Negar Matin, an assistant professor of Interior Design, was recently awarded funding as a part of the Gibb’s College of Architecture’s Program for Research Enhancement. Each year, this merit-based program grants funds to Gibb’s faculty members in order to increase their research and creative activities.
Dr. Matin received the grant to pursue her project A Human-Centric Responsive Façade, which will explore the effects of color variations in façades on human circadian rhythms. A responsive façade is a type of exterior wall that can change in response to the surrounding environment in order to improve its performance. They are the main source of daylight penetration, and they impact the intensity, color, and distribution of interior light.
Recent findings have confirmed the necessity of evaluating the circadian light performance of responsive façades, because they could be the main contributor to occupants’ comfort. Dr. Matin’s proposed façades will be tested with hourly adaptation and motion scenarios that address the effects of color temperature, light intensity, uniformity, and glare on human circadian rhythm.
Dr. Matin aims to use her study’s findings to design and develop a new type of responsive façades that will address all aspects of building occupants’ needs.
Petya Stefanoff, Chair of the Educational Committee with the American Planning Association, Oklahoma Chapter (APA-OK) and Gibbs College PhD candidate, has developed a new training program for local government officials. The program, focused on land use, zoning principles, and land development, recently certified its first graduates with Certified Citizen Planner status.
Gibbs Construction Science and Architecture students recently traveled to Dublin, Ireland, to compete in the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Region 8 Student Competition. The team partnered with Czech Technical University and secured third place in the Design-Build category.
Gibbs College is pleased to present the exhibition Vollendorf in Oklahoma: The Architecture of Dean Bryant Vollendorf during the Spring 2026 semester. It will be on display in Gould Hall, on the OU-Norman Campus, from February 16, 2026 - March 13, 2026.
