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 examining the relationships among Universal Design, autonomy and psychological well-being among older adults with mobility disabilities.
Hasan’s master’s thesis, Psychological Well-Being for Elderly Population with Disability: Implications of Universal Design, established a research foundation focused on how the built environment can support the well-being and independence of older adults with disabilities.
The subsequent study, “Universal Design, Autonomy, and Psychological Wellbeing of Older Adults with Mobility Disabilities,” was co-authored by Yeji Yi, Naila Hasan, Suchismita Bhattacharjee and Jinhyo Cho. The publication represents a new collaborative study that builds on the research direction established through Hasan’s thesis while employing a new survey and methodology to further examine how Universal Design features relate to autonomy and psychological well-being.
“This research has strengthened my commitment to evidence-based and inclusive design,” said Hasan. “My goal is to continue exploring how architects and interior designers can create environments that support accessibility, autonomy, dignity, and psychological well-being throughout the aging process.”
Publication:
Yi, Y. J., Hasan, N., Bhattacharjee, S., & Cho, J. (2026). Universal Design, Autonomy, and Psychological Wellbeing of Older Adults With Mobility Disabilities. HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 19(3), 169–183. https://doi.org/10.1177/19375867261440940
Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture assistant professor Amy Leveno and Mark Leveno, co-founders of OFFICIAL Design, have received a 2026 AIA Central States Region Design Award for the firm’s Granger Annex Community Center project in Garland, Texas.
Construction Industry Speaker Series welcomed Stephen Evans from the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum to give a lecture on better conversations and relationship building.
The University of Oklahoma Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture Hall of Fame recognizes a select number of high-character individuals who have made a significant and lasting positive impact on Gibbs College, its students, staff, faculty, alumni and/or to communities across the globe. The impact may have been, or continues to be, in the form of service and mentorship, sustained professional excellence, and/or advancement and financial support. Joseph Edgar Smay is part of the 2025 Hall of Fame class.
