Chickasaw Cultural Center | Sulphur Oklahoma

The Chickasaw Cultural Center is just minutes from my house; however, it was several months after it was built that I first visited it. It is an amazing space. The Chickasaw Nation truly did not spare any expense here. The center perfectly pairs old and new in a seamless way. Much of the walkways and building fronts consist of rough, natural-looking wood interlaced with steel beams. Coupled with that are sleek glass windows and rough-hewn stone. These juxtapositions are great to experience and really create a dynamic environment. In terms of having an architectural mission and accomplishing it, this place truly delivers. For added praise: the way they designed the landscaping was just amazing.

Grey Owl Cafe | Norman, OK

Grey Owl Cafe is a nondescript cafe right off of Grey St. near Main. This humble little store front masks a pretty rustic yet cozy interior. I love studying here, or just grabbing a drink with some friends. It features some of my favorites: exposed rafters, brick walls, and vintage furniture. It has the typical 'store front' windows that let in a lot of natural light; however, its bold, recessed green door make the entryway much more enjoyable than others. All-in-all I love going to this place and love the warm atmosphere it produces.

Catlett Music Center | Norman, OK

The Catlett Music Center is very unique building. I've only had two classes in the building, but over the course of those two semesters the feeling I got when entering the front doors never faded. I think this feeling is predominantly caused by the awe-inspiring entry way. A huge open space with a towering ceiling -- its enough to give anyone some feelings. Couple that with the stained-glass windows and the awesome amount of natural lighting and you have yourself a winner.

Building #1 Adams Tower

Adams Center often takes heat for being different than the other two towers. While Couch and Walker are both connected in the middle, Adams has no center and consists of four different towers instead. Some see this as a flaw but I see it a the buildings strength.

The first aspect of this design that lends itself a strength is the shorter hallways. This allows for less residents to live in one area and actually creates a deeper sense of community. 

Secondly, because there is no "center" the building was designed with large lobbies to form common areas for students to gather. These lobbies have big windows, vaulted ceilings, and skylights. All of this creates a very welcoming environment for students.

Lastly, this building - different from Walker and Couch, has large basements under each separate tower. These basements are another place where students can hang out, study, or even practice some dance moves.

Housing and Food Services is the organizations responsible for funding and maintaining this building. There mission is "to make housing a home." I believe with this design, they have succeeded.