Student work from the fifth iteration of “The Systemless Studio” put on exhibition at the 2026 AIBC Conference.

In the 50 years of Design+Build at UBC SALA, projects have been either unconditioned constructions in light wood framing or temporary installations on UBC’s campus. Though excellent experiences, these projects have limited engagement with 21st-century building technology and processes. Building on the success of Third Space, a student initiative, SALA, with the Faculty of Applied Sciences, initiated a year-long thesis course that combines research, design and building to address these shortcomings.