Richard Plunz

About the Author

Richard Plunz is a distinguished architectural historian and urban planner whose work illuminates the evolution of living spaces in America's densest metropolis. A professor emeritus at Columbia University, he has dedicated decades to researching and documenting the interplay between architecture, policy, and social dynamics in urban environments. His seminal book, A History of Housing in New York City (Columbia History of Urban Life), offers a comprehensive chronicle of the city's housing landscape from its colonial roots to contemporary challenges, blending meticulous archival research with insightful analysis of how housing shapes community and identity. Plunz's scholarship extends beyond academia, influencing urban policy and preservation efforts, and he continues to advocate for equitable and sustainable design in rapidly changing cities worldwide.