Marjorie Callahan, professor of Architecture, was recently invited to speak at the 2023 Annual OU Law Conference. The conference took place from Sept. 22-23 at the OU College of Law and featured a variety of keynote speakers, presentations and activities. Callahan gave the keynote address at the conference’s reception dinner and spoke about the value of Architecture in jail design.
She also explored the Preservation of Life oaths in medicine, law and architecture and questioned if architects are doing enough for the local Oklahoma County Jail. The Preservation of Life oath in architecture is a clause in the American Institute of Architect’s ethical code, stating that architects have a responsibility to uphold human rights. The clause prohibits architects from accepting any commissions designed for “execution or for torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, including prolonged solitary confinement.”
In her presentation, Callahan argued that architects play a crucial role as a healer for those who have experienced trauma. Architects are now being challenged to redefine jail design by making impactful spaces that foster a sense of transition rather than just holding places. According to Callahan, architects can respond to trauma in public spaces by incorporating design aspects that produce a calm, safe and empowering atmosphere. She referenced successful tools used in healing spaces such as the Oklahoma City National Memorial in downtown OKC, the 9/11 Memorial in New York City and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C.
These memorials utilized design elements such as water, light and shadow, texture and materials, pattern and color to make impactful spaces for visitors and victims. Callahan believes these elements can also be incorporated into jail design to improve carceral spaces. She explained that jail design should reflect a clear purpose, create a connection between people and space and help those who are incarcerated move out with a sense of hope and inspiration.
Callahan previously addressed these issues in her project, “Jail Transition Through Architecture and Design,” and received a micro-grant for her work in spring 2023.
Robert L. Wesley, a pioneering architect and beloved mentor, has died at age 88. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Wesley joined Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in 1964 and became the firm's first Black partner in 1984. Throughout his career, he contributed to significant architectural projects while maintaining a strong commitment to civic engagement and professional mentorship.
The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to celebrate a series of recent accomplishments by Dr. Jim Collard, Professor of Practice in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Design, whose work continues to shape conversations around Indigenous economic development nationally and internationally.
University of Oklahoma Gibbs College of Architecture Dean Hans E. [PA1.1]Butzer returned to one of his most significant works on December 15, joining survivors and past and present board members for the groundbreaking of a $15.8 million expansion of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.
