(BAS) Urbanism
The Bachelor of Architectural Studies (Urbanism) program offers a specialization unique among all undergraduate architecture programs in Canada.
Drawing and computer modeling courses in the lower years prepare students to explore urban design in upper-level studios. In addition to designing individual buildings and spaces, Urbanism majors explore architecture and urban space at the scale of the block, neighborhood, city, and region. Projects challenge students to consider the architect’s role in accommodating diversity, contributing to the quality of life, and promoting the health of society and the natural environment.
In addition to courses common to all BAS majors, Urbanism students take specialized courses including several in Geography, History, and Canadian Studies. Upper-level studios include a Directed Studies Abroad (DSA) option. As with all BAS majors, Urbanism students may opt to participate in the Co-op Program. The Urbanism program prepares graduates for advanced studies and careers in Architecture, Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, and other disciplines.
Please consult the Undergraduate Calendar for a list of program requirements for the BAS-Urbanism major.
The grid below displays the suggested course sequence for (BAS) Urbanism students for the 2026-27 year. To see the complete grid for your own calendar year, click on the appropriate link at the bottom of this grid.
First Year
(for students who entered the Urbanism program in the 2026/27 year)
Fall
- ARCH 1111 Studio 1A: Land
- ARCH 1221 Material Histories of Architecture
- ARCH 1331 Introduction to Architecture
- ARCH 1441 Drawing and Media
Winter
- ARCH 1112 Studio 1B: Fundamentals of Design
- ARCH 1222 Design, Climate, Environment
- ARCH 1442 Digital Drawing and Modelling
- ARTH 1201 History & Theory of Architecture: 1500 to Present
Second Year
(for students who entered the Urbanism program in the 2025/26 year)
Fall
- ARCH 2111 Studio 2A: Fundamentals of Urbanism
- ARCH 2221 Ecological & Regulatory Systems
- ARCH 2331 Modernism and Global Urbanism
- GEOG 2023 Cities, Inequality and Urban Change
Winter
- ARCH 2192 Studio 2B: Local (Urbanism)
- ARCH 2222 Structures
- ARCH 2332 Architectures in Canada
- GEOM 1004 Maps, Satellites and the Geospatial Revolution
Third Year
(for students who entered the Urbanism program in the 2024/25 year)
Fall
- ARCS 3304 Urbanism Studio 2: Urbanism on the Periphery
- ARCC 2203 Architectural Technology 3
- ARCU 4801 Topics in Urbanism
- GEOG 4323 Urban & Regional Planning
- COOP 1000 Co-op Preparation (0.0 Credit)
Winter
- ARCS 3306 Urbanism Studio 4: Global Perspectives
- ARCU 4700 Urban Utopias
- ARCU 4103 Cities
- ARCH 4201 History of Modern Housing
Fourth Year
(for students who entered the Urbanism program in the 2023/22 year)
Fall
- ARCS 4105 Comprehensive Studio
- ARCC 3202 Architectural Tech. 4
- Core Elective
Winter
- ARCS 4107 Option Studio
- ARCC 4500 Design Economics
- ARCH 4201 History of Modern Housing
- ARCU 4700 Urban Utopias
Notes
* ARCU 4700 Urban Utopias and ARCU 4300 Histories of Theories of Urbanism are offered in alternating years. Urbanism students will take these courses in either their 3rd or 4th-year depending on when they are offered.
** ARCH 4201 History of Modern Housing is offered every other year, alternating with a Core Elective. Urbanism students will take this course in either their 3rd or 4th-year depending on when it is offered.
Course Requirements
Course requirements have changed over time. For a complete layout of course sequencing for your entry year, please choose the appropriate link below. For course grids for students who entered the BAS prior to 2022, please email architectureundergrad@carleton.ca.
First Year Students
Certain courses include LABS and TUTORIALS – in which you must also register when registering for the course. Please be aware that the system may not allow you to register in the LECTURE component of the course without also registering in an associated LAB or TUTORIAL (or vice versa).
When registering for the lecture component of ARCH 1442 -Digital Drawing and Modelling (CRN 10184), you must also choose a Laboratory from CRN 10185 to CRN 10188. When registering for the lecture component of ARTH 1201 – History and Theory of Architecture: 1500 to Present (CRN 10257), you must also choose a Tutorial from CRN 10258 to CRN 10267.
2024 Students and Earlier
Please consult the 2022 Course Calendar below for the latest list of approved Urbanism Core Electives as well as the additional list of Urbanism Core Electives.