David Boeck, an associate professor with the Division of Architecture, has been collaborating with the City of Norman and the Norman Police Department in order to implement “Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design” (CPTED) into the design standards of Norman.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a design concept that promotes the use of urban and architectural design and management of natural areas to deter criminal activity. Implemented in cities like Aliso Viejo, California, CPTED heavily focuses on access and visibility. Boeck explains, “You want to look at where the stairs are, the entrance points, the elevators and the lighting, because visual access improves safety. It’s all about creating a safer community and a safer city.”
CPTED has been incorporated into many aspects of the built environment in Norman over the years, even unintentionally. Public art installations like the bike rack sculptures that line Main Street or a conversion to brighter, outdoor LED lights are both actions in Norman that help promote CPTED.
The Norman Police Department has been working with apartment complexes in Norman for nearly a decade to incorporate CPTED and receive a Crime Free Multi-Housing certification. An example of a design suggestion in place for the Crime Free certification is to plant a dagger plant outside of first-floor windows to deter burglaries.
While CPTED has not been implemented into Norman’s building codes, Norman City Manager Darren Pyle recognizes the merits of CPTED and sees a future for its further implementation in Norman, especially as the city grows.
This article was adopted from an article in the Norman Transcript, subscription is required.
A team of Construction Science and Architecture students from the Gibbs College of Architecture made their mark on the national stage this week, earning third place out of 37 universities competing at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Competition, held during the International Builders' Show in Orlando, February 16-18, 2026.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has elevated Gary Armbruster, FAIA, ALEP to its prestigious College of Fellows—AIA’s highest membership honor—for his exceptional work and sustained contributions to architecture and society. Fellowship recognizes architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant impact at a national level. Members elevated to this distinction carry the FAIA designation after their name.
Students from the Spring 2026 Graduate 4 Architecture Design Studio, led by Professor Amy Leveno, exhibited their work at the School of Visual Arts. The exhibition, titled Reimagining the OU School of Visual Arts, featured drawings, models, and animations developed throughout the semester's studio project. The show was hosted in The Spotlight, a creative gallery space located on the first floor of the Fred Jones Art Center, and ran from January 20–30, 2026.
