Cara Armstrong

Cara Armstrong is an Associate Professor, Associate Dean for the College of Professional Schools, and Director of the School of Architecture + Art at Norwich University. With dual master's degrees in architecture from Columbia University and poetry from Drew University, alongside dual undergraduate degrees in environmental design and interdisciplinary studies from Miami University, she embodies a multidisciplinary approach bridging technical and creative domains. Her roles encompass leading the School of Architecture + Art since 2013 and founding the Design + Build Collaborative, which focuses on community-centered, resilient design projects.

Education

• MFA in Poetry, Drew University
• MArch in Architecture, Columbia University
• B.Phil. in Interdisciplinary Studies, Miami University
• B.E.D. in Environmental Design, Miami University

Armstrong’s research explores the intersection of neuroscience and architecture, examining how designed environments influence perception, cognition, and well-being. Her work emphasizes resilient design, psychological wayfinding, and the sensory dimensions of space. Through collaborations with organizations like the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA) and as Curator at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, she integrates neuroscientific principles with architectural practice to advance understanding of human-environment interactions.

Her recent publications highlight interdisciplinary inquiry: "Drawing from Within: Immersive Sketching as Neuroscientific Inquiry" (2025) in the Handbook of Neuroscience and the Built Environment connects sketching practices to cognitive processes, while "Wright Panorama" (2024) uses 360-degree analysis of Wright’s work. These articles span fields like neuroaesthetics, digital humanities, and architectural education.

Scientific Contributions & Awards

• Co-founder of the Design + Build Collaborative, advancing community-focused architectural solutions
• Senior Research Fellow at ANFA
• Active member of ANFA’s advisory board, shaping global interdisciplinary architectural education
• Exhibitions at Boston Architecture College and Crystal Bridges, showcasing place-based art

As an educator, Armstrong teaches foundational courses in architecture (e.g., AP 111 Fundamentals of Architecture) and mentors graduate theses. Her work with the Civic Center Committee and Senator Bernie Sanders on the Barre Auditorium project demonstrates her commitment to civic engagement. She advocates for hands-on learning and interdisciplinary exploration, drawing from her experiences at Fallingwater to enrich architectural pedagogy.