Sandy Isenstadt is an architectural historian whose interest in material culture is evident in his writings that treat topics such as picture windows, refrigerators, landscape views, kitchen design and real estate appraisal. His most recent book, “Electric Light: An Architectural History,” examines the novel luminous spaces introduced by electric lighting, with chapters on switches, automobile headlights, factory lighting, illuminated signage and blackouts. His classes, touching on topics such as memorials and monuments and the role of electricity in modern life, likewise reflect this interest in the material aspects of the built environment as well as its history, form and use.
