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Memoir
Norman H. Barnett
Regents' Proceedings 394
Regents' Proceedings 394
Norman E. Barnett, professor of architecture in the College of Architecture and Urban Planning, retired from active faculty status on May 31, 1993.
Professor Barnett received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in physics from the University of Michigan in 1944 and 1947, respectively. From 1943-55, he worked as a researcher at the Engineering Research Institute. He then joined the Institute of Science and Technology, working as an associate research physicist and then research physicist until 1965. From 1961-69, he was also a lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering. During this time, he carried out research for government and industry in applied optics, communication systems, applied acoustics including machinery noise control and psychoacoustics, hologram interferometry applied to vibration problems, and soil dynamics.
Professor Barnett joined the College of Architecture and Design as a lecturer in 1967; he was promoted to associate professor of architecture in 1969 and professor in 1976. At the college, he has taught senior and graduate level courses in architectural acoustics and architectural photography. Professor Barnett was instrumental in the development of the environmental technology undergraduate courses now taught in the College of Architecture and Urban Planning. In addition to his teaching duties, he has been an important and valuable contributor to the Ph.D. program in architecture and an active member of many departmental, college, and University committees.
Throughout his career, Professor Barnett has continued his study of architectural acoustics. In 1954, he co-authored a four-volume set of books for the U.S. Navy about submarine noise, entitled Noise Reduction Manual. His studies of soil dynamics resulted in an article titled "Holography-A New Tool for Soil Dynamics" (1974). More recently, Professor Barnett has developed electronic instrumentation in support of research in environmental technology and building energy. His career has been exemplary in its outstanding dedication to the College of Architecture and Urban Planning and the University of Michigan.
The Regents now salute this faculty member by naming Norman E. Barnett Professor Emeritus of Architecture.