Honours Bachelor of Environmental Design and Planning

Program Overview

The Honours Bachelor of Environmental Design and Planning program at Fanshawe College equips students with the knowledge and skills to create sustainable and harmonious communities through environmental design and planning. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, industry-standard software, and co-op work placements, preparing graduates for rewarding careers in urban design, planning, GIS, and related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Honours Bachelor of Environmental Design and Planning program at Fanshawe College aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to contribute to the creation of sustainable, harmonious, and democratic communities through environmental design and planning. The program emphasizes engagement with people and place in a responsible, respectful, and creative manner. Graduates are prepared for rewarding careers in environmental design, planning, and related fields.

Outline:

Content:

The program integrates four academic cores:

• Environmental Design
• Planning
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Computer-Aided Design and Communication

Structure:

• 120-week program
• Full-time study
• Co-op work semesters (optional)
• Capstone project

Course Schedule:

• Year 1: Environmental Design Fundamentals, Environmental Design & Planning History, GIS 1, Design Visualization 1, Co-Op Educ.
Employment Prep
• Year 2: Environmental Planning, GIS 2, Design Visualization 2, Planning Law, Co-Op Work Term 2
• Year 3: Urban Design, GIS 3, Planning Studio, Environmental Assessment, Co-Op Work Term 3
• Year 4: Work Term 4, Planning Theory, Planning Practice, Capstone Project

Individual Modules:

• Environmental Design Fundamentals: Explores spatial design concepts, design thinking, and expression through various mediums.
• Environmental Design & Planning History: Examines the history of landscape architecture and community planning in Canada, providing historical context for contemporary practice.
• GIS 1: Introduces the principles and applications of geographic information systems (GIS) in environmental design and land use planning.
• Design Visualization 1: Develops skills in design visualization using manual and digital tools, focusing on spatial design topics.
• Environmental Planning: Covers the principles and practices of environmental planning, including land use planning, environmental impact assessment, and sustainability.
• GIS 2: Advances GIS skills, focusing on data analysis, spatial modeling, and cartography.
• Design Visualization 2: Enhances design visualization abilities through advanced techniques and software applications.
• Planning Law: Examines the legal framework for planning in Canada, including land use planning, zoning, and development approvals.
• Urban Design: Explores the principles and practices of urban design, including urban form, public space design, and transportation planning.
• GIS 3: Introduces advanced GIS concepts, such as geospatial analysis, spatial statistics, and web mapping.
• Planning Studio: Provides hands-on experience in planning projects, applying principles learned in previous courses.
• Environmental Assessment: Covers the principles and practices of environmental assessment, including impact assessment, mitigation measures, and public consultation.
• Planning Theory: Examines the theoretical foundations of planning, including planning history, planning ethics, and planning models.
• Planning Practice: Focuses on the practical aspects of planning, including project management, stakeholder engagement, and policy development.
• Capstone Project: Culminates the program, requiring students to demonstrate proficiency in problem identification, analysis, conceptualization, and communication of design-thinking and solutions.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Assignments
• Projects
• Presentations
• Exams
• Capstone project
• Criteria:
• Knowledge and understanding of concepts
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Design and planning abilities
• Communication and presentation skills
• Professionalism and ethical conduct

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Studio work
• Field trips
• Faculty:
• Experienced and qualified faculty with expertise in environmental design, planning, GIS, and computer-aided design.
• Unique Approaches:
• Emphasis on hands-on learning through projects, case studies, and community-based initiatives.
• Integration of industry-standard software and technologies.
• Opportunities for co-op work placements to gain practical experience.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Urban design
• Urban, rural, and regional planning
• Landscape architecture
• Geographic information systems/science
• Environment animation
• Opportunities:
• Employment with planning and GIS consultants, landscape architects, developers, and municipalities.
• Graduate studies in allied fields.