louis i kahn.ppt

8/9/2019 Louis I Kahn.ppt

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LIFE LIFE

Louis Kahn, whose originalLouis Kahn, whose original

name was Itze-Leibname was Itze-Leib

SchmuilowskySchmuilowsky

(Schmalowski), was born(Schmalowski), was born

inin KuressaareKuressaare on theon the EstonianEstonian

island ofisland of SaaremaaSaaremaa, then, thenart of theart of the !ussian Emire!ussian Emire""

#is actual birth year may#is actual birth year may

ha$e been inaccurately recorded when, in %&', hisha$e been inaccurately recorded when, in %&', hisewishewish family immigrated to thefamily immigrated to the *nited States*nited States,,

fearing that his father would be recalled into thefearing that his father would be recalled into themilitary during themilitary during the !usso-aanese +ar!usso-aanese +ar"" #e was raised in#e was raised in hilidelhiahilidelhia and became aand became a

naturalized citizennaturalized citizen onon ay %ay %,, %&%.%&%.""

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuressaarehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuressaarehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estoniahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estoniahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saaremaahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saaremaahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewishhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewishhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Stateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Stateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russo-Japanese_Warhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russo-Japanese_Warhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturalized_citizenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturalized_citizenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_15http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_15http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1914http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1914http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1914http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_15http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturalized_citizenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russo-Japanese_Warhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Stateshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewishhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saaremaahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estoniahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuressaare


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LIFE LIFE

4n the e$ening of his death, Kahn had flown back to the *S4n the e$ening of his death, Kahn had flown back to the *Sfrom India where he was building the Indian Institute offrom India where he was building the Indian Institute ofanagement in 5hmedabad"anagement in 5hmedabad"

#e had gone to enn Station to board a train home to#e had gone to enn Station to board a train home tohiladelhia"hiladelhia"

6he Institute of anagement and another ongoing work, the6he Institute of anagement and another ongoing work, the

7aital 7omle8 of go$ernment buildings at 2haka in7aital 7omle8 of go$ernment buildings at 2haka in9angladesh, were not only Kahn/s most ambitious ro:ect,9angladesh, were not only Kahn/s most ambitious ro:ect,but among his architectural masterieces"but among his architectural masterieces"

1et he had built so little during his life that he died bankrut1et he had built so little during his life that he died bankrutowing hundreds of thousands of dollars"owing hundreds of thousands of dollars"

6he few buildings that Louis Kahn did realise were so6he few buildings that Louis Kahn did realise were soremarkable that they established him as one of the mostremarkable that they established him as one of the mostimortant figures in ;'th century architecture, whoseimortant figures in ;'th century architecture, whoseinfluence is comared to that of Le 7orbusier and ies


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7on$inced that contemorary architects could = and7on$inced that contemorary architects could = andshould = roduce buildings which were as monumentalshould = roduce buildings which were as monumentaland as siritually insiring as the ancient ruins of >reeceand as siritually insiring as the ancient ruins of >reeceand Egyt, Kahn de$oted his career to theand Egyt, Kahn de$oted his career to theuncomromising ursuit of formal erfection anduncomromising ursuit of formal erfection andemotional e8ression"emotional e8ression"

Eminent though he later became, much of Kahn/s life wasEminent though he later became, much of Kahn/s life wasa struggle"a struggle" ?i$e year-old Louis was afflicted by scarlet fe$er" 6ogether?i$e year-old Louis was afflicted by scarlet fe$er" 6ogether

with the facial scars left by an earlier accident, when hewith the facial scars left by an earlier accident, when heburnt himself on a coal fire, this illness left him too weakburnt himself on a coal fire, this illness left him too weakto start school and he was taught at home"to start school and he was taught at home"

+hen Louis finally went to school, the shy boy was so+hen Louis finally went to school, the shy boy was sogifted at art and music that his teachers steered himgifted at art and music that his teachers steered himtowards the secial courses for talented students intowards the secial courses for talented students inhiladelhia/s enlightened education system"hiladelhia/s enlightened education system"

2esite his family/s o$erty, Kahn recei$ed an e8cellent2esite his family/s o$erty, Kahn recei$ed an e8cellenteducation and, insired by a high school course ineducation and, insired by a high school course inarchitectural history, wonarchitectural history, won

LIFE LIFE


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#e felt haier with 1ale, which was a train ride#e felt haier with 1ale, which was a train rideaway, and taught there for eight years beforeaway, and taught there for eight years beforebecoming a rofessor at the *ni$ersity ofbecoming a rofessor at the *ni$ersity ofennsyl$ania"ennsyl$ania"

5s an architect Kahn was limited to modest local5s an architect Kahn was limited to modest local

ro:ects, until in %&% he won his first ma:orro:ects, until in %&% he won his first ma:orcommission = an e8tension to the 1ale 5rt >allery"commission = an e8tension to the 1ale 5rt >allery" 6he 1ale commission also offered an oortunity for6he 1ale commission also offered an oortunity for

