Centre for Career and Personal Development Degree Profiles

The new Bachelor of Design in City Innovation (BDCI) degree will give you the tools and skills necessary to create positive change in the built environment, and to address complex issues affecting cities. 

The BDCI will give you a design-based framework for thinking about the world, its challenges, and to create inclusive and sustainable city-focused solutions. Hands-on, studio-based learning tackling real-world projects, cross-cultural opportunities, and literacy in advanced digital design tools, data science, entrepreneurship and sustainability, will provide you with a broader perspective and spark innovation for the betterment of communities and society.

If you’re interested in becoming an architect, licensed planner or landscape architect, or want to pursue another city-building related career in business, law, public policy, social work or entrepreneurship, the BDCI is for you!

Analysis: Connect with and integrate information from multiple disciplines which are linked to design thinking and city building. 

Knowledge of the evolution and history of cities: Connect with and integrate information from multiple disciplines which are linked to Urban Studies.

Understand the principles: of planning, of urban governance, political and economic factors in urban development.

Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing: Presenting ideas and information clearly, public speaking and presentation skills; Writing clearly and concisely.

Designing programs: Integrate the goals of sustainable development, good government and economic viability when evaluating proposals and strategies; balance various private interests with the public interest and identify viable, workable options.

Problem Solving: Hands-on experience in understanding and defining inclusive and sustainable city-focused solutions to real world problems – locally, nationally and internationally. 

Qualitative and quantitative research methodologies: Diverse and thorough with consultations as part of research to ensure that as many voices as possible are heard and considered during the planning process; measure and analyze statistical information for its implications.

Resource management: Knowledge of land, air and water resources; knowledge of the use and needs of new technologies.

Project management: High level of independent judgment; organizing projects and programs, ability to meet deadlines; design the physical layout of a large development; meet the needs of all sectors of society.

Policy analysis: Make recommendations to both the public and the private sector, reconcile different viewpoints and to make constructive policy recommendations; recommend policy and budget option.

Technical: Literacy in advanced digital design tools, data science, entrepreneurship and sustainability. 

Please note some of these positions may require further training, certification or education. Check out the occupational profiles to review the full details for the occupations that interest you at alis.alberta.ca/occinfo

• Alberta Association of Architects 
• Alberta Association of Landscape Architects 
• Alberta Association of Municipal Districts & Counties 
• Alberta Association, Canadian Institute of Planners 
• Alberta Land Surveyor’s Association 
• Alberta Municipal Affairs 
• Alberta Urban Municipalities Association 
• Canadian Architectural Certification Board  
• Canadian Institute of Planners 
• Canadian Society of Landscape Architects 
• Canadian Urban Institute 
• Cyburbia 
• Heritage Round table 
• Intergovernmental Committee on Urban and Regional Research (ICURR) 
• International Society of City and Regional Planners 
• Transportation Association of Canada 

Faculty Contact 
School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape 
Professional Faculties 2182 
W: https://sapl.ucalgary.ca/current-students/undergraduate/bachelor-design-city-innovation 
E: bdci@sapl.ucalgary.ca  

Career Services 
MacEwan Student Centre, Room 188 
T: 403.220.8020 
E: csstdnt@ucalgary.ca  
W: ucalgary.ca/ccpd