Graduate Program Director's Message

Dear Prospective Student,

As you navigate the complexities of our modern world, you stand at the forefront of addressing critical challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and urbanization through environmental design. This discipline is not just an academic pursuit; it is a vital pathway for you to achieve sustainable development goals while enhancing human living conditions and social welfare.

At the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL), you will experience a seamless transition from your master’s program to your PhD. Our program provides you with access to invaluable resources for advanced research that will empower your academic journey. You will receive strong mentorship throughout your PhD, guiding you to excel in your field and ensuring you have the support you need.

As an environmental designer, you will be an optimist, creating a positive future through your work. You will gain interdisciplinary skills drawn from ecology, environmental science, history, sociology, engineering, and disaster management. These skills will empower you to tackle critical challenges such as public health, climate change, sustainability, and resilient communities.

You’ll also obtain funding for your studies, allowing you to focus on your research without financial stress. As you engage with your peers, you will find a supportive community that encourages collaboration during your research. Most importantly, your research will have a lasting impact, making a meaningful difference in the world.

Environmental design synthesizes multiple domains, including scientific principles, ecological considerations, technological innovations, and cultural contexts. This integration ensures social equity and promotes prosperity, fostering a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. As a graduate of our program, you will be positioned as an agent of change in the built environment, equipped to work in universities, governmental agencies, private consulting, R&D firms, and non-profits.

I encourage you to engage with the diverse topics and methodologies that environmental design offers. Together, you can contribute to meaningful advancements in both academic inquiry and practical innovation, paving the way for a sustainable future.

Best regards,

Barry Wylant
Graduate Program Director

Prof. Barry Wylant
Graduate Program Director & Associate Professor
School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
University of Calgary