Howard Alan.
July 7, 1931 – May 19, 2023
Howard passed away peacefully surrounded by love on May 19, 2023. Born in Chicago, Howard graduated from Hyde Park High School before studying architecture at University of Southern California, Los Angeles. He completed his architecture degree at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, where he studied under his mentor, Bruce Alonzo Goff. During this time he was drafted by the U.S. Army to serve as an artillery surveyor during the Korean War. Howard specialized in alternative energy architecture and was part of a school of organic architects known as the “Friends of Kebyar”. He lived his life according to the shared values of the best part of his generation, that of social justice and civil rights. Devoted father of Jessica Alan, Ruth Eve Alan, and Alexander Blakeney (Bonnie Thornton) Alan; loving grandfather (“Jumpah”) of Max Connor Marcus. Former spouse of the late Linda Goffen and Jean Ruth Alan, former partner of Patricia Ann Blakeney. Preceded in death by parents Murray Spiegel and Elizabeth “Betty” (Harry) Feldman (nee Banks), cousin and ersatz brother Jerry Garten, and by his best friend in the whole world, Bumper the red & rust Doberman Pinscher. Private burial at Waldheim Cemetery.
A celebration of Howard’s life is being planned for the Summer Solstice, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association here.
Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to recognize Petya Stefanoff, who is pursuing her doctorate in the Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) program, has been appointed the new role of Director of Community Development for the City of Shawnee, Oklahoma. She joined the city in 2024.
Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Amber N. Wiley, Ph.D., associate professor in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture and Design and director of the Institute for Quality Communities, has received national recognition for her book Model Schools in the Model City. The book has been named a finalist for the 2026 the PROSE Awards.
Gibbs College of Architecture Regional + City Planning Professor of Practice Vanessa Morrison and Associate Professor of Architecture Deborah Richards’ Open Design Collective received top honors at the inaugural BlackSpace Urbanist Collective Studio KIN Pitch Night Competition, held last month in Brooklyn, New York City.
