UBC – The Breadth of Environmental Design

A review of the University Of British Columbia (UBC) - Environmental Design (ENDS) program.
By Stephanie Y. who graduated in 2009. 4,521 views.

I have always had a keen interest in architecture since taking several courses in elementary and high school. I applied to a number of universities for architecture and ultimately chose UBC because of its proximity to home.

During my time at UBC, I spoke to many advisors about pursuing a career/education in architecture and design. They recommended taking a combination of visual arts, history and geography, but it was not until I started snooping around the UBC Architecture website that I found out there was an undergraduate degree being offered called Environmental Design.

I went to the final reviews, which is a public showcase of the current student projects held at the end of every semester.

In preparation for my application to the Environmental Design Program (ENDS), I went to the final reviews, which is a public showcase of the current students’ projects held at the end of every semester. I looked at the work that was produced and listened to a few of their presentations. It gave me a very good idea of what the program might be like and what kind of design projects students would be given.

The summer prior to starting ENDS, I also took part in a 6-week Study in architecture in New York.

Environmental Design Program Overview

The program is two years long; you apply during your sophomore (2nd) year. There are four terms in total and each term you take three to four classes and one studio. Of those classes, one is usually an elective. So if you have taken more electives than needed in previous years, you can take fewer classes in the following term(s).

Each term is centered around studio. The accompanying required classes are meant to compliment the studio’s theme. Each term’s topic is as follows: Landscape, Constructions, Institutions and Settlements. For example, during your Landscape Studio term, you will also take a Landscape History class. This way, you can take aspects from your other classes and incorporate them into your on-going design projects in studio.

The class size is approximately 25 students per year, with a total of 50 students in the program. Each class has its own studio equipped with a modest kitchen. Students have access to plotters located upstairs as well as a laser cutter in the neighboring landscape architecture building (however, it is important to note that ENDS students are not always given priority to the laser cutter). Cost of materials and printing is not included in tuition; the costs are usually slightly higher than the average cost of textbooks for a university course.

ENDS values diversity and eclecticism, therefore the environment that its students are exposed to contributes greatly to our developing perspective as a designer.

One of the most special aspects of this program is the people and the experiences that a studio environment will put you through. ENDS values diversity and eclecticism, therefore the environment that its students are exposed to contributes greatly to our developing perspective as a designer.

One such skill ENDS reinforces is public speaking. For every design studio you are required to present your projects to your peers and occasional small panel of professional reviewers. While frightening at first, individuals are a definite at an advantage if they have the ability to articulate their ideas clearly and with confidence; ENDS provides a great environment for students to practice those skills.

ENDS is a program that offers insight into each field associated with environmental design. By the time you graduate you will be relatively familiar with aspects of landscape architecture, architecture, and urban planning. Because it emphasizes breadth over depth, one of the drawbacks of ENDS is that it does not concretely prepare you for one of these fields specifically. This can be dually seen as an advantage and disadvantage. Personally, I think if you are to pursue further in any one of these fields, I find the multiple perspectives gained from ENDS invaluable.

In this sense, ENDS definitely met my expectations and then some.

The Verdict

I was not entirely sure what to expect from UBC, but I expected to learn and practice design and learn about different design processes from the Environmental Design Program. In this sense, ENDS definitely met my expectations and then some.

I would recommend this program for those who are interested in or curious about a career path in architecture, landscape architecture or urban planning. Something to keep in mind is that this program demands more commitment than the average undergraduate program—this is to say that you will be spending quite a bit of quality time at school with your studio mates.

I chose to immediately pursue my Graduate Degree as soon as I finished ENDS, but a number of graduates found jobs soon if not immediately after graduation. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Architecture in the US. This summer I am interning at a Landscape, Architecture and, Urban Planning firm in Beijing.

There are definitely aspects of my education that are manifesting themselves very obviously in my work. The dialogue around design is something ENDS has given me a solid foundation in. It is becoming increasingly more obvious how advantageous it is to be able to speak in not only architectural terms, but also in landscape and urban planning terms.

(7 votes, average: 4.43 out of 5)

Loading ...

Read more reviews about University Of British Columbia (UBC).