Kahn to e8eriment with the ideas he hadKahn to e8eriment with the ideas he hadde$eloed since a tri to >reece, !ome and Egytde$eloed since a tri to >reece, !ome and Egytwhen he had become con$inced that modernwhen he had become con$inced that modernarchitecture lacked the monumental and siritualarchitecture lacked the monumental and siritualAualities of ancient buildings"Aualities of ancient buildings"

B B4ur stuff looks so tinny comared to it,C he wrote4ur stuff looks so tinny comared to it,C he wroteto his office colleagues in hiladelhia"to his office colleagues in hiladelhia"

Kahn was con$inced that, as a modern architect, hisKahn was con$inced that, as a modern architect, hisresonsibility was to create buildings with thoseresonsibility was to create buildings with thoseAualities using contemorary materials andAualities using contemorary materials andconstruction techniAues"construction techniAues"

LIFE LIFE


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+orking with simle materials, notably brick and+orking with simle materials, notably brick andconcrete, Kahn alied his rinciles toconcrete, Kahn alied his rinciles to

create buildings instilled with the siritual Aualities forcreate buildings instilled with the siritual Aualities forwhich he stro$e through a masterfulwhich he stro$e through a masterful

sense of sace and light"sense of sace and light" ?rom the %&%-@ 1ale 5rt >allery e8tension, to?rom the %&%-@ 1ale 5rt >allery e8tension, to

subseAuent ro:ects such as the %&.-& 6rentonsubseAuent ro:ects such as the %&.-& 6renton9oathouse in 0ew ersey and the %&3-D; !ichards9oathouse in 0ew ersey and the %&3-D; !ichardsedical 6owers in hiladelhia, Kahn combined $isuallyedical 6owers in hiladelhia, Kahn combined $isuallycomelling saces with drama as the changing lightcomelling saces with drama as the changing lighttransformed the sensory e8erience of being in thetransformed the sensory e8erience of being in thebuilding at different times of the day and night"building at different times of the day and night"

9y the time he began the9y the time he began the

%&&-D3 Salk Institute in%&&-D3 Salk Institute inLa olla, 7alifornia, KahnLa olla, 7alifornia, Kahn

had mastered this aroachhad mastered this aroach

to create his first masteriece,to create his first masteriece,

an e8traordinarily insiringan e8traordinarily insiring

seAuence of buildings"seAuence of buildings"

LIFE LIFE


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2eri$ed of another ma:or2eri$ed of another ma:or

commission in the *S,commission in the *S,

e$en after Kimbell, Kahne$en after Kimbell, Kahn

oured his energy into hisoured his energy into his

most demanding ro:ects,most demanding ro:ects,

the %&D;-3. Indian Institutethe %&D;-3. Indian Institute

of anagement inof anagement in

5hmedabad and the5hmedabad and the

monumental 7aitalmonumental 7aital

7omle8 in 2haka, which he7omle8 in 2haka, which he

began in %&D; but which wasbegan in %&D; but which wascomleted after his death"comleted after his death" It was in 2haka that Kahn realised his dream of building aIt was in 2haka that Kahn realised his dream of building a

city of the future"city of the future"

LIFE LIFE


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6he ro:ect was intensely roblematic, construction6he ro:ect was intensely roblematic, constructionwas not only disruted by olitical unrest and,was not only disruted by olitical unrest and,e$entually a war for indeendence in 9angladesh,e$entually a war for indeendence in 9angladesh,but bede$iled by the logistical difficulties of buildingbut bede$iled by the logistical difficulties of building

in a city rey to floods and storms"in a city rey to floods and storms" 6he result is a magical seAuence of buildings that6he result is a magical seAuence of buildings thataear to float abo$e the surrounding water inaear to float abo$e the surrounding water in$ernacular red brick brilliantly constructed by local$ernacular red brick brilliantly constructed by localcraftsmen"craftsmen"

In a uslim city rey to ainful o$erty and naturalIn a uslim city rey to ainful o$erty and natural

disaster, Louis Kahn achie$ed his goal of creating adisaster, Louis Kahn achie$ed his goal of creating amonumental modern architecture, which is at oncemonumental modern architecture, which is at oncesiritually ulifting and humane"siritually ulifting and humane"

LIFE LIFE


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B a c k g r o u n d T i m e l i n eB a c k g r o u n d T i m e l i n e

%&'% 9orn in 4sel, Estonia%&'% 9orn in 4sel, Estonia %&' 7ame to hilidelhia, *S5%&' 7ame to hilidelhia, *S5

%&;F Studied classical architecture in Euroe%&;F Studied classical architecture in Euroe

%&@3-%&@& articiated in ublic #ousing ro:ects%&@3-%&@& articiated in ublic #ousing ro:ects

%&.3 6aught at 1ale *ni$"%&.3 6aught at 1ale *ni$" %& 6aught at *ni$" of ennsyl$ania%& 6aught at *ni$" of ennsyl$ania

%&D ?"5"I"5" edal of #onor 2anish 5rchitectural%&D ?"5"I"5" edal of #onor 2anish 5rchitectural

5ssociation,5ssociation,

%&3% >old edal, 5"I"5",%&3% >old edal, 5"I"5",

%&3; !oyal >old edal for 5rchitecture, !"I"9"5",%&3; !oyal >old edal for 5rchitecture, !"I"9"5",

