David Boeck, associate professor of Architecture, recently presented at the CRE – Fair Housing for Commercial Real Estate workshop hosted by Tulsa Commercial Realtors. He discussed the design and implementation issues regarding accessibility in housing. His presentation included information on universal design and crime prevention through environmental design, Professor Boeck’s research specialties. Boeck’s presentation also included the common pitfalls related to new construction, renovation, and adaptive reuse.
Professor Boeck writes, “The reason it is important for commercial realtors to understand accessibility and the Americans With Disabilities Act, is the fact that these regulations were passed by Congress to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to live their lives as completely free and independently as possible. […] Realtors help clients buy and sell buildings and if our goal is to have all buildings be accessible for all users, then having agents participating in a process where they can assist in make this work, is important.”
The Gibbs Design in Action Awards (GDAA) program, led by Dr. Wanda Liebermann, has announced its 2026–2027 funded student projects. The initiative supports design and research work that addresses social, cultural, and economic issues in the built environment through collaboration with faculty and community partners.
The OU Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) 2024 collaboration with the Historic Threatt Filling Station has been recognized in the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's newly released Byways Report: The Scenic Route to Rural Prosperity – a story-driven publication exploring how road trip culture and place-based tourism can fuel economic growth in rural communities.
The Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Camille Germany, Chief of Staff, has been named the 2026 recipient of the university-wide Jennifer L. Wise Good Stewardship Award.
