School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape

School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape The official University of Calgary's School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape account.

We strive to constantly challenge the status quo through our practice-based approach to learning, research and community outreach, by focusing on the interrelations between environments, society, culture and human behavior. Founded in 1971 in response to the increasing demands on the profession and our environments, the faculty continues to seize opportunities to foster an interdisciplinary approa

ch to design thinking in educating the next generation of design advocates. For more information, visit sapl.ucalgary.ca or follow us on Instagram or Twitter .

This spring, SAPL graduate students traveled to Medicine Hat and Alberta's Historic Clay District for an immersive learn...
09/09/2026

This spring, SAPL graduate students traveled to Medicine Hat and Alberta's Historic Clay District for an immersive learning experience exploring the history, craftsmanship, and contemporary applications of masonry and ceramic production.

Students visited Medalta, Redcliff Pressed Brick Park, downtown masonry landmarks, and industrial production facilities to gain firsthand insight into clay-based construction and material fabrication.

The field trip connected studio-based research with real-world industry practices, allowing students to explore how traditional ceramic craft can be combined with contemporary digital fabrication techniques. The experience also strengthened connections between SAPL, industry partners, and the broader architectural community.

Thank you to the Alberta Masonry Council for supporting this opportunity and helping students engage directly with Alberta's rich masonry and ceramic heritage.

09/08/2026

Exciting things are happening!

As we welcome the fourth cohort of Bachelor of Design in City Innovation (BDCI) students - and our first brand-new undergraduate cohort in SAPL’s new downtown home - we’re reflecting on one of our signature events, BDCI: Launchpad. This exciting scholar induction is all about building connections, fostering community and kickstarting the educational journey - all while building a city in a video game.

Conceived as an orientation-style events program, BDCI: Launchpad brings together teaching-team-led academic activities, student-led college readiness workshops and a City Game-a-thon—sponsored in part by Swedish video game company Paradox Interactive. During the Game-a-thon, students engage in an immersive urban design gaming experience that challenges them to use transdisciplinary thinking, teamwork and systems strategy to design and manage a city using Cities: Skylines. Following in the footsteps of hackathons and make-a-thons, it is structured as an intensive, team-based design challenge.

Check out this look back at BDCI: Game-a-thon 2025: https://youtu.be/7NRx6IbPE04

Are you considering graduate studies in architecture?Join the University of Calgary’s School of Architecture, Planning a...
09/08/2026

Are you considering graduate studies in architecture?

Join the University of Calgary’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape for our Master of Architecture Virtual Open House on September 16.

This online session is a chance to learn more about the MArch program, admissions process, student experience, studio culture, and career pathways. You’ll also hear directly from current students and alumni and have the opportunity to ask questions live.

📅 September 16, 2026
⏰ 12:30–2:00 p.m. MT
💻 Virtual event

Register today! https://discover.ucalgary.ca/register/SAPL-MArch-Webinar-16Sep2026

SAPL is bringing CAAD Futures 2027 to Calgary.Led by faculty member Jinmo Rhee and an organizing team of SAPL faculty, t...
09/03/2026

SAPL is bringing CAAD Futures 2027 to Calgary.

Led by faculty member Jinmo Rhee and an organizing team of SAPL faculty, the conference will welcome researchers, practitioners, and students from around the world to explore the future of computational design.

The 2027 theme, Design Agency, examines how designers, computational systems, and emerging AI technologies are reshaping decision-making, creativity, and responsibility in the design process.

The Call for Papers is now open, with submissions due September 15, 2026.

Learn more: https://2027.caadfutures.org/

09/02/2026

🎉 More to Look Forward To at West End Whirlwind

The celebrations keep growing as we prepare to welcome the community to The Valentine on Sept. 23.

Watch the latest update from Dean John Brown and stay tuned for more exciting announcements in the weeks ahead. We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with students, alumni, neighbours, partners, and community members. ✨

🎉 Exciting news! SAPL is featured in the September 2026 issue of Canadian Architect magazine.The full-length article sho...
09/02/2026

🎉 Exciting news! SAPL is featured in the September 2026 issue of Canadian Architect magazine.

The full-length article showcases SAPL's new home at The Valentine, designed by hcma, and explores how the adaptive reuse of a downtown Calgary office tower has created a dynamic new environment for learning, collaboration, and design.

Architecture critic Trevor Boddy praises the project, writing:

"Even from blocks away, it is clear that something new and vital has happened here... SAPL at The Valentine is downtown Calgary growing up."

We're proud to see SAPL and hcma recognized on a national stage in one of Canada's most respected architecture publications.

Read the full feature: https://www.canadianarchitect.com/september-2026/

08/28/2026

The cheers were loud, and we showed up! 📣🎉
 
Our incoming undergrad students brought their faculty pride to the UCalgary Orientation Pep Rally this week, joining incoming students from across campus to celebrate the start of the academic year.
 
The highlight? Dean John Brown leading the SAPL chant and rallying our newest students as they kicked off their university experience.
 
Here’s to a great year ahead! ✨

08/27/2026

Yes, we have robots. 🤖

More specifically, robotic fabrication technology. More coming soon! 👀

Join us as we celebrate a new chapter for the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape! West End Whirlwind is SAPL...
08/26/2026

Join us as we celebrate a new chapter for the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape!

West End Whirlwind is SAPL's grand opening celebration at The Valentine, our new downtown Calgary home. On September 23, we're inviting students, alumni, industry partners, neighbours, and community members to come together for an afternoon of food, entertainment, activities, and exploration.

Enjoy food trucks, community vendors, campus tours, and opportunities to connect with the people shaping the future of our cities, communities, and landscapes.

📍 Century Gardens Park & The Valentine, 801 7 Ave SW
📅 Wednesday, September 23, 2026
⏰ 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Everyone is welcome. We hope to see you there!

Learn more and register using the link: https://ucgo.ucalgary.ca/T/WF/37295/IJQo2S/Register/en-US/Form.ofsys

08/25/2026

Graduate Orientation Week is officially underway! 🎉
 
This week, SAPL welcomed a new cohort of graduate students to our downtown home as they begin their studies in architecture, landscape architecture, planning, and design research.
 
Day 1 gave students an opportunity to connect with faculty, meet their peers, and explore their new campus. MArch students headed out on faculty-led walking tours of Calgary, while MLA, MPlan, and MDR students took part in program introductions and learned more about the communities they’ll be joining over the coming years.
 
From discovering new spaces to building new connections, it was an exciting start to Orientation Week, and we’re only getting started!
 
Swipe through for a few highlights from Day 1!

Address

801 7th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB
T2P3P7

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Monday 9am - 4am
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

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+14032206601

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