%&3. assed away%&3. assed away


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PhilosophyPhilosophy

#e is the master of monumentality in *nited States was#e is the master of monumentality in *nited States wasLouis"I"Kahn"Louis"I"Kahn"

onumentality of course was not his only reoccuationonumentality of course was not his only reoccuation

but it was certainly a ma:or one and he e$ol$edbut it was certainly a ma:or one and he e$ol$ed

hilosohy and system of forms e8traordinarily wellhilosohy and system of forms e8traordinarily well

suited the e8ression of honorific themes and mood"suited the e8ression of honorific themes and mood" #e knew how to fuse together modern constructional#e knew how to fuse together modern constructional

means with additional methods"means with additional methods"

#is architecture was infused with a dee feeling of#is architecture was infused with a dee feeling of

meaning of human situations which enabled him tomeaning of human situations which enabled him to

a$oid mere shae making of formalists"a$oid mere shae making of formalists"


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#is buildings are ordinary entities creating#is buildings are ordinary entities creatingfor human use "for human use "

#e ga$e suort to indi$iduality, sensiti$ity#e ga$e suort to indi$iduality, sensiti$ity

and freedom to resond in uniAue ways toand freedom to resond in uniAue ways to

the articular constraints of each buildingthe articular constraints of each buildingrogramme"rogramme"

#e ne$er rebelled against the new#e ne$er rebelled against the new

technology, materials and aesthetics thattechnology, materials and aesthetics that

had come to characterize contemoraryhad come to characterize contemorarybuilding, but he insisted on reworking thebuilding, but he insisted on reworking the

rocess of design to allow the inclusion ofrocess of design to allow the inclusion of

both greater ersonal artistic statementboth greater ersonal artistic statement

and occuant concern"and occuant concern"

hilosohyhilosohy


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JARGONSJARGONS

?4!?4! ?orm describes the ure ideal e8istence of an?orm describes the ure ideal e8istence of an

architectural rogram"architectural rogram"

4!2E!4!2E! 4rder refers to architectural maneu$ers including4rder refers to architectural maneu$ers including

geometry, linearity , symmetry, asymmetry etc" thatgeometry, linearity , symmetry, asymmetry etc" that

could create hysical architectural entities"could create hysical architectural entities"2ESI>02ESI>0 2esign was that attemt to aroach erfect form2esign was that attemt to aroach erfect form

through the imosition of order"through the imosition of order"

SE!


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Yale Universiy ArYale Universiy Ar

GalleryGallery

LocationLocation 0ew #a$en0ew #a$en,,7onnecticut7onnecticut

2ate %&% to %&.2ate %&% to %&. 9uilding 6ye art9uilding 6ye art

gallery and designgallery and designcentercenter

7onstruction System7onstruction Systemsite-cast concrete,site-cast concrete,curtain wall infill, brickcurtain wall infill, brick

7limate temerate7limate temerate 7onte8t urban7onte8t urbancamuscamus

StyleStyle odernodern Entrance to the Yale University Entrance to the Yale University

Art Gallery Art Gallery

http://www.greatbuildings.com/places/new_haven.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/places/new_haven.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/places/ct.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/places/ct.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/types/styles/modern.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/types/styles/modern.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/types/styles/modern.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/places/ct.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/places/new_haven.html


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6he 1ale *ni$ersity 5rt6he 1ale *ni$ersity 5rt

>allery in 0ew #a$en,>allery in 0ew #a$en,

7onnecticut (%&%-@)7onnecticut (%&%-@)

was the first significantwas the first significant

commission ofcommission of Louis KahnLouis Kahn

and his first architecturaland his first architectural

masteriece"masteriece" #istorians Kenneth#istorians Kenneth

?ramton and allery

http://www.greatbuildings.com/architects/Louis_I._Kahn.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/architects/Louis_I._Kahn.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/architects/Louis_I._Kahn.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/architects/Louis_I._Kahn.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/architects/Louis_I._Kahn.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/architects/Louis_I._Kahn.html


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1et little attention has been1et little attention has beenaid to the formal andaid to the formal and

oetic asects of theoetic asects of the

1ale 5rt >allery"1ale 5rt >allery" 6he buildingGs blank walls6he buildingGs blank walls

along 7hael Street mark aalong 7hael Street mark aradical break with theradical break with the

neo->othic conte8t of theneo->othic conte8t of the

uni$ersity"uni$ersity" KahnGs critics called this aKahnGs critics called this a

HbrutalistH gesture" Such aHbrutalistH gesture" Such aradical architectural statementradical architectural statement

could robably not be realized today in a traditionalcould robably not be realized today in a traditionalconte8t like 1ale *ni$ersity because the modernistconte8t like 1ale *ni$ersity because the modernistideology that suorted it no longer e8ists"ideology that suorted it no longer e8ists"

