Each year 600+ minority architects, urban designers, community activists and design students from across the country come together in fellowship and support for the annual National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) conference. This year, the 46th annual NOMA Conference was held in Chicago, Illinois, from October 17 – 20, 2018.
The annual student design competition is vibrant part of each NOMA conference. This year, 40 schools entered the competition. The brief called for a carbon-neutral, mixed-use and transit-oriented project to be located at the 63rd Street Metra Commuter Rail Station. Three University of Oklahoma Architecture students–Emily Homan, a graduate student, and Alecia Buffington and Kathy Lau, both undergraduate students–participated in this design competition.
The OU students’ submission was inspired by a traditional Greek stage, which is comprised of layers of drapes, fabrics, and a backdrop. The layers of their “Proscenium” proposal were designed for people to engage the site in diverse ways, creating a socially and cultural responsive platform.
The Proscenium will redefine the Woodlawn community as a new landmark by inviting tourists and local visitors. It will also bring permanent and semi-permanent residents, including working class citizens and both international and local artists, together so that the businesses and restaurants in Woodlawn will have a more diverse audience. With easy access from bus stations and bike parking from both streets, the site encourages people to walk, bike, and take public transportation to minimize vehicular traffic and therefore, reduce Chicago’s carbon footprint.
2018 NOMA Student Competition Project Vision
Homan reflected on her experience of the conference, “The main conference events were held in the Palmer House, a beautiful, historic hotel that was a perfect backdrop to the ideas shared at such an event.”
She continued, “When looking for a comfortable place to rest my feet, I accidentally walked into an empty, extravagant ballroom and stared at the ornamental decorations, slack-jawed, for a few minutes. I explored the balcony, then grabbed my fellow OU companions to share the space with.”
Students who are interested in joining the OU chapter of NOMAS, the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students, should reach out to the faculty adviser, Dave Boeck (dlb@ou.edu).
Emily Homan (left) and Alecia Buffington (right) present their concept for the 2018 NOMA Student Competition in Chicago, Illinois. Team member Kathy Lau not pictured.
Feature Image: Proscenium Rendering by the 2018 OU NOMAS Competition team
On April 24, 2026, the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture hosted its annual Graduate Student Showcase, a celebration of research, design innovation, and creative exploration across all graduate programs within the College.
The Gibbs College of Architecture celebrates fifth-year architecture student Haley Praytor, who has been recognized at the national level for her design work. In early March, Haley received a Graduate Division Award of Merit for her submission to the 2025 Metal Building Manufacturers Association student design competition.
Ronald Frantz Jr., emeritus professor, has been named a 2026 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient, the highest honor presented by Main Street America. The award was announced at the Main Street Now Conference in Tulsa, recognizing leaders who advance preservation-based economic development and community revitalization.
