Urban Planning Field Course
May 19 – 23, 2025
15+ PIBC CPLs
Join fellow urban planning professionals on this immersive 5-day program in Singapore! The Field Course offers a unique opportunity to learn about planning practices in the City-State of Singapore and their approach to managing a country less than one third the size of Metro Vancouver, but with over double the population. We will learn about Singapore’s unique approach to public housing, experience their highly developed public transportation network, and explore the rich cultural heritage of its population through walking tours and on-site presentations from local planners. Stay updated by joining our mailing list below!
Program Update!
Your Itinerary and Registration Timelines
We’re thrilled to share the latest updates to the program, including the planned itinerary and registration timeline! The lineup keeps getting better, with a mix of unique experiences and insightful tours. Activities might be adjusted as we finalize details, but you can count on an amazing schedule. In December, we’ll release the final program package, complete with registration fees, and then in January, registration officially opens!
If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to reach out to Devon and Erick through the contact form below.
Itinerary Highlights
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Two Pre-Trip Lectures
(Virtual option available) Dive into the urban and social history of Singapore and get up to speed on what to expect during the trip, plus all the logistical details. -
Chinatown & Kampong Gelam Heritage Tour
Explore two of Singapore’s most iconic neighbourhoods with experts from the Singapore Redevelopment Authority. -
Housing Development Board Presentation
Get an on-the-ground view of Singapore’s public housing initiatives and development projects, hosted by the Housing Development Board. -
Transportation & Redevelopment Project Overview
A local transportation consultant will walk us through an innovative mixed-use redevelopment and car-free initiative. -
Optional Outings to Singapore’s Parks
Spend an afternoon or evening in some of Singapore’s most beautiful public spaces, like Gardens by the Bay, Fort Canning Park, or perhaps spotting wild monkeys in the largest nature reserve. -
Urban Sketching Sessions
Join casual sketching outings and workshops for creative inspiration. -
Fun Socials
Enjoy local cuisine and get to know fellow participants in a relaxed setting!
Registration Timeline
- December: Final program package and fee details shared
- January: Registration opens (exact date to come)
- February: Registration closes (exact date to come)
Burning Questions? Contact Devon and Erick
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Previous Field Courses
Barcelona 2024
In May 2024, the Urban Planning Field School was held in Barcelona, Spain, focusing on housing and public space. It included tour of La Balma Cooperative Housing Project, a presentation at the Municipal Institute of Housing and a Superilla Masterclass led by the city’s Chief Architect. The group consisted of municipal, provincial and consulting planners from all over BC. There was always plenty of discussion over sangria and tapas at the end of each day! Slide through the photo deck for a glimpse.
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Who We Are
Erick Villagomez
Erick Villagomez is an educator, independent researcher and designer with academic and professional interests in the human settlements. He is a Lecturer at UBC’s School of Community and Regional Planning, as has also taught at UBC’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. He has led several Field Schools to different locations around the world.
Erick is the founding principal of Mētis Design-Build—a practice that works on diverse projects ranging from small-scale architecture to urban design consulting—and the Editor-in-Chief of Spacing Vancouver, an online publication looking at Metro Vancouver’s urban landscape.
Devon Harlos, RPP MCIP
Devon Harlos is a Registered Professional Planner with the Canadian Institute of Planners and sits as Co-Chair of the Planning Institute of BC’s South Coast Chapter. She has a Masters Degree in Community and Regional Planning from UBC SCARP and holds a Diploma in Urban Land Economics from UBC’s Sauder School of Business.
Devon’s career has centred around non-market housing development and consulting for non-profit housing providers to develop affordable housing in the Lower Mainland and Sea to Sky Region. She is also a passionate urban sketcher, helping organize over 20 sketchwalks for PIBC’s South Coast Chapter.