Vie# "o#n into the stair#ell atVie# "o#n into the stair#ell at

the &ale )ni*ersity 'rt (allerythe &ale )ni*ersity 'rt (allery

1ale *ni$ersity 5rt >allery1ale *ni$ersity 5rt >allery


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6he main e8terior wall with its6he main e8terior wall with its

stone coursing e8resses bothstone coursing e8resses both

the osition of the interior floorthe osition of the interior floor

le$els and the horizontalle$els and the horizontal

continuity with the automobilecontinuity with the automobile

and edestrian traffic alongand edestrian traffic along

7hael Street"7hael Street"

6he osition of the brick infill6he osition of the brick infill

bands of wall :ust inches behind the ro:ecting coursingbands of wall :ust inches behind the ro:ecting coursing

also e8resses a true Hedge condition,H a seeminglyalso e8resses a true Hedge condition,H a seemingly

immoral gesture"immoral gesture"

Vie# u+ to ceilin% of stair#ell Vie# u+ to ceilin% of stair#ell .


http://www.architectureweek.com/cgi-bin/awimage?dir=2002/0710&article=culture_1-2.html&image=11868_image_4.jpg


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On !neringOn !nering 6he entry stair at 1ale lies at the bottom6he entry stair at 1ale lies at the bottom

of a satial well, formed by the recessionof a satial well, formed by the recession

of the blank wall"of the blank wall" 6he recessed entry door itself is defined6he recessed entry door itself is defined

by an absent increment of the glassby an absent increment of the glass

fenestration"fenestration" Kahn in$oked a iesian $ision of glassKahn in$oked a iesian $ision of glass

with the recessed wall, reflected onwith the recessed wall, reflected on

the oaAue white curtains behind thethe oaAue white curtains behind the

fenestration"fenestration" #e dematerialized the wall through which we enter the $irtual#e dematerialized the wall through which we enter the $irtual

or imaginary condition of the art gallery"or imaginary condition of the art gallery" ?rom the e8terior satial well we enter a $estibule and then?rom the e8terior satial well we enter a $estibule and thende$iate to the oen loft saces of the first floor"de$iate to the oen loft saces of the first floor"

6he horizontal continuity of this sace is broken by the core6he horizontal continuity of this sace is broken by the coreelements the circular enclosure of the main stair, the ele$atorelements the circular enclosure of the main stair, the ele$atorand mechanical core, and a secondary e8it stair interfacingand mechanical core, and a secondary e8it stair interfacingwith the rear garden"with the rear garden"

Rear view of theRear view of the

building from the building from the

garden.garden.



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+e circulate through the+e circulate through the

breaks in this satialbreaks in this satial

blockage as if through ablockage as if through a

sie$e to the oen gallerysie$e to the oen gallery

sace at the other side"sace at the other side" Scully characterized theScully characterized the

original interior design asoriginal interior design as

archaic, go$erned as it wasarchaic, go$erned as it was

by the e8osed concreteby the e8osed concrete

tetrahedral ceiling and thetetrahedral ceiling and theeriheral walls of concreteeriheral walls of concrete

block"block" 7ertainly, KahnGs adotion of the hollow tetrahedral7ertainly, KahnGs adotion of the hollow tetrahedral

structural system had the ad$antages of allowing forstructural system had the ad$antages of allowing forthe allocation of mechanical and electrical systems o$erthe allocation of mechanical and electrical systems o$er

the oen lofts"the oen lofts"

Analytical drawing of the Yale Analytical drawing of the Yale

University Art Gallery, showing itUniversity Art Gallery, showing it

as a displaced box whose coreas a displaced box whose core

elements lock the composition inelements lock the composition in

place. place.



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1et it was structurally inefficient, being D' ercent1et it was structurally inefficient, being D' ercenthea$ier than a more con$entional structural solution"hea$ier than a more con$entional structural solution"

Kahn le$itated the rigid, hollow stone-like slab o$er ourKahn le$itated the rigid, hollow stone-like slab o$er ourheads" 6he ceiling system aears to float"heads" 6he ceiling system aears to float"

6he circular stair silo (storage tower) that enetrates6he circular stair silo (storage tower) that enetrates$ertically through the sedimented floor le$els is a$ertically through the sedimented floor le$els is arestatement of human finitude"restatement of human finitude"

Entering the stair from the uer floor, the stair runsEntering the stair from the uer floor, the stair runslunge $ertically into satial deth, into an abyss or alunge $ertically into satial deth, into an abyss or awell condition"well condition"

4n this stair, we are ultimately susended between the4n this stair, we are ultimately susended between thebasement le$el and the triangulated roof structurebasement le$el and the triangulated roof structurewhich seals the silo"which seals the silo"



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9ut the rim of the silo between the silo roof and9ut the rim of the silo between the silo roof andthe main gallery roof is filled with continuousthe main gallery roof is filled with continuouscur$ed glass blocks allowing a HtranscendentHcur$ed glass blocks allowing a HtranscendentHlight to fill the silo, lea$ing the triangular ceilinglight to fill the silo, lea$ing the triangular ceilingstructure a dark $oid against the light"structure a dark $oid against the light"

6his structure is a citation from the tetrahedral6his structure is a citation from the tetrahedralfloor and ceiling structure of the gallery"floor and ceiling structure of the gallery"

