The University of Oklahoma Gibbs College of Architecture Urban Design Studio program has again collaborated on a public art project for Tulsa’s Chapman Green.
OU-Tulsa Urban Design Studio director Shawn Schaefer recently described the project. “‘Be the One’ is the second sculpture to be installed in downtown Tulsa’s Chapman Green. OU Urban Design Studio students facilitated the placemaking project using public art as a catalyst for bringing people to the park.”
He continued, “he sculpture is a truly collaborative effort between the studio, the Urban Core Art Project, TU School of Art, Structural Engineer Tom Wallace, the City of Tulsa Parks Department, and Artist Chris Morphis at Garden Deva metal works.”
Schaefer says that the sculpture will be installed in time for the opening of the Art Alley at TYPro’s StreetCred event on April 27, 2019. Urban Design students also authored a grant to bring more programming to the park in the future. The H.A. Chapman Foundation is providing $300,000 for events and activities offered by Tulsa Mayfest starting this summer.
Last year, Urban Design Studio students collaborated with artists Patrick and Sam Dougherty to build a Stickwork piece, helping to coordinate volunteers for the project.
To learn more about “Be the One,” check out this recent Tulsa World article and this feature on News 6.
Featured image: Students in the Master’s of Urban Design program
A project designed by Gibbs College of Architecture faculty member Austin Lightle has been selected for BuildFest 2026, a national art and architecture festival held at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in New York, on the historic grounds of the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival.
Two Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture alumni are helping shape recommendations that could influence affordable housing design and construction across Oklahoma.
The University of Oklahoma Libraries recently welcomed Carl Siegel as an Architecture Librarian and Archivist and Assistant Professor. In his role, Siegel supports students, faculty and staff across the Gibbs College of Architecture while also serving as archivist for the American School of Architecture Archives.
