Students working on a project in the VABE studio
Visit the VABE website for complete information.
Visual Arts and the Built Environment is a unique program offered by the University of Windsor’s School of Creative Arts in collaboration with the University of Detroit Mercy’s (UDM) School of Architecture.
A Rigorous, Enriching Program
This cross-border program combines the study of art and architecture and offers you the breadth of knowledge and experience in both disciplines.
You will have the opportunity to take courses in Windsor and Detroit. If you are interested in pursuing architecture and qualify, at the end of third year, you can apply to the Architectural Program at UDM. This option leads either to a Bachelor of Science degree in architecture after fourth year from UDM, or after a fifth year of study, a professional degree at the Master’s level from UDM (MArch.).
If your primary interest is in visual arts, you can complete fourth year at the University of Windsor and graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and the Built Environment.
Experiential Learning
VABE students learn through the exploration of design problems by working independently and in small self-directed teams. They have numerous opportunities to publicly present their work and receive feedback from their peers, faculty, the University of Windsor and University of Detroit communities, as well as from practicing architects. They develop competencies through case projects and acquire skills essential to thrive as effective designers.
Admission Requirements
Minimum average of 75%. The OSS Diploma and six Grade 12 U or M courses, including ENG4U. SPH4U and MHF4U also required, MCV4U is recommended. VABE students are required to take classes in Detroit, Michigan, and must be Canadian citizens able to travel to the U.S.
What You Will Take First Year
- Contemporary Visual Culture
- Studio Practice and Ideas/Drawing
- Studio Practice and Ideas/Image
- Studio Practice and Ideas/Space
- Studio Practice and Ideas/Time-Based
Career Tracks
- Further study at the master’s level in architecture (MArch. – professional degree) and Visual Arts
- Building design
- Urban planning and revitalization
- Restoration
- Architectural journalism
- Project and facility management
- Construction
- Real estate
- Development
- Visual Arts
- Art/architectural history
Excellent Student Support
In addition to dedicated faculty who hold weekly and accessible office hours, the University of Windsor Advising Centre is here to help you with such things as adding, dropping, or withdrawing from a course, discussing problems that may be impacting your academic performance, reviewing your academic progress, changing or choosing your major, or referral to other relevant campus services.
Contact Us:
School of Creative Arts | Visual Arts
University of Windsor
Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4
Phone: 519-253-3000 ext. 2829
Fax: 519-971-3647
art@uwindsor.ca
Visual Arts and the Built Environment – degree program information (.pdf)