6he stair generated out of this geometry, an6he stair generated out of this geometry, analmost helical form, frees itself from the rigidityalmost helical form, frees itself from the rigidityof the ceiling, only to be encomassed by theof the ceiling, only to be encomassed by thenew limit of the silo walls"new limit of the silo walls"



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5 reading of the lan suggests that the entire building5 reading of the lan suggests that the entire buildingis a dislaced bo8 whose core elements lock theis a dislaced bo8 whose core elements lock thecomosition in lace"comosition in lace"

If the core elements were remo$ed, the geometry ofIf the core elements were remo$ed, the geometry ofthe building would collase to an originating sAuarethe building would collase to an originating sAuaread:acent to the face of the original %&; gallery"ad:acent to the face of the original %&; gallery"

5t the rear garden terrace, the continuous a$ing5t the rear garden terrace, the continuous a$ingcourses arallel to the rear fenestration denote thiscourses arallel to the rear fenestration denote thisshift"shift"

6he $irtual shift of the uer terrace unco$ers the6he $irtual shift of the uer terrace unco$ers theground, allowing us to ascend from the lower terraceground, allowing us to ascend from the lower terrace$ia the double run of e8terior stairs"$ia the double run of e8terior stairs"

6he osition of these outside stairs, seemingly6he osition of these outside stairs, seeminglydislaced from the datum marked by the internaldislaced from the datum marked by the internalstairs and the reetition of the uer a$ing atternstairs and the reetition of the uer a$ing atternin the lower terrace, reinforce this obser$ation"in the lower terrace, reinforce this obser$ation"



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Salk $nsiueSalk $nsiue

Location La olla,Location La olla, 7alifornia7alifornia

2ate %&& to %&DD2ate %&& to %&DD

9uilding 6ye research laboratories and offices9uilding 6ye research laboratories and offices

7onstruction System reinforced concrete7onstruction System reinforced concrete 7limate mild7limate mild

7onte8t seaside7onte8t seaside

Style modernStyle modern

http://www.greatbuildings.com/places/ca.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/places/ca.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/places/ca.html


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6he e8traordinary6he e8traordinarycomle8 of the Salkcomle8 of the SalkInstitute is moreInstitute is morebeautifully and humblybeautifully and humblysited and e8ecuted thansited and e8ecuted thancan be con$eyed incan be con$eyed inhotograhs"hotograhs"

hotograhs usuallyhotograhs usuallye8ress the oenness ande8ress the oenness andserenity of the laza, butserenity of the laza, butnot its humanly-scalednot its humanly-scaledgesture to the site andgesture to the site andacific 4cean beyond"acific 4cean beyond"

6he Institute is a6he Institute is ageometrized clearing ingeometrized clearing inthe landscae, andthe landscae, andcontinually referencescontinually referencesand e8resses theand e8resses thelandscae - not itself orlandscae - not itself orits designer"its designer"

Salk InstituteSalk Institute


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Louis Kahn designed theLouis Kahn designed theSalk 7enter in La olla"""Salk 7enter in La olla"""

as an eloAuent comositionas an eloAuent comosition

that is satially andthat is satially and

symbolically incomlete,symbolically incomlete,

with its two richly rhythmicalwith its two richly rhythmical

buildings which define abuildings which define a

owerful a8is that is oen at each end and thatowerful a8is that is oen at each end and thatconstitutes thereby a significant gesture within anconstitutes thereby a significant gesture within an5merican landscae"5merican landscae"

6he comosition of this common sace"""is ercetually,6he comosition of this common sace"""is ercetually,hysically, oignantly 5merican as it frames the sea andhysically, oignantly 5merican as it frames the sea and

the land where the old western frontier ends and the newthe land where the old western frontier ends and the neweastern frontier begins"eastern frontier begins"

9ecause the oenness of the laza is so imortant to the9ecause the oenness of the laza is so imortant to thedesign, it is interesting to note that Kahn had adesign, it is interesting to note that Kahn had acollaborator"collaborator"

6he Institute recei$ed the 5merican Institute of 5rchitects6he Institute recei$ed the 5merican Institute of 5rchitects

6wenty-?i$e 1ear 5ward in %&&;"6wenty-?i$e 1ear 5ward in %&&;"



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6wo arallel laboratories,6wo arallel laboratories,

each an uninterrutedeach an uninterruted

D- foot wide andD- foot wide and

;.-feet long and encircled;.-feet long and encircled

by a erimeter corridor,by a erimeter corridor,flank a central court"flank a central court"

6he suort elements6he suort elements

to these totally fle8ibleto these totally fle8ible

saces are laced in asaces are laced in a

eriheral relationshi to this corridor"eriheral relationshi to this corridor" 6hey are the studies and offices for scientist,6hey are the studies and offices for scientist,fractured in rofile and $ertical in rhythm, which linefractured in rofile and $ertical in rhythm, which linethis central court, connected by bridges to thethis central court, connected by bridges to theerimeter corridor and recei$ing $iews of the oceanerimeter corridor and recei$ing $iews of the oceanby $irtue of e8terior walls angles toward it"by $irtue of e8terior walls angles toward it"



