An interdisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Oklahoma Norman (OU Norman) and OU Health, including Interior Design professors, has published their study in the journal Virtual Reality.
The article, titled “Acceptability and Feasibility of Virtual Reality Multisensory Environments for Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Professional Caregiver Perspectives”, was authored by Dr. Yeji Yi and Dr. Negar Heidari Matin (Assistant Professors of Interior Design), Dr. Anna Nguyen (Associate Professor of Nursing), Dr. Ziho Kang (Associate Professor in the School of Industrial and Systems Engineering), Akshaya Balakrishnan (recent graduate of the Master of Science in Interior Design program), and Dr. Steven Couch (neurodevelopmental pediatrician). The study examines the potential of Virtual Reality Multisensory Environments (VR MSEs) to support sensory exploration for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.
The research highlights that VR MSEs may serve as a feasible, scalable, and accessible alternative to traditional multisensory environments. By leveraging virtual technology, VR MSEs can reduce spatial and financial barriers while offering customizable sensory experiences that better address diverse needs.
This work was made possible through the Health, Well-Being, and the Built Environment Seed Grant and the Faculty Investment Program, provided by the OU Norman Office of the Vice President for Research and Partnerships, the OU Health Vice President for Research, and the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture. The study was also supported by valuable partnerships with Bethany Children’s Health Center and Christian Bretz of VoyagerVR.
Read the full article in the Virtual Reality journal.
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.
