“Passing,” an exhibit by OU architecture student Ryan Godfrey, is now on display in the main hall of the Bizzell Memorial Library. This display focuses on three homes built between 1938-1951 that encapsulate different ways that buildings can be qualified as queer spaces. The exhibit also provides reading recommendations for those interested in the intersection of architecture, gender, and sexual identity.
Although this exhibit centers around three homes, it has a much deeper meaning. Godfrey wanted to showcase how much has changed since this topic was first discussed in academia in the 1990’s. Over the past 30 years, representation and understanding of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community has progressed greatly.
“2SLGBTQIA+ rights are in danger at the moment. Meanwhile, OU, a public university in a red state, has the word 'queer' in 600pt font in the main hall of its library. An exhibit that celebrates a few queer people and houses, before it was legal, and showcases how queer people don’t disappear because of laws is powerful to me,” said Godfrey.
During the creation process, Godfrey worked with Gibbs faculty Dr. Wanda Liebermann and Marco Piscitelli, as well as Exhibits Coordinator James Burnes and faculty of the OU Library. According to Godfrey, “a lot of love and care went into this exhibit, from the descriptions to the laser-cut letters.”
This exhibit will run until the end of the spring 2023 semester. Head over to the Bizzell Memorial Library to check out Godfrey’s project and learn more about queer spaces.
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.
