A group of 21 undergraduate Architecture students from the Gibbs College of Architecture recently embarked on a weeklong field trip to New York City. Accompanied by Professors Amber Brown, Paolo Sanza, and Francesco Cianfarani, the students immersed themselves in the vibrant architectural culture of Manhattan and Brooklyn, visiting landmark sites and award-winning design firms.
They began at Hudson Yards, then walking the High Line, and throughout the week, the group toured iconic destinations including the Oculus at the World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the New York Public Library. They also had the opportunity to experience world-renowned art and architecture at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), deepening their understanding of the relationship between design, culture, and history.
While visiting the New York Public Library, students Noah Palmer, Cristian Rojo, and Youssef Moustaader listen to stories about NYC told by architect and tour guide Billy Reue. Photo credit: Amber Brown.
In addition to visiting notable sites, students toured a Brooklyn building under construction by Levine Builders as well as two leading architecture firms Ten Berke Architects and Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, gaining firsthand insight into professional practice, firm culture, and the design process from some of the top minds in the field.
Students at the office of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects. Architect Tod Williams center back. Photographer unknown.
The students also had the opportunity to attend a special alumni dinner, where they networked with OU Architecture alumni now working in New York City. Special thanks to Amy Shell Voroneanu, Khoi Nguyen, and Julie Tran for joining the students and sharing their professional journeys and advice.
The NYC field trip offered students an invaluable chance to see some of the world’s most innovative architecture up close, connect with alumni, and envision the diverse career pathways available to them after graduation.
Students grab coffee to kick-start another day in NYC! Most prominently featured left to right: Kel McDavid, Ethan Howard and Logan Fuchs. Photo credit: Amber Brown.
A special thanks goes to New York City-based architect William “Billy” Reue, who was instrumental in helping to organize and coordinate all aspects of the trip. This is his fourth year to be involved as a coordinator and tour guide. His knowledge and support made it possible for students to access unique experiences and connections throughout the city.
Featured Image: Design 6 Studio atop 1057 Atlantic Ave. in Brooklyn, New York. Photo credit: Jordan Zitman (Levine Builders)
Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to recognize Petya Stefanoff, who is pursuing her doctorate in the Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) program, has been appointed the new role of Director of Community Development for the City of Shawnee, Oklahoma. She joined the city in 2024.
Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Amber N. Wiley, Ph.D., associate professor in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture and Design and director of the Institute for Quality Communities, has received national recognition for her book Model Schools in the Model City. The book has been named a finalist for the 2026 the PROSE Awards.
Gibbs College of Architecture Regional + City Planning Professor of Practice Vanessa Morrison and Associate Professor of Architecture Deborah Richards’ Open Design Collective received top honors at the inaugural BlackSpace Urbanist Collective Studio KIN Pitch Night Competition, held last month in Brooklyn, New York City.
