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International design studio
The final studio in the program takes the lessons of design and community engagement learned in the Vancouver region and applies them in a city abroad. In our international design studio, you can explore an urban design problem of a dynamic foreign city first hand and immerse yourself in its unique culture and environment. In 2017, we have established a partnership with the Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture and Environmental Studies in Mumbai. You will investigate the differences and similarities between Mumbai and Vancouver, two rapidly growing and increasingly significant global cities—each with its unique challenges but with remarkable parallels as well.
Recent studios
The lake bed setting of Mexico City has led to serious water management issues, from sinking buildings to extensive flooding. The studio challenged students to explore creative water-based solutions at the public plaza scale.
Chandigarh is well-known for its utopian design by Le Corbusier. However, this vision has clashed with the more haptic nature of Indian life. Working at the block scale, students explored the intersection of these two realities in contemporary urban circumstances.
Travel costs
UBC strives to support students’ foreign academic travel. However, you will be responsible for the travel costs related to the international studio. The estimated cost of the 2017 studio trip to Mumbai was approximately $2,600 per student.