverse design projects, you’ll uncover innovative ways to shape the world around you.

This course blends theory with practical application, guiding you through each project step-by-step—from the initial spark of an idea to the final execution. Along the way, you’ll participate in interim reviews, sharpening your ability to communicate ideas both verbally and visually. You’ll also develop critical thinking skills by analyzing the work of your peers and learning from a wide array of design disciplines, including architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, and product design. Whether you’re crafting a small object or imagining a vast urban space, you’ll cultivate your ability to think abstractly, sharpen your visual literacy, and refine your creative problem-solving skills. No previous design experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to think outside the box.

Design Making

In this course, students will take their design knowledge to the next level, actively engaging in real-world projects that challenge them to innovate and navigate complex, dynamic contexts. Through a blend of thought-provoking lectures, immersive field trips, and hands-on studio sessions, students will learn how to take a design from concept to completion, refining their creative process every step of the way.

Participants will have the unique opportunity to work with local professionals committed to the social and ecological transformation of Vancouver, gaining invaluable insights into the city’s evolving design landscape. They’ll also collaborate with real-world clients, receiving feedback and guidance through project reviews.

Beyond mastering practical design skills—such as sketching, iterative modeling, and prototype fabrication—this course emphasizes the importance of empathy in design. Students will learn to consider the ethical, social, and environmental impact of their work, connecting deeply with the needs of their clients and users. This hands-on course is a perfect foundation for those looking to pursue a career in design, and will teach students the tools and perspective they need to thrive in any design discipline.

Prerequisite: No prerequisites

Green System Planning

Vancouver, set against a breathtaking backdrop of mountains, forests, and the Pacific Ocean, is not only known for its stunning beauty but also for its commitment to sustainability. But how do the natural spaces within and around this vibrant city support the daily lives of its residents? This immersive course takes you on a journey through Vancouver’s urban natural areas, where you’ll discover how these green spaces help purify air and water, sustain local wildlife, and provide vital health benefits—from boosting mental well-being to enhancing physical fitness.

Through hands-on site visits, you’ll explore how the city’s parks and natural landscapes play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of a bustling metropolis. Whether hiking through lush forests or biking along scenic waterfronts, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the essential environmental services these areas provide, all while experiencing some of the region’s most iconic and instructive parks and outdoor spaces firsthand. This is more than just a course—it’s an exploration of how nature and urban life coexist and thrive together.

Design in the Public Realm

Vancouver is celebrated as a vibrant, sustainable, and highly livable international city. A cornerstone of its livability lies in the thoughtful design of its public realm — the parks, greenways, waterfronts, streets, and squares that shape urban life. A well-designed public realm creates inviting spaces for gathering, socializing, and recreation; promotes active transportation; nurtures urban forests and vegetation; and delivers essential environmental benefits.

This field-based course immerses students in the principles and practices of public realm design, exploring how these spaces enhance neighborhood livability and provide critical social and ecological services. Through hands-on fieldwork, daily site visits, and engaging guest lectures, students will learn to document, evaluate, and draw inspiration from Vancouver’s most exemplary public spaces.

Prerequisite: No prerequisites