What is the BDCI Program?

When I first began exploring the BDCI program, I pictured traditional architecture: large drafting boards, complex hand drawings, and layers of trace paper. While these aspects still appear within the program, I’ve found that BDCI emphasizes transdisciplinary practices that transcend conventional architectural boundaries—equipping students with an arsenal of skill sets that include both digital practices such as 3D rendering, animation, and graphic design, and physical applications such as model-making and construction. All of these are paired with a variety of studies that range from wearable architecture to movie artifact-making.

Apart from this, though fairly new, the program already has a variety of opportunities that nurture blossoming careers. For example, the City Innovation Student Association (CISA), to which I have the great pleasure of being on the marketing team, is a wonderful way to get involved in student outreach—fostering a strong community of young designers in the contemporary scene. In CISA, my tasks include creating posters for events and graphic design on both the social media pages and the website—all of which are things I’m very passionate about!

…But You Can Do It!

Apart from school, tending to one’s social life is imperative in maintaining a salubrious balance. Beyond education, my fervor for music serves as both a personal sanctuary and a powerful tool in ensuring I have separate platforms for creative expression other than educational design. When I’m not in the studio, I’m playing with my band, I write songs, I sing, and I play many instruments! Finding something that is distinctively yours outside of academics will undoubtedly feed back into your education favourably. Likewise, spending time with friends is something I treasure heavily. Whether it be online playing games or in person at various cafes, devoting time to cultivate friendships establishes yet another place to fall back on when times are tough. Community is everything!!!

Design School is Hard...

It’s true, design school pushes your limits, especially when deadlines are fast approaching, and long studio sessions that demand earnest devotion through time and energy become tough to manage. However, through the hours of studio work, lasting friendships and connections are easily built—resulting in many fond memories that overwhelmingly outweigh the tenacious rigor that comes with design school. In the BDCI program, you are constantly surrounded by talented, driven, like-minded individuals—all of whom are incredibly supportive and encouraging in your design journey—and the collective experiences you gain with fellow peers in your corner are one of the many aspects of design school that put my mind at ease when things get challenging.

As a Parting Note,

To future students thinking about the University of Calgary, don’t let fear and uncertainty guide your path. Protect your passions, your hobbies, your interests—make certain they are kept safe as you traverse through this new chapter. Forevermore I will be grateful for the faculty at SAPL and the BDCI program for helping me achieve just that—prophetically unveiling and awakening parts of me I was previously unaware of.

Stay curious, embrace change, and maybe you’ll leave with more than you initially arrived with!