Dr. Ladan Mozaffarian, assistant professor in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture and Design, recently participated in the esteemed International Conference on Urban Affairs. This annual event brings together urban-focused researchers, planners and policy advocates to examine strategies to make cities more equitable and resilient. This year’s conference was held April 24-27 in New York City.
During the conference, Mozaffarian presented her research concerning the importance of community engagement in urban economic development practices. Her study sheds light on the consequences of limited community involvement and civic inclusion during the establishment and execution of innovation districts.
Innovation districts are distinct geographic areas designed around anchor institutions like universities, hospitals and local government entities. According to Mozaffarian, these designated zones represent contemporary economic development models. Her research underscores the critical role of community participation in shaping and enhancing the outcomes of urban development initiatives.
Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture professor and Institute for Quality Communities Director Dr. Amber N. Wiley’s book, Model Schools in the Model City: Race, Planning, and Education in the Nation’s Capital, has received two major honors from the Urban History Association.
Research initiated by Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture alumna Naila Hasan during her master’s studies at the University of Oklahoma has continued through faculty collaboration and resulted in a peer-reviewed publication in HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal.
Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce Esther Thorp, Tyler Boydstun and Chukwuma Nwokoye as the winners of the 2026 Construction Innovation Translation Hub (CIThub) Student Ideas Competition.
