Dr. Ladan Mozaffarian, assistant professor in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture and Design, recently participated in the esteemed International Conference on Urban Affairs. This annual event brings together urban-focused researchers, planners and policy advocates to examine strategies to make cities more equitable and resilient. This year’s conference was held April 24-27 in New York City.
During the conference, Mozaffarian presented her research concerning the importance of community engagement in urban economic development practices. Her study sheds light on the consequences of limited community involvement and civic inclusion during the establishment and execution of innovation districts.
Innovation districts are distinct geographic areas designed around anchor institutions like universities, hospitals and local government entities. According to Mozaffarian, these designated zones represent contemporary economic development models. Her research underscores the critical role of community participation in shaping and enhancing the outcomes of urban development initiatives.
Telesis, a journal produced by students in the University of Oklahoma Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture, has earned first place in the 2026 Douglas Haskell Award for Student Journals for its seventh volume, “Unfold.” This marks the fourth time the publication has earned recognition for excellence in student architectural journalism. It shares the honor with student journals from Columbia University, University of Michigan, and Cal Poly.
Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture congratulates Thinh "Henry" Duong, a master's student in the Division of Interior Design, for earning first place in the 2026 Robert Bruce Thompson Annual Student Light Fixture Design Competition.
Gibbs College of Architecture Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) Director and Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Design (PLAD) faculty member Amber N. Wiley, Ph.D., recently published a new book, Collective Yearning: Black Women Artists from the Zimmerli Art Museum.
