“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.
The Gibbs Design in Action Awards (GDAA) program, led by Dr. Wanda Liebermann, has announced its 2026–2027 funded student projects. The initiative supports design and research work that addresses social, cultural, and economic issues in the built environment through collaboration with faculty and community partners.
The OU Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) 2024 collaboration with the Historic Threatt Filling Station has been recognized in the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's newly released Byways Report: The Scenic Route to Rural Prosperity – a story-driven publication exploring how road trip culture and place-based tourism can fuel economic growth in rural communities.
The Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Camille Germany, Chief of Staff, has been named the 2026 recipient of the university-wide Jennifer L. Wise Good Stewardship Award.
