Robert Barnett, assistant director of Princeton's Office of Physical Planning, will join the Office of the Provost on Jan. 1 as vice provost for University space planning. He will succeed Al Sinisgalli, who will retire after 30 years of service.
Barnett will advise the provost on overall space planning at the University. He will be responsible for strategic planning of new building projects and renovations, bringing together academic, administrative and support functions.
"Princeton is a far better place because of all that Al has contributed over a distinguished career to our research and space planning," said Provost Amy Gutmann. "Al has successfully overseen a multitude of challenging projects, and imparted a great spirit to Princeton at every step along the way."
"I am delighted that Bob has accepted this position and I very much look forward to working with him," she continued. "Since joining the University in 1994, Bob's exemplary service, architectural sensibility and leadership skills have earned him the great respect and admiration of his colleagues on campus as well as of consulting architects."
Barnett has served as the project manager for the construction or renovation of many University buildings, including the Icahn Laboratory, Frist Campus Center, McDonnell Hall and Marquand Library. In addition to taking on his new responsibilities, he will continue to be the project manager for the University's new science library, which is being designed by Frank Gehry.
Barnett's career as an architect and planner spans 30 years. Before joining the Princeton facilities staff, he worked for leading architectural firms in Princeton, Los Angeles and New York. For 15 years, he has taught construction technology in professional and technical schools; he currently is an adjunct professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He also serves as an editor, writer and photographer for the architectural press.
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Barnett earned his master of architecture degree from Columbia University.
Contact: Eric Quinones (609) 258-3601