René Peralta, a lecturer with the Division of Architecture, recently spoke at the American Planning Association 2022 National Planning Conference. Presenting during a session titled “San Diego/Tijuana’s Regional Vision, ‘Temporary Paradise?’”, Peralta discussed Donald Appleyard and Kevin Lynch’s report Temporary Paradise, which discusses Tijuana within a larger urban and sustainable vision. It explores the dynamics that have made the San Diego/Tijuana region into one of the most critical global borders.
The presentation showed how planning can impact and reshape the binational San Diego/Tijuana region, moving it towards greater sustainability, livability, and equity. It also explored why the region was chosen as the 2024 World Design Capital. Those who attended the presentation learned how to best capture the most helpful planning ideas of a city and a region, such as the San Diego/Tijuana area. They were also shown how to create a compelling planning document that endures over time.
René Peralta has given several presentations and done extensive research on the planning of the San Diego/Tijuana region. Read other stories about his work.
Photo credit: Stefan Falke
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.