22 Comments

Joe McCain

10.4.10

Hey Stephanie,

I’m doing my first year of Engineering right now and trying to resolve a conflict within myself, whether I want to pursue Civil Engineering or Architecture as a career. Thus far, the first year of Engineering, is something that I don’t like, and I don’t think the job will be what I’m hoping for in the end. As far as architecture and the ENDS program at UBC, I was wondering if you could give me some information? I am not an artist by any means, that is not to say I’m not creative, I just don’t do the conventional things I assume those in this program do, like watercolours and sketching. I have been groomed as a scientific mind since childhood, and to this day I enjoy calculus and math, as for if I want to spend a career crunching load weights, unlikely. I am a very eclectic individual, enjoying things from linguistics, to cooking, to carpentry, creating boxes, tables, jewelery, and bowls from plans to finishing.

My question for you, what are your sentiments of the ENDS program to someone like me? Did you have any classmates like me? More than anything, I’m scared to apply to this, with my seeming inadmissibility, lacking a portfolio of sketches, again a supposition, and then possibly once in the program, doing poorly if it is in fact, a very artistic discipline. I look forward to your comments!

Feel free to contact me at fitness_kid11@hotmail.com if you prefer.

Stephanie

10.9.10

Hi Joe,

You don’t have to be an artist to be in ENDS, the program is interested in diversity and there have been quite a few students from Engineering, Science and Geography. So don’t feel like you won’t fit in once you’re in the program.

It’s great that you have so many eclectic hobbies, you can use things from your carpentry or jewelry-making for your portfolio. Think of the portfolio as a showcase for skills that you have that you can bring to the program. Don’t worry too much about the drawing and sketching stuff, you will learn those things as you go along.

If you can, I thoroughly recommend checking out the final reviews that happen at the end of each semester just to get an idea of what kinds of things students produce in the program. Another option is to visit the UBC SALA website and peruse the student profiles, looking specifically for the ENDS students, they usually have some examples of work that are posted.

Feel free to leave more questions and comments, I’m happy to respond.

Kimberley

10.22.10

Hi Stephanie,

I am currently studying the Sustainable Resource Management Diploma Program at BCIT. I have found the program to be extremely valuable and enjoyable; gaining knowledge of urban and rural forestry, geomatics and municipal urban planning and development. I am looking to continue studying, and thought the Environmental Design program at UBC looked amazing! I am also a visual artist, and now have the knowledge from precious schooling of natural systems, and found this program to perfectly tie in a lot of my interests. I was just wondering about the application process for the Environmental Design program. Do most of the students seem to have high GPAs ( above 90)? Do you have any idea how many students apply to this program? Do you have any insight or suggestions about how the faculty selects students?

Thanks

Stephanie

10.31.10

Hi Kimberly,

The number of applicants to ENDS is different every year. If you’re interested in knowing some more specific numbers I would encourage contacting the ENDS Admissions office. The year I applied there were approximately 100-125 applicants for 30 spots. In terms of GPA, I wouldn’t say it’s necessary to have a high GPA. ENDS is a very intense program and so it’s more useful in the application process to show that you are capable of handling that intensity be that through high GPA or a strong portfolio.

I hope this helps.

Feel free to keep shooting questions, I’m happy to respond.

Cheers.

Sarah

11.3.10

I’m really glad you posted this! I’ve been interested in the ENDS program since grade 9, but I’m really scared that I might not get in. I’m currently a first year student in the Faculty of Arts at UBC. Where can we go to see the final reviews on the portfolios? Do you have any suggestions on what I should do to strengthen my application? Thanks~!

Maya

11.11.10

Hi Stephanie,

I found this review very helpful, I find the SALA website leaves things a bit vague. Like Joe I am/was an engineering student, and though I originally wanted to do the ENDS program, I went into engineering because I thought it would be more practical. However, now I am looking at the ENDS program again. Right now I am at Langara taking an Urban Planning course, Canadian Geography and 2 languages.

I know there are only 3 electives, but I’m thinking of trying to do a minor with the program… completing a lot of the pre-reqs beforehand at Langara. Is this a crazy thing to consider? I really want to do something with both design and International Relations, or at least keep up with my languages.

Also, out of curiosity, what kinds of jobs did your friends get after graduating from the ENDS program? One of the main things that held me back from the ENDS program before was that I didn’t hear much about people getting hired after graduation.

Thanks!

Stephanie

11.12.10

To Sarah and Maya,

The final reviews are usually held in the main studio space in the Macmillan Building on UBC Campus. It’s also a really good opportunity to check out the facilities. For the exact date and times, you’ll need to contact the Admissions Office, just shoot them an email and ask and don’t feel weird about going, there’s always a lot of visitors at reviews.

