Carla Yanni

Carla Yanni is a Distinguished Professor and the Director of Architectural Studies in the Department of Art History at Rutgers University, where she has made significant contributions to the field of architectural history. Her research primarily focuses on the social history of architecture in the United States and Britain, spanning from 1750 to the present. Yanni's scholarly work is characterized by her interest in the meanings people derive from the buildings they inhabit, rather than concentrating solely on the architects themselves. Yanni has authored three influential monographs that delve into specific building types within the broader context of social history. Her book "Living on Campus: An Architectural History of the American Dormitory" examines the evolution of dormitory architecture and its impact on student life. In "The Architecture of Madness: Insane Asylums in the United States," she explores the architectural designs of mental health facilities and their implications for treatment and care. Her work "Nature's Museums: Victorian Science and the Architecture of Display" investigates the relationship between Victorian science and museum architecture. With a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. from Wesleyan University, Yanni brings a rich academic background to her teaching and research. At Rutgers, she teaches courses that cover a wide range of topics, including nineteenth and twentieth-century architecture, the sociology of science in relation to architectural history, and the architecture of dormitories and museums. Her teaching is known for its interdisciplinary approach, engaging students in discussions that connect architectural forms with social and cultural contexts. Yanni's research has been recognized for its depth and originality, contributing to a greater understanding of how architecture reflects and influences societal values and norms. Her work has been instrumental in shifting the focus of architectural history towards a more inclusive narrative that considers the experiences and perceptions of everyday people. Through her publications and teaching, Yanni continues to inspire a new generation of scholars and students to explore the dynamic interplay between architecture and society. In addition to her academic pursuits, Yanni is actively involved in various professional organizations related to architectural history and has presented her research at numerous conferences and symposia. Her dedication to the field is evident in her ongoing commitment to advancing the study of architecture as a vital component of cultural history.