Caroline E. Murphy

Caroline E. Murphy is the Clarence H. Blackall Career Development Assistant Professor in MIT's Department of Architecture, History, Theory, and Criticism Group. Her research focuses on material and intellectual histories of architecture, environmental management, and political economy in early modern Europe, particularly Italy. She is on leave until January 2026.

Her current book project, Forged in Flood: Rivers and the Design of Territory in Late Renaissance Italy, examines 16th-17th century Tuscany's alluvial management and planning. Supported by fellowships from MIT, the Graham Foundation, and others, her work bridges environmental, architectural, and political-economic histories.

Recent publications include chapters in Land, Air, Sea: Architecture and Environment in the Early Modern Era (Brill, 2024) and forthcoming articles in Grey Room and Renaissance Quarterly (2025). She co-edits a book on environmental and economic management in the global Renaissance with Robert Fredona and Sophus A. Reinert.

• Education: PhD & SMArchS (MIT, History/Theory), BA (University of Toronto)
• Previous Role: Assistant Professor of History at Villanova University