“Capital Brutalism,” an exhibition co-curated by Dr. Angela Person, associate professor and associate dean for research and external engagement at the Gibbs College, was recently reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. Currently on display at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., the exhibition represents the most extensive survey of Brutalist architecture in the nation’s capital to date.
Co-curated with architectural photographer Ty Cole, the exhibition explores the emergence and impact of Brutalist architecture in Washington, D.C., during the 1960s and 1970s. It focuses on six significant buildings and the city’s Metro system, utilizing archival documents, drawings, custom-built models, and contemporary photographs to examine the historical context, current state, and future possibilities of this architectural style.
The Wall Street Journal commended the exhibition for offering fresh insights into a frequently misunderstood architectural movement. The review highlighted how “Capital Brutalism” encourages visitors to reevaluate Brutalist structures by illuminating their aesthetic qualities and historical significance. It praised the inclusion of innovative redesign proposals by contemporary architects, noting that these speculative projects spark meaningful conversations about the preservation and adaptive reuse of these monumental buildings.
Dr. Person’s involvement in “Capital Brutalism” draws upon her research interests in design, community identities, and sustainability. Her scholarship has been supported by institutions such as the Smithsonian, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Graham Foundation.
“Capital Brutalism” is open to the public through February 17, 2025. For more information about the exhibition, visit the National Building Museum’s website.
To read The Wall Street Journal review, visit: Capital Brutalism Review: Washington, District of Concrete.This review also appeared in print on November 4. OU students, faculty, and staff can access The Wall Street Journal for free through OU Libraries.
Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture assistant professor Amy Leveno and Mark Leveno, co-founders of OFFICIAL Design, have received a 2026 AIA Central States Region Design Award for the firm’s Granger Annex Community Center project in Garland, Texas.
Construction Industry Speaker Series welcomed Stephen Evans from the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum to give a lecture on better conversations and relationship building.
The University of Oklahoma Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture Hall of Fame recognizes a select number of high-character individuals who have made a significant and lasting positive impact on Gibbs College, its students, staff, faculty, alumni and/or to communities across the globe. The impact may have been, or continues to be, in the form of service and mentorship, sustained professional excellence, and/or advancement and financial support. Joseph Edgar Smay is part of the 2025 Hall of Fame class.
