An interdisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Oklahoma Norman (OU Norman) and OU Health, including Interior Design professors, has published their study in the journal Virtual Reality.
The article, titled “Acceptability and Feasibility of Virtual Reality Multisensory Environments for Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Professional Caregiver Perspectives”, was authored by Dr. Yeji Yi and Dr. Negar Heidari Matin (Assistant Professors of Interior Design), Dr. Anna Nguyen (Associate Professor of Nursing), Dr. Ziho Kang (Associate Professor in the School of Industrial and Systems Engineering), Akshaya Balakrishnan (recent graduate of the Master of Science in Interior Design program), and Dr. Steven Couch (neurodevelopmental pediatrician). The study examines the potential of Virtual Reality Multisensory Environments (VR MSEs) to support sensory exploration for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.
The research highlights that VR MSEs may serve as a feasible, scalable, and accessible alternative to traditional multisensory environments. By leveraging virtual technology, VR MSEs can reduce spatial and financial barriers while offering customizable sensory experiences that better address diverse needs.
This work was made possible through the Health, Well-Being, and the Built Environment Seed Grant and the Faculty Investment Program, provided by the OU Norman Office of the Vice President for Research and Partnerships, the OU Health Vice President for Research, and the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture. The study was also supported by valuable partnerships with Bethany Children’s Health Center and Christian Bretz of VoyagerVR.
Read the full article in the Virtual Reality journal.
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.
