Job Opening: Institute for Quality Communities Program Manager

The Institute for Quality Communities in the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture and the University of Oklahoma seeks applications for a Program Manager, Job Number 250621. This full-time position is located onsite at the Norman campus.

OU IQC Invites Community Assistance Project Proposals

The Institute of Quality Communities at the University of Oklahoma Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce the opening of the 2025-2026 Request for Proposals (RFP) process for Community Assistance Projects.

OU Landscape Architecture Students Reimagine UCO Child Study Center Playground

Thirteen graduate students in the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture at the University of Oklahoma are helping bring nature-focused design to the Child Study Center at the University of Central Oklahoma.

IQC Placemaking Conference Slated for Spring 2027

The next Placemaking Conference, a cornerstone program of the OU Institute for Quality Communities, is now scheduled for Spring 2027.

Amber Wiley Named Director of the IQC

Following a national search, the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture at the University of Oklahoma has named Dr. Amber Wiley as the new director of the Institute for Quality Communities

IQC Welcomes New Director Ian Carlton

IQC Welcomes New Director Ian Carlton

We are excited to share that Dr. Ian Carlton will be the new executive director of the IQC. His wife Rebecca Sanders will also join the College of Architecture's Regional and City Planning Division. Welcome to the team! Urban Development Expert Ian Carlton Named...

StART Norman: Better Block

StART Norman: Better Block

Research Traffic speeds ranged from 20-46 miles per hour, with the fastest 20% of drivers averaging over 35 miles per hour. Traffic speed is a critical factor of pedestrian safety. A speed of 20 miles per hour is ideal for a commercial district. A goal for...

Google Helps Track Urban Changes

Google Helps Track Urban Changes

Google Maps is one of the tools we use every day. With maps, aerial imagery, birdseye views, and street view, it is extremely useful for everyone at the IQC. A while back, Google made it possible to view historic satellite imagery for many regions, making it...

Oklahoma Community-Building Headlines

Oklahoma Community-Building Headlines

Here are the recent headlines and news from around our state about planning, placemaking, and community building in Oklahoma. To recommend a news story you think we should share, please let us know. [separator line="yes"] A Better Block event was held in Norman, and...

IQC Students Build a Better Block in Norman

IQC Students Build a Better Block in Norman

Students in the IQC Tactical Urbanism Workshop have been working with the Norman Arts Council on a plan for a Better Block event to kick off a month of celebrations for START Norman. The event transformed a block of Norman's Main Street Friday, April 11 through...

The Largest and Fastest-Growing Metro Areas

The Largest and Fastest-Growing Metro Areas

The Census recently released 2013 Population estimates for the county and metro area levels. Oklahoma City remained on the list of the top 10 fastest-growing metropolitan areas, at number 9. The ten fastest-growing cities between 2012 and 2013 were Austin, Houston,...

2013 Oklahoma Population Estimates

2013 Oklahoma Population Estimates

The Census recently released 2013 population estimates for counties. The Census estimates Oklahoma's total population at 3,850,568. Oklahoma has gained about 100,000 people since 2010. These estimates are based on numerous sources of data and used for important...

Students Visit Alva Site

Students Visit Alva Site

Students in the Environmental Design Capstone recently traveled with Ron Frantz and Hope Mander to visit their project site in Alva, Oklahoma. The course is examining design opportunities for Alva's courthouse square and connection to the university a few...

Tactical Urbanism Workshop Presentations

Tactical Urbanism Workshop Presentations

Students in the IQC Tactical Urbanism Workshop explored various issues related to tactical urbanism and shared them with the class through engaging presentations. You can't get the full effect of these presentations without seeing them live, but here are the...

The Best Things Oklahoma Towns Did in 2013

The Best Things Oklahoma Towns Did in 2013

The Atlantic Cities recently shared 2013 highlights from cities around the country. Here is a review of some of the best things that happened in Oklahoma's towns in 2013, from big time music festivals to smartphone apps. Guthrie hosted 40,000 visitors for a major...

Oklahoma Community Building Headlines

Oklahoma Community Building Headlines

Here are the recent headlines and news from around our state about planning, placemaking, and community building in Oklahoma. To recommend a news story you think we should share, please let us know. Enid is considering a policy to designate 1% of any public...

Two IQC Courses for OU Students in Spring 2014

Two IQC Courses for OU Students in Spring 2014

The IQC will be a part of two courses in the College of Architecture in spring 2014. Both classes meet once per week, on Fridays from 9:30 - 12:15. Environmental Design Capstone (EN D 4993 001) This project-based course taught by Ron Frantz and Hope Mander...