Regional + City Planning students Logan Gray and Emily Pendergrast recently published op-eds regarding planning issues within Norman and across the state of Oklahoma. The students developed the articles as part of Dr. C. Aujean Lee’s course, “Planning with Diverse Communities.”
Gray’s op-ed, “Letter to the Editor: Dockless e-scooters create accessibility challenges,” was published in The Norman Transcript. In the article, he discusses accessibility issues with dockless e-scooters, which were first introduced to Norman in 2018. These e-scooters are often left in the middle of sidewalks and public walkways, blocking people with physical disabilities from maneuvering through the area. According to Gray, companies like Veo and Bird are at fault for their lack of regulation and compliance with local laws.
Pendergrast’s op-ed, “Affordable housing requires a mindset shift to meet the needs of Oklahomans,” was published in The Oklahoman, and highlights issues with single-family zoning laws. In the article, she explains how revising single-family zoning restrictions to allow for more alternative housing arrangements could benefit low-income families. According to Pendergrast, the availability of family-size apartments and mixed housing would create more affordable housing options and a stronger sense of community.
A team of Construction Science and Architecture students from the Gibbs College of Architecture made their mark on the national stage this week, earning third place out of 37 universities competing at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Competition, held during the International Builders' Show in Orlando, February 16-18, 2026.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has elevated Gary Armbruster, FAIA, ALEP to its prestigious College of Fellows—AIA’s highest membership honor—for his exceptional work and sustained contributions to architecture and society. Fellowship recognizes architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant impact at a national level. Members elevated to this distinction carry the FAIA designation after their name.
Students from the Spring 2026 Graduate 4 Architecture Design Studio, led by Professor Amy Leveno, exhibited their work at the School of Visual Arts. The exhibition, titled Reimagining the OU School of Visual Arts, featured drawings, models, and animations developed throughout the semester's studio project. The show was hosted in The Spotlight, a creative gallery space located on the first floor of the Fred Jones Art Center, and ran from January 20–30, 2026.