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6he institute manifests6he institute manifests

beauty of mind and actJbeauty of mind and actJ

of the resolution andof the resolution and

articulation of the ma:orarticulation of the ma:or

elements of the buildingelements of the buildingbeing what it wants tobeing what it wants to

and needs to be, to theand needs to be, to the

recise detail and e8ecution of beautifulrecise detail and e8ecution of beautiful

concrete surfaces"concrete surfaces"

6he central court, as a tyical Kahn-like sace of6he central court, as a tyical Kahn-like sace ofshimmering blue water, a band ointing toward theshimmering blue water, a band ointing toward theocean eitomizing what human endea$or canocean eitomizing what human endea$or canaccomlish at one scale with geometric clarity andaccomlish at one scale with geometric clarity andauthoritati$e but modest deliberation, to gi$e to theauthoritati$e but modest deliberation, to gi$e to thescaleless swee of the ocean, here the acific, ascaleless swee of the ocean, here the acific, aoignant gesture"Hoignant gesture"H


$N%$AN $NST$TUT!$N%$AN $NST$TUT!


32/63

$N%$AN $NST$TUT!$N%$AN $NST$TUT!

O& 'ANG!'!NTO& 'ANG!'!NT

2ate = %&D; to %&3.2ate = %&D; to %&3. 9uilding tye- management9uilding tye- management

instituteinstitute

L500I0> 7407E6SL500I0> 7407E6S

6he basic concet in the6he basic concet in the

design of dormitory blocksdesign of dormitory blocks

was the interaction betweenwas the interaction between

students and the staff" 6he dormitory on any floorstudents and the staff" 6he dormitory on any floorhas a communal linkage"has a communal linkage"

6he orientation of blocks is such that as to in$ite6he orientation of blocks is such that as to in$itebreeze and cross $entilation"breeze and cross $entilation"

2ormitories are searated by faculty houses by an L/2ormitories are searated by faculty houses by an L/shaed manmade lake" 6his was to searate theshaed manmade lake" 6his was to searate theresidential areas of the students and the staff"residential areas of the students and the staff"

Pers+ecti*e of "oritories Pers+ecti*e of "oritories


33/63

6his L shaed lake would6his L shaed lake would

act as a hysical barrieract as a hysical barrier

in order to a$oid disturbancein order to a$oid disturbance

but at the same timebut at the same time

connects them $isually"connects them $isually" 6he most imortant and6he most imortant and

significant structure thesignificant structure theeducational buildings are ateducational buildings are at

the highest mound of thethe highest mound of the

gently sloing site"gently sloing site" Immediately surrounding the educational building on bothImmediately surrounding the educational building on both

sides are the dormitories"sides are the dormitories"

5 terrace garden had been ro$ided to gi$e relief in the5 terrace garden had been ro$ided to gi$e relief in thescorching sun of summerscorching sun of summer

Louis Kahn laza acts as a relief to the monumental structure"Louis Kahn laza acts as a relief to the monumental structure" 6he blocks of the camus change their character from lace to6he blocks of the camus change their character from lace to

lace and function to function i"e" there is $ariation in sace,lace and function to function i"e" there is $ariation in sace,$olume and structure"$olume and structure"

-he ain co+le an" Louis Kahn Plaza-he ain co+le an" Louis Kahn Plaza

I02I50 I0S6I6*6E 4? 50>EE06I02I50 I0S6I6*6E 4? 50>EE06

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Iima_panorama_complex.jpg


34/63

6here are double height clubrooms on the ground6here are double height clubrooms on the groundfloor"floor"

6he student dormitories ha$e attached arched corridors6he student dormitories ha$e attached arched corridorsand landscae courtyards with their man wall runningand landscae courtyards with their man wall runningtowards the main building"towards the main building"

6here are %F dormitories for .'' students"6here are %F dormitories for .'' students" 5 $isual segregation has been achie$ed between the5 $isual segregation has been achie$ed between the

rooms and the staircase with staircase running in circularrooms and the staircase with staircase running in circularwell"well"

Light and shade were tamered by the local tradition ofLight and shade were tamered by the local tradition ofbrick construction, assembled in layers of walls =brick construction, assembled in layers of walls =breaking the glare and suggested the sun in sacesbreaking the glare and suggested the sun in saceswithin, by the changing intensity of brick color"within, by the changing intensity of brick color"

6he weathering of bricks- effects of sun, rain, or corrosion6he weathering of bricks- effects of sun, rain, or corrosionwere always felt to be ositi$e attributes of buildings thatwere always felt to be ositi$e attributes of buildings thatre$ealed seasonal changes in their surfaces"re$ealed seasonal changes in their surfaces"



35/63

L50L50 It is situated on theIt is situated on the

western side ofwestern side of

5hmedabad on ;35hmedabad on ;3

hectare site" Ithectare site" It

comrises of classrooms,comrises of classrooms,

library, offices, li$ing hall,library, offices, li$ing hall,

dormitories, faculty houses,dormitories, faculty houses,

workers housing and market"workers housing and market" >round floor comrises of administrati$e offices while>round floor comrises of administrati$e offices while

first and second floor comrises classrooms andfirst and second floor comrises classrooms and

seminar rooms resecti$ely"seminar rooms resecti$ely" 5t the heart of this comle8 is a large oen sace5t the heart of this comle8 is a large oen sace

known as Louis Kahn laza"known as Louis Kahn laza" Illumination is ro$ided by light wall seciallyIllumination is ro$ided by light wall secially

designed for glare free interiors"designed for glare free interiors"

