The Environmental Design Research Association’s 49th annual conference was held in Oklahoma City this summer. The Gibbs College of Architecture’s own Associate Professor Dave Boeck co-organized this massive effort, which brought more than 350 researchers and practitioners from over 20 countries together to discuss issues of social equity. Below, Boeck shares some of his favorite moments from the conference:
“Well EDRA 49 is history: just great memories in the minds of the 350 or so attendees of this great conference in OKC.”
Sigma Nu Alpha Gamma group drumming.
“The opening drumming was provided by a multi-tribal drumming group from OU [Sigma Nu Alpha Gamma].”
Dan Boren.
“Dan Boren gave insight into tribal goals for economic development and how they approach it.”
Mick Cornett and G.T. Bynum.
“Mick Cornett and G.T. Bynum discussed how Oklahoma City and Tulsa are approaching developing social equity.”
Vernice Miller-Travis.
“Keynote Vernice Miller-Travis helped attendees see the need to be persistent in working for social equity where ever it is missing. She shared an inspiring story about working with a Black community in North Carolina to restore a historic park. Our College’s own Sarah Little was part of the team that worked with her.
“Ron Frantz was there attending sessions and leading a walking tour of Automobile Alley and the OKC Memorial. Marjorie Callahan presented in a session with Shideh Shadravan and a grad student, as did Natalie Ellis and Sarah Little. I also want to thank Hans Butzer, Angela Person, and Stephanie Pilat, as well as one of our illustrious grads, Gina Sofola, for their unfailing support of the process of planning the conference itself!”
“The overwhelming response was that OKC is a great hidden gem that is worth visiting and coming back to! Vast, at the top of Devon Tower, and the Memorial were the overwhelming favorite places to visit. Thanks to OKC for providing a great urban backdrop for this conference titled, ‘Social Equity By Design: Designing Connections Through Community!'”
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.
