Page 91 - Architectural Digest - USA (March 2020)

J. MEEJIN

YOON

Cornell University College of
Architecture, Art, and Planning

“In the last decade, the discipline
has significantly transformed in terms
of practice and research,” notes the
Korean-American architect, who was
named dean in 2018. “I’m optimistic
about architectural education going
forward and the role of the academy
as a leader around critical social
and environmental issues, as well as
emerging technologies and their impact
on the built environment.” At Cornell,
where she studied architecture as
an undergraduate, Yoon has shifted
discourse to encompass a more global
perspective, while expanding the
university’s interdisciplinary programs.
(She recently helped launch a pilot
partnership with the Cornell Tech campus
in New York City to develop innovative
products, among other initiatives.)
She has also trained students’ gaze
on new breakthroughs in artificial
intelligence, robotics, material science,
and computation. Praising her fellow
female deans, Yoon notes, “It feels
significant to be a part of this group
of women academic leaders, all of
whom are deeply committed to both
education and practice. We share many
underlying values but also represent
diverse visions for our institutions.
Diversity means better research, better
education, better design.”

Dean Yoon is photographed at
Cornell’s Herbert F. Johnson Museum
of Art, designed by I. M. Pei.