Lahari Peluri, an international student from India working on her master’s degree in Urban Design at OU-Tulsa, is currently interning at LandPlan Consultants. During her internship, she recently had the opportunity to participate in a parklet competition. We are proud to announce that she won first place!
The competition, hosted by Tulsa Young Professionals (“TYPROS”), was entitled “STREET CRED : PROJECT PARKLET.” The challenge was to transform parking spots into more vibrant spaces that support social distancing.
Peluri had the opportunity to work on this competition project, representing her internship firm, LandPlan Consultants, and partnering with This Machine Tulsa. Peluri’s winning “Work Bike Value” concept for the competition included an active outdoor workspace for downtown Tulsa, featuring socially distanced and stationary bicycle-desks.
Peluri said, “It’s different how architecture is turning out to be during the pandemic. All of us are doing work from home with no exercise and no movement.” She continued, “Tulsa is working towards this project to make it into reality with help of Downtown Tulsa and Tulsa Planning.”
Hopefully Tulsa can enjoy the “work+workout” parklet soon! Congratulations, Lahari!
Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to recognize Petya Stefanoff, who is pursuing her doctorate in the Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) program, has been appointed the new role of Director of Community Development for the City of Shawnee, Oklahoma. She joined the city in 2024.
Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Amber N. Wiley, Ph.D., associate professor in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture and Design and director of the Institute for Quality Communities, has received national recognition for her book Model Schools in the Model City. The book has been named a finalist for the 2026 the PROSE Awards.
Gibbs College of Architecture Regional + City Planning Professor of Practice Vanessa Morrison and Associate Professor of Architecture Deborah Richards’ Open Design Collective received top honors at the inaugural BlackSpace Urbanist Collective Studio KIN Pitch Night Competition, held last month in Brooklyn, New York City.
