Environmental Design

In the Environmental Design program, you will learn to design the experiences that shape how we live.

Environmental Design is the design of spatial experience: how people perceive, inhabit, use and relate to the environments around them. Working across architecture, interiors, landscape and urban environments, you will learn to create spaces that are imaginative, inclusive, environmentally responsible and responsive to human needs.

Through studio-based learning, you will investigate how spatial experience is shaped by culture, materials, light, technology, ecology and human behaviour. You will work through research, drawing, model-making, material exploration, digital tools, critical discussion and public presentation. As design practice evolves, you will engage critically and creatively with computational design, artificial intelligence, digital fabrication and emerging forms of spatial visualization. The goal is not simply to use new tools, but to understand how they can expand creative possibilities while preserving human judgment, authorship and responsibility.

Program Highlights

At the End of this Program...

At the end of this four-year program, you will earn a Bachelor of Design (BDes) degree.

Admissions Requirements

For Ontario high school students, a minimum overall average of 70%
Portfolio
Statement of Intent
Official transcripts
See detailed academic requirements here

Jobs You Can Get

Graduates build careers and pursue advanced study across fields such as:

Architectural, landscape and urban design practices
Interior, exhibition, retail, hospitality and workplace design
Community-focused design, design research, visualization and spatial strategy
Graduate studies in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, interior design, environmental studies and related disciplines

Internships & Experiential learning

OCAD U offers so much more than co-ops because creative careers take many forms. Our career services help you build a professional community, valuable experience and skills you need for a meaningful career. Get access to:

Short experiential learning placements from among hundreds of organizations
Creative in-class projects with real-world industry partners
Exclusive summer internships
Gallery exhibitions of your work
Freelance creative opportunities
Jobs after graduation

What You'll Do in the Program

First Year

In first year, you’ll take intro classes in topics such as:

Colour and 2D Design
Environmental Design intro
Materials and Methods
Concept Drawing
Digital Design

Second Year

In second year, you will study topics in more depth, such as:

Personal Space
Colour, Light and Environment
Structure
Presentation Drawing
History of Modern Design
History of Modern Architecture
Social Space and Diversity

Third Year

In third year, you will deepen your spatial practice through advanced studios and technical, social and research-based courses such as:

Residential and Inclusivity
Introduction to Lighting
Accessible Design
Residential Systems and Materials
Retail and Hospitality
Research
Commercial Systems and Materials

Fourth Year

In fourth year, you will develop a major year-long thesis: an independent design investigation that brings together your research, values, technical learning and creative direction. You may also choose advanced courses such as:

Professional Practice
Office Interior Design
Architectural Design Studio
Urban Life: Art, Design, City
Contemporary Studies in Architecture and Design

You’ll showcase your work at GradEx - OCAD U’s GradEx, the biggest free art and design exhibition in Toronto with more than 40,000 visitors, connecting your work with the public, peers and creative industries.

Environmental Design: Interior Design Specialization

In the Interior Design specialization, you’ll take Environmental Design courses plus four specific classes focused on interior design. Learn more here.

Minors

In all undergraduate programs, you can choose a minor to go along with your major. A minor gives you the opportunity to pursue a focused secondary field, helping you expand your practice, skills and knowledge. They can make you stand out to employers, graduate schools, or in grant applications by showing expertise in more than one field.

You don’t need to choose a minor on your application; once you start at OCAD U, you can choose from over 90 electives to build towards one of our 25 focused minors. Learn more about Minor Programs here.