Telesis, the Gibbs College of Architecture’s award-winning student journal, is releasing its fifth edition in Fall 2023. This edition, “Adaptive Practice,” called for contributions from interdisciplinary problem solvers who reject the status quo and redefine “business as usual” through their work.
Telesis “Adaptive Practice” features work that aids in the restructuring of current practices, addresses the ever-changing socioeconomic and political climates and dives deep into the ideals of adaptive practice in the built environment and beyond. The word “adaptive” invokes ideas of fluidity and change, an ever-present evolution of ideals and methodologies.
A spread from Telesis: Adaptive Practice.
According to the publication, “Adaptive practice in architecture acknowledges the dynamic nature of contemporary society and seeks to create buildings and spaces that can respond to evolving needs and conditions. This approach is particularly relevant in an era marked by rapid urbanization, climate change, and technological advancements, which are transforming the way we live and work.”
Produced by students, Telesis has been recognized by national awards and grants for its exceptional quality. During its first year, the journal was awarded the Douglas Haskell Award for Student Journals. Telesis was also awarded a grant from the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in Fine Art which assisted with the publication “Habitation” and “Adaptive Practice.” Telesis “Isolation” was awarded the 2022 Douglas Haskell Award for Student Journals.
A spread from Telesis: Adaptive Practice.
This issue was coordinated by Felipe Flores, Architecture Ph.D. student and course instructor of Telesis, and Angela Person, Associate Professor of Architecture and Faculty Advisor of Telesis. The contributing student authors in Telesis “Adaptive Practice” include Ben Jawad, Fadi Kandalaft, Trey London, Jordan Fields, Abigail Janka, Kayarash Kayarami, and Kevin Michael Ozmum.
View the PDF of Telesis “Adaptive Practice” below or on the Telesis webpage.
The University of Oklahoma College of Architecture is proud to announce that Model Schools in the Model City, authored by Director of the Institute for Quality Communities, Amber N. Wiley, Ph.D., has been named one of ten finalists for the 2026 ASALH Book Prize for Best New Book in African American History and Culture.
This semester, students in the LA 5535 Studio: Ecological Planning and Design, led by Prof. Afsana Sharmin, took on an ambitious hypothetical project to redesign key parts of the OU campus. Their mission: to tackle the critical real-world challenge of stormwater management through innovative green design.
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.
