Maria Luisa Palumbo

Rome, Italy

I was looking for a Ph.D. program in the history of architecture, but I also wanted a focus on modern and contemporary history that was open enough to let me freely move around the disciplines, taking classes in science, philosophy, and sociology — Cornell was the perfect place!

Why did you choose Cornell and AAP?

I was looking for a Ph.D. program in the history of architecture, but I also wanted a focus on modern and contemporary history that was open enough to let me freely move around the disciplines, taking classes in science, philosophy, and sociology — Cornell was the perfect place!

What school(s) did you attend before coming to AAP and what degree(s) did you receive?

I studied architecture in Italy at the Università degli Studi di Palermo.

Did you decide to attend AAP immediately following graduation or did you work for a period of time? If you worked, what did you do?

I worked for several years for the Italian National Institute of Architecture where I taught theory of architecture and curated many research programs in collaboration with other institutions like the municipality of Rome, the association of Roman builders, and the Venice Biennale.

What are your extracurricular interests and how have you incorporated them into your college life?

I like to practice yoga and walk as much as possible.

What do you hope to accomplish during your time at AAP and after graduation?

I imagine I will go back to teaching, but definitely with a new method, a much stronger academic approach, and lots of new ideas!

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