Ebone Smith, a graduate student with the Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, recently published an op-ed in The Oklahoman about extreme heat waves in Oklahoma City. The column titled, “As we adapt to climate change, we must not forget to protect vulnerable communities in OKC,” was written as part of the Regional + City Planning course “Planning with Diverse Communities” taught by Dr. C. Aujean Lee.
In the article, Ebone discusses the negative effects of heat waves on residents and how these effects disproportionately impact vulnerable communities such as “Black, elderly or lower income people.” Ebone writes, “Government policies, legalized industrial pollution and other structures allow for environmental harm, toward underrepresented and underserved communities, to go unnoticed; therefore, it is important for city officials to create equitable ways of reducing the human impacts caused by heat waves and other extreme weather conditions.”
Ebone goes on to discuss how a lack of awareness surrounding heat waves also poses a danger to OKC residents. She mentions the City of OKC’s plan AdaptOKC to adapt to the changing climate, but notes that the plan ignores the disproportionate risk vulnerable populations face, “While the plan addresses issues with heat waves in Oklahoma City (e.g., stored and released heat from buildings, and impacts of heat on human health), the plan does not include much on overcoming challenges faced by people of color and low-income communities, those often most susceptible to summertime heat waves — thus, it falls short of being just and equitable.”
Ebone concludes the article with a call to action to address the danger of heat waves the environmental justice issues associated with them, “To ensure underserved communities are empowered to be resilient when dealing with extreme heat, it is imperative that city officials work with community members to develop policies and interventions for historically marginalized people. Additionally, it is critical for these communities to receive information on issues presented by heat waves and the changing environment; therefore, outreach initiatives, in collaboration with local community organizations, must be organized to raise public awareness. It is time to make AdaptOKC inclusive of all perspectives and people.”
Image caption. Photo credit: photographer's name.
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A team of Construction Science and Architecture students from the Gibbs College of Architecture made their mark on the national stage this week, earning third place out of 37 universities competing at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Competition, held during the International Builders' Show in Orlando, February 16-18, 2026.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has elevated Gary Armbruster, FAIA, ALEP to its prestigious College of Fellows—AIA’s highest membership honor—for his exceptional work and sustained contributions to architecture and society. Fellowship recognizes architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant impact at a national level. Members elevated to this distinction carry the FAIA designation after their name.
Students from the Spring 2026 Graduate 4 Architecture Design Studio, led by Professor Amy Leveno, exhibited their work at the School of Visual Arts. The exhibition, titled Reimagining the OU School of Visual Arts, featured drawings, models, and animations developed throughout the semester's studio project. The show was hosted in The Spotlight, a creative gallery space located on the first floor of the Fred Jones Art Center, and ran from January 20–30, 2026.
