Dr. Somik Ghosh and Dr. Ben Bigelow, Haskell and Irene Lemon Division of Construction Science faculty members, along with Vivek Patel, a Construction Science alumnus, recently published a paper in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s publication Cityscape. The paper examines the current use of panelized components in homebuilding in the Oklahoma City and Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Panelization is a type of prefabrication in which certain framing components are built off site and then transported to the site for assembly. This technique has been reported to make homebuilding more efficient and affordable. Panelization might also offer a one strategy to help with the growing labor shortage. Despite these benefits, adoption of panelization in the United States has been relatively limited.
Researchers from the Haskell and Irene Lemon Division of Construction Science conducted ten semi-structured interviews with production homebuilders from the OKC and DFW metropolitan areas in order to better understand the benefits and challenges of panelization.
Although most of the benefits (faster, more consistent, and less waste) and challenges (cost, logistics, and labor issues) found in these interviews were consistent with previous research, new benefits related to warranties and new challenges relating to transportation and delivery were identified. In addition, the study concludes that national and regional production builders differ in their priorities and perceptions of panelization: national builders are trying to increase their use of panelization, whereas regional builders are moving away from it.
Congratulations to Dr. Ghosh, Dr. Bigelow, and Vivek Patel on their publication!
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.
