Freshman Interior Design students recently visited Rivermont Independent Living in Norman, OK as a part of their studio course. 36 students attended the trip, joined by Professors of Interior Design Dr. Suchismita Bhattacharjee and Dr. Yeji Yi and graduate teaching assistant Naila Hasan.
This field trip is part of a larger project for Interior Design Studio II, which focuses on integrating human-centered design, universal design features and ADA standards in the design process. The students are tasked with designing comfortable and functional senior living units with accessible storage features, easy-to-clean surfaces and materials that will create a sense of openness.
As a part of the pre-design process, students examined various styles of independent living units to gain on-site experience. They also conducted interviews with elderly residents to learn about their needs and preferences. Based on the research data collected during the visit, students will create a two-bedroom residential unit within a proposed assisted living 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.