Model- IIM AhemdabadModel- IIM Ahemdabad



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Library is one of the mostLibrary is one of the most

rominent buildings inrominent buildings in

camus in eastern side"camus in eastern side" It is aroached by a flightIt is aroached by a flight

of stes rising from theof stes rising from thearking court" It isarking court" It is

illuminated by two $astilluminated by two $ast

glazed circles set withinglazed circles set within

a shady recesses"a shady recesses"

It is connected with the school building by anIt is connected with the school building by anambulatory with dormitory by o$er bridges"ambulatory with dormitory by o$er bridges" ?aculty office block lies in the north side of the?aculty office block lies in the north side of the

comle8" It is a four storied building block on thecomle8" It is a four storied building block on theoosite side of the central courtyard, both :oinedoosite side of the central courtyard, both :oinedtogether by corridors" Each block contains offices ontogether by corridors" Each block contains offices oneither side of the corridors on each floor"either side of the corridors on each floor"



37/63

Richards 'edical (enerRichards 'edical (ener

Location hiladelhia, ennsyl$eniaLocation hiladelhia, ennsyl$enia 2ate %&3 to %&D%2ate %&3 to %&D% 9uilding 6ye laboratories, offices9uilding 6ye laboratories, offices

7onstruction System recast concrete with trusses,7onstruction System recast concrete with trusses,brickbrick 7limate temerate7limate temerate 7onte8t urban camus7onte8t urban camus Style modernStyle modern


38/63

L500I0> 7407E6L500I0> 7407E6 6he main contribution of6he main contribution of

Louis Khan is a significantLouis Khan is a significant

shift in emhasis fromshift in emhasis from

structure to ser$ices"structure to ser$ices"

6his is most e$ident in6his is most e$ident in

!ichard edical Labs built!ichard edical Labs builton the camus onon the camus on

ennsyl$enia-%&D.ennsyl$enia-%&D. 6he edical !esearch6he edical !esearch

9uilding at the *ni$ersity9uilding at the *ni$ersity

of ennsyl$ania is concei$edof ennsyl$ania is concei$ed

on the recognition of theon the recognition of therealization that science laboratories are studios and thatrealization that science laboratories are studios and thatthe air to breathe should be anyway form the air to throwthe air to breathe should be anyway form the air to throwaway"away"

Each studio in three towers has its own escae suer towerEach studio in three towers has its own escae suer towerand e8haust sub tower for the release of germ infected airand e8haust sub tower for the release of germ infected airand oisonous gases"and oisonous gases"

!ichards edical 7enter!ichards edical 7enter


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Khan created three greatKhan created three greatstacks of studios andstacks of studios and

attaches to them tallattaches to them tall

ser$ices towers whichser$ices towers which

would include animalwould include animal

Auarters, main to carryAuarters, main to carry

water, gas and $acuumwater, gas and $acuum

lines, as well as aceslines, as well as aces

ducts to breathe in the air"ducts to breathe in the air" 6his design is the outcome of the consideration of the6his design is the outcome of the consideration of the

uniAue use of its saces and how they are ser$eduniAue use of its saces and how they are ser$ed

characterizes what it is for"characterizes what it is for" Se$eral elements of Kahn/s architecture came together inSe$eral elements of Kahn/s architecture came together inthis building element that were used before,this building element that were used before,indeendently of each other a clear articulation ofindeendently of each other a clear articulation ofser$ant and ser$ed sacesJ the roblem of lightJ theser$ant and ser$ed sacesJ the roblem of lightJ theintegration of satial, structural, and utility elements andintegration of satial, structural, and utility elements andabo$e all, the integration of form, material and rocess"abo$e all, the integration of form, material and rocess"



40/63

6he sAuare studio cluster6he sAuare studio clusterare constructed to gi$eare constructed to gi$enatural light to thenatural light to thecourses, with dark crosscourses, with dark crossinteriors, the tower forinteriors, the tower forthe suly of $erticalthe suly of $erticalser$ices also act as directser$ices also act as directair e8haust for eachair e8haust for eachstudio"studio"

6he ser$ices towers rise6he ser$ices towers risehigh, ; storey abo$ehigh, ; storey abo$elaboratories cluster, tolaboratories cluster, togi$e the imression of agi$e the imression of a

leanasserti$e structure"leanasserti$e structure" 6his building reresents a6his building reresents a

significant turning ointsignificant turning ointin contemoraryin contemoraryarchitecture"architecture" eterior, structural "etail /

0ichar"s e"ical enter /

Phila"el+hia, Pennsyl*ania


PAR)$'A!NTPAR)$'A!NT


41/63

PAR)$'A!NTPAR)$'A!NTBU$)%$NG AT %A((ABU$)%$NG AT %A((A

2ate %&D; to %&3.2ate %&D; to %&3.

