I’ve always been curious at how nobody really knows about this undergraduate degree at UBC. When I began googling for information about the program, I met challenges in finding out experiences and structure of the program. Every time someone asks me about what I want to pursue, I usually sidestep the long spiel about architecture and just say “arts”. People who attend UBC don’t even know this program exists. In high school, the only class pertaining to architecture was only really drafting. When I was looking at Environmental Design at UBC, I had trouble connecting or even finding out student experiences on the program other than what I found here.

So I decided that if I were to blog about my experience, people will be less confused than I was! Plus, I get to document my process for my portfolio and have a blog that indexes and files all the inspiration I have from here. So that makes it a double bonus! 

In all honesty, if I had realized my love for architecture and design earlier when I was in high school, I would have applied to the program at Waterloo. The intensity and work experience that you get would have been extremely helpful I think. They also include mandatory studies and field trips to various cities in Canada, US and Rome. I think the ENDS program could be changed for the better if they integrated similar structures in the curriculum.

In the summer before I applied for school, I bombarded the ENDS Admission Office with questions and I was quite dismayed that we won’t don’t have a COOP Program nor are we allowed to major in anything else. I want to advocate for programs like this for our school because I don’t see how the lack of resources will benefit the students in the program. I know the program is suppose to be demanding but I think that type of thinking greatly undermines a student’s ability to challenge themselves and their classmates. I guess I’m here to rattle things up a bit, WATCH OUT ENDS, I’m coming for you.