In terms of the portfolio, it’s just really important to show breadth and really showcase your skills and what you can do. Personality is also important, so be creative.

The ENDS program is very intense. If you are insistent about also completing a minor I would definitely try and get as many prerequisites done before entering the program or plan to complete them after. To be sure, I would talk it over with the admissions office before applying, just because the nature of ENDS is so hectic, they might advise against working towards a minor in addition to the program.

In terms of jobs, many of them have been working at local or international architectural firms.

Keep the questions coming, I’ll do my best to reply on time. :)

Jane

11.13.10

Hi Stephanie,

I am currently in 2nd year engineering. I did not take any design or visual art classes in university, so approxmately how many pieces of work should I put in the portfolio? What types of work can I include in the portfolio? I noticed the 6 credits of english and the 6 credits for geology, am I required to complete them before applying to ENDS? Is it alright if I take those courses during the summer (which will be after applying to ENDS) ?

Stephanie Yu

11.15.10

Hi Jane,

The length and number of pieces of work that go into your portfolio is entirely up to you. I would recommend staying well under 17 pieces of work. For my own I included approximately 15. The types of work in the portfolio is also entirely up to you. Include what you need to showcase your talents, skills and perspective as a creative individual. These things can be architecture/landscape architecture related things but not just these things, other things can include photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, carpentry, writing, sketching–it’s totally up to you! It’s more important that the portfolio is a reflection of who you are.

In terms of the credits and requirements, it would be best to either email or call ENDS admissions in order to confirm the requirements and whether or or not these need to be completed prior to admission. These things are always changing, so I can’t offer too much advice in those aspects.

Feel free to send more questions if you have them!

Jane

11.19.10

Thanks Stephanie! I know that the program accepts around 20 students each year, so what do they really look for in the application? For the portfolio, do I need to write something for each piece of work, or is it simply just to have the pictures? I’m not sure how to put together the portfolio.

Also I’m wondering if there is another path that is similar to ENDS which would lead to studying architecture in the future?

Elliot

1.4.11

Hi Stephanie,

A really great review, it helped to clear up alot. I was wondering though, what kind of structure would they be looking for in a portfolio? Is it simply supposed to be a collection of pictures/scans of your work with a title/medium used? Or would you recommend getting more creative and using a specific layout and having more detailed write-ups explaining how the work is important/showcases who you are?

Thanks!

Stephanie

1.4.11

Hi Jane,

Apologies for the lateness of this reply.

In terms of the portfolio, it’s nice to include small descriptions of things so that the reviewer knows what he or she is looking at. For example, if you have a painting, you would include a title,dimensions and the medium and perhaps a 50-100 word blurb on the inspiration or intention behind the work.
If you live in Vancouver and manage to visit the ENDS studios, you should speak to the Admissions Officer and see if they have any old portfolios you can have a look at.

In terms of preparing yourself for future opportunities in Architecture, ENDS is definitely not the only option however, if you do take ENDS at UBC and then decide to pursue a masters in architecture or landscape architecture later at UBC the length of your masters degree will be shorter because many of the ENDS classes overlap with architecture and landscape architecture classes.

When I was preparing my application for ENDS, I also researched other options (just in case) because I knew I wanted to study architecture in the end. My academic advisor suggested various other degrees such as architectural history, visual arts, geography and urban studies.

Stephanie

1.4.11

Hi Elliot,

It sounds like you have a good idea about what the portfolio is about. In terms of having a layout or a specific structure, the choice is yours, some portfolios have a strict and consistent layout throughout and some don’t–it really depends on what you want to convey. Pick what represents you. As I mentioned in my previous comment, it’s nice to have some kind of verbage, don’t over do it though, try and keep in under 200 words. Most of the time the person reviewing your portfolio won’t read everything you have written, but it’s there just in case they’re curious and want to find out more about what you’ve done.

Hope this helps! :)

Elliot

1.5.11

Thanks a lot for replying so soon, I really appreciate it. Unfortunately I don’t live in Vancouver so I can’t really go look at samples of portfolios, but I think that is what I really need. I’d just like to get it straight in my head so I feel more confident with what I have or if it needs to be improved. You have no idea how badly I want to get into this program!

Grace

2.6.11

Hey Stephanie!

