Emad Najmi Sarooghi, a Ph.D. student in the Haskell and Irene Lemon Division of Construction Science, and Dr. Tamera McCuen, a Professor of Construction Science, recently presented their research on smart cities’ strategies for contractors at the 58th Annual International Associated Schools of Construction Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
Emad’s paper aims to identify the construction-related strategies in smart cities that could assist contractors in disrupting traditional construction processes using new technologies and processes. Emad conducted a thematic analysis was conducted to categorize the construction-related strategies used by twenty-four smart cities in the United States and around the globe. Six different themes were identified, including 1) Modern Infrastructure, 2) Livable Climate, 3) Efficient Mobility, 4) Education/Training, 5) Inclusive Economy, and 6) Affordable Housing. While several smart cities have implemented some construction-related action plans, others have no strategies related to the construction industry.
The results of Emad and Dr. McCuen’s research could be helpful for further research to identify the future direction of construction in smart cities and define the knowledge and requirements needed for contractors to implement the action plans in smart cities.
The Gibbs Design in Action Awards (GDAA) program, led by Dr. Wanda Liebermann, has announced its 2026–2027 funded student projects. The initiative supports design and research work that addresses social, cultural, and economic issues in the built environment through collaboration with faculty and community partners.
The OU Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) 2024 collaboration with the Historic Threatt Filling Station has been recognized in the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's newly released Byways Report: The Scenic Route to Rural Prosperity – a story-driven publication exploring how road trip culture and place-based tourism can fuel economic growth in rural communities.
The Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Camille Germany, Chief of Staff, has been named the 2026 recipient of the university-wide Jennifer L. Wise Good Stewardship Award.
