Visual Arts & the Built Environment

Program Overview

Program Overview & Highlights

The Visual Arts & the Built Environment (VABE) program is a unique joint program with the University of Detroit Mercy, offering a Visual Arts B.F.A. degree from UWindsor and a B.Sc. in architecture from UDM. This combined program provides students with a cross-border experience, preparing them for a career in architecture and design in Canada and the United States.

Key Features

• 1:23 faculty-to-student ratio, ensuring personalized attention from world-class professors
• A unique blend of architecture and visual arts education
• 1800 hours of studio time every year
• 100% of graduates are employed within 2 years

• 60% of time is spent in studios

What Lancers Are Saying

VABE has been the best university experience I could ask for. The VABE program offers opportunities to learn in so many different ways, from tactile and experience-based learning to theory and calculus, and allows for students to work one-on-one with professors to develop their skills. Being able to use my passion for art as well as my love of math and problem-solving to design for the future is something that could only happen in the VABE program.

Amanda Gatto, Alumni, Visual Arts and the Built Environment

Faculty & Staff

• Selena Randhawa, Recruiter - Business, FAHSS, Law, Education
• Sheri Lowrie, FAHSS Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator

Admission Requirements

High School Student from Canada

• Course Requirements: Physics/SPH4U, Advanced Functions/MHF4U, English/ENG4U (min. avg. 60%)
• Recommended: Calculus & Vectors/MCV4U
• Note: The VABE program is open to Canadian citizens legally permitted to commute to the United States
• Minimum Average: 75%
• Mean Average: 82%

High School Student from Outside Canada and the United States (International)

• You must be a Canadian citizen to take part in this program.

Career Tracks

• Architect
• Building/interior designer
• Urban planning and revitalization coordinator
• Project and facilities manager
• Building restoration specialist

Plan Your Program

Term: Fall 2025

Important Notes

1. VABE students are automatically enrolled in Introduction to Architecture I at Detroit Mercy as ARCH 1190 [Detroit Mercy corresponding course code] but must enroll in VABE 1190 at the University of Windsor. In second semester, VABE students must enroll at Detroit Mercy on their own. All courses registered at Detroit Mercy must also be registered at the University of Windsor; be sure to register for the appropriate corresponding courses code.
2. ENGL-1010 is required for all FAHSS Majors. Students with 80% or higher in Grade 12 ENG4U (or equivalent) are exempt from this course requirement and will substitute it with an additional course from any area of study.

Required Course Notes

First Year, First Semester Courses

• VABE 1100
• VABE 1190
• VSAR 1070
• MATH 1780

Required Courses

• ENGL 1010

Course Descriptions

MATH 1780: Access to Differential Calculus

The course will cover straight lines, relations and functions, trigonometric functions, limits, derivatives, curve sketching, equations and inequalities, transformations, symmetry, exponential and logarithmic functions. This course serves as the prerequisite for MATH-1720 and MATH-1760. Majors in Science, majors in Engineering and students with at least 70% in Ontario Grade 12 Advanced Functions (MHF4U) will not be given credit for this course. (Antirequisites: MATH-1760, or MATH-1720) (3 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour per week.)

VABE 1100: Architectural Design I

An introduction to the fundamental skills and critical concepts of visual perception and production common to all areas of 2-dimensional image-making. Basic principles of composition and design, light and pigment-based color theory, as these apply to painting, photo-based processes, and print production. Their use and application will be explored within the contemporary art context. Class projects may involve interdisciplinarity between these media. Studio assignments are combined with related critical theory, historical practice and current strategies. The lab is intended to introduce students to design concept of form, space, composition, in two and three dimensions, and how they relate to human experiences. Students are introduced to the principles of design and the design process as a foundation for architectural design. (6 lecture hours and 6 laboratory hours per week.) (6.0 credit course) (Credit will not be granted for VSAR-1060 if taken subsequently to VABE-1100.) (Restricted to students in the Visual Arts and the Built Environment program.) (This is an experiential learning course.)

VABE 1190: Introduction to Architecture I (ARCH-1190)

An Introduction to Architecture is offered to first year VABE students to create awareness of the profession of architecture. The course looks at the history of the profession; how architecture is practiced; how the profession is changing; current issues with the architectural profession; and ethical concerns facing a practitioner today. The course gives students a broad based background into architecture before they have an opportunity to be engaged in practice. (Taken at the University of Detroit Mercy.) (Open to VABE students only.). (This is an experiential learning course.)

VSAR 1070: Studio Practice and Ideas/Drawing

An investigation of a variety of drawing processes, materials and concepts in a studio environment that fosters exploration. (Lab fees may apply.)

Recommended Courses

ENGL 1010: Academic Writing

An introduction to the fundamentals of effective writing in academic contexts. Topics may include language, essay writing conventions, critical thinking, research, editing and revising, and academic integrity. (1.5 lecture, 1.5 laboratory hours per week.) (Arts elective only; does not count for credit in the major or minor Fall 2025 Undergraduate Calendar 104 course requirements of any English or English and Creative Writing degree programs.) (Credit cannot be obtained for both ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1001 or GART 1510.)