I’ve always felt confident in pursuing ENDS but recently I haven’t felt so confident…

Last year when I was applying for universities I found that out of all the architectural programs in Canada I found the ENDS program to be most appealing to me, who has always been interested in architecture and more recently in Environmentalism and New Urbanism. So even though I applied for McGill’s Architecture and Waterloo’s Planning and got into both, I ended up choosing to start with UBC Arts and go on to apply for ENDS.
I am currently in my second term of first year. Last term I didnt do as well academically as I thought and adjusting to university is just much harder than I thought. I also found out just how competitive the program is with only excepting 25 students. I’ve become really pessimistic about my chances of getting in the program.

I’ve taken an urban studies course and an environmental history course and found both really interesting. I am really confident architecture and specifically ENDS is what I want to pursue.
I’ve realized I’ve picked up a lot of tips from reading your other replies to people. I just really want to thank you! Its made me a lot more certain what I need to do to try and get in the program. I feel like I should start preparing now for all my documents so I’m able to show my fullest potential. Even if I’m not enough, at least I gave it my best shot.

Thanks :)

Alex James

2.22.11

Hello Stephanie,

I am currently in grade 11, and starting to seriously consider my options for University, which is pretty scary stuff. I live in Victoria, and am pretty torn between University of Victoria’s Computer Music program, or UBC’s ENDS program. However, your article gave me much more insight on the course than the UBC SALA website, or any other article I read, did, and now I have a much better idea of my options!

I do have a question for you, and I would deeply appreciate it if you could help out.I do realize that you are doing your masters already right now, but I was wondering if you would have any first and second year courses to recommend, since ENDS is a third/fourth year program. Is it advisable to just take courses in general arts and science as well as the admission requirements in Physics, English and Geography? I would greatly appreciate it if you could offer insight on this matter.

Thanks and once again, great article! =]

Kaitlin

2.28.11

Hey Stephanie,

For the program to select only 20 out of the 100 people that applies, I would like to know how do they make the decisions? For the people that did get into the program, what is there average mark around? Do their portfolios show very high level artistic skills?

Since the entrance is on a highly competitive basis, I have no idea what it takes to be accepted into the program.

Stephanie

3.11.11

Hi Alex and Kaitlin,

In terms of what kind of classes to take in your first and second year, there’s a few recommended courses they list on the ENDS admissions website, ie. English, Geography, Math. (these are also the generic recommended classes for the majority of majors–but take them and get them out of the way). In terms of the other courses, take courses for things that you’re interested in since once you are in ENDS the likelihood of being able to take those classes is much lower. It also never hurts to take an art class or art history (especially if you don’t have much experience as an artist) as it will help introduce you to some jargon terms that are a part of architecture and design.

In terms of how they select 20 people from 100 people, it’s always very hard to say. Marks are not all that matter and I believe that the average is always changing. But ENDS is fundamentally interested in eclecticism and people who show an enthusiasm for design. Again as I suggested in previous comments/responses to this article, the portfolio is not only about artistic skills it’s more of a medium to express who you are and your interests and talents.
I hope this helps you guys out.

If you guys have any more questions, please keep them coming, I’m always so late to reply but I’ll try my best.

:)
Best,
Steph

Patrick Birch

7.4.11

Hey there,

I was wondering what the program you mentioned you took in New York was?

Thanks

kelvin

8.8.11

Hi Stephanie,

I’ve checked the ENDS website just now and I’m a bit confused. Do i have to study a year in ubc before applying to ENDS? Also, isit possible to enter a carrier of designing architecture by studying this program?

thanks!!!

gordon

8.9.11

Hey Stephanie,

i really want to get into this program. but the thing is im not really into physics and i almost failed it in grade 11.

i realize that the requirement to this program includes physics. i wonder if physics is really that important to this program.

Stephanie

8.18.11

Hi to all of those who are still interested in the ENDS program,

The program I attended in New York was at Parsons the New School of Design. I also took one similar program a long time ago at Cornell University. Both were very good experiences.

In terms of the application you apply after two years of general study at any university or college, it does not necessarily need to be UBC. I am unsure of what you mean by “a carrier of designing architecture”. The program is an overview of various design professions including architecture, landscape architecture and urban planning, and will allow you to explore the various design aspects of each of those.

In terms of the physics requirement for the program, there are a few classes on structure and building technology and so physics is important in order to get a good grasp on those topics.

I hope this helps all of you, if you have any further inquiries please do not hesitate to contact me, I am a little slow to reply but I will try my best. If you have any questions that you want addressed immediately I would highly recommend contacting the ENDS admissions office.