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.
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.