9uilding tye >o$ernment centre9uilding tye >o$ernment centre


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7407E67407E6

2ominating circular and rectangular2ominating circular and rectangular

concrete masses imart a suremeconcrete masses imart a sureme

monumentality to the building"monumentality to the building" 6he architectural of the assembly6he architectural of the assembly

building grows out of the concetionbuilding grows out of the concetion

to hold a strong essential form to gi$e a articularto hold a strong essential form to gi$e a articular

shae to the $arying interiors needs, e8ressingshae to the $arying interiors needs, e8ressing

them on interiors"them on interiors" #e introduced a light gi$ing element to the interiors#e introduced a light gi$ing element to the interiors

by gi$ing series of columns for lights, this being aby gi$ing series of columns for lights, this being a

element for Kahn/s design"element for Kahn/s design"

Light from roof is gi$en interiors"Light from roof is gi$en interiors"

5!LI5E06 9*IL2I0> 565!LI5E06 9*IL2I0> 56

2577525775


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Imortant consideration inImortant consideration in

designing 0ational 5ssemblydesigning 0ational 5ssembly

building was rotection frombuilding was rotection from

sun and rain while admittingsun and rain while admitting

free circulation of air"free circulation of air" 6his is achie$ed by awarding6his is achie$ed by awarding

huge geometric oenings athuge geometric oenings at

the outer faade in the formthe outer faade in the form

of triangles, rectangles, full and segmental circleof triangles, rectangles, full and segmental circle

and flat arches"and flat arches"

6he arliament was laced at the central oint of6he arliament was laced at the central oint ofcon$erging smaller institutional relati$es based oncon$erging smaller institutional relati$es based onsimilar geometry"similar geometry"

5!LI5E06 9*IL2I0> 565!LI5E06 9*IL2I0> 56

2577525775


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6he concet was rimary and secondary a8is, a6he concet was rimary and secondary a8is, asense of clima8 $ariations in size and shae wassense of clima8 $ariations in size and shae wasemloyed to reinforce this sense of building, as theemloyed to reinforce this sense of building, as thehead of social chamber"head of social chamber"

6here was a great chamber circled by family of6here was a great chamber circled by family ofother saces- ress, galleries, member/s room etc"other saces- ress, galleries, member/s room etc"e8ressed as smaller $ariations on the centrale8ressed as smaller $ariations on the centralformal themes" 6o one side was a mosAue linked toformal themes" 6o one side was a mosAue linked tothe main body by stes"the main body by stes"

6his was skewed slightly off the main a8is to face6his was skewed slightly off the main a8is to faceecca, a de$iation which ser$ed to reinforce theecca, a de$iation which ser$ed to reinforce the

ower of the re$alent geometric order by contrast"ower of the re$alent geometric order by contrast" 6he effect of these surrounding functions when6he effect of these surrounding functions when

ro:ected into sace was a :ostling series ofro:ected into sace was a :ostling series ofcylinders and $ast oblongs groued around thecylinders and $ast oblongs groued around thecentral mass"central mass"

5!LI5E06 9*IL2I0> 565!LI5E06 9*IL2I0> 56

2577525775


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L500I0>L500I0> It is situated in ;'F acres of land, situated to theIt is situated in ;'F acres of land, situated to the

north of recent manik ia 5$enue"north of recent manik ia 5$enue" 7omle8 includes national assembly, houses for7omle8 includes national assembly, houses for

/s, minister/s, secretaries, hositality halls,/s, minister/s, secretaries, hositality halls,community building, Sureme 7ourt, groundcommunity building, Sureme 7ourt, ground

mosAue, resident lace (first building to be built)"mosAue, resident lace (first building to be built)" 5ll linked by roads and walkways and surrounded5ll linked by roads and walkways and surrounded

by attracti$e gardens and lakes"by attracti$e gardens and lakes" 6he lan is concentric essentially a sAuare6he lan is concentric essentially a sAuare

maniulated into a octagon"maniulated into a octagon" 5t the centre there is main hall where /s sit and5t the centre there is main hall where /s sit and

session are dine"session are dine" 56

2577525775


46/63

?our identical assembly blocks along four arms with?our identical assembly blocks along four arms withother functions on four corners"other functions on four corners" Elaborated circulation system with series of differentElaborated circulation system with series of different

tye of stairs"tye of stairs" & le$el with horizontal connections in three floors only"& le$el with horizontal connections in three floors only" 9asement accommodates arking area, offices of9asement accommodates arking area, offices of

maintenance agencies and ser$ices installations formaintenance agencies and ser$ices installations forthe main building"the main building" 9uilding has water body9uilding has water body

as a artificial lake touchingas a artificial lake touching

its wall on all sides"its wall on all sides" #eight of structure#eight of structure

is .&"DF m (%D@/-'C)"is .&"DF m (%D@/-'C)" ain building consistsain building consists

of & indi$idual blocks ofof & indi$idual blocks of

which F at its eriherywhich F at its erihery

rises to a height of %%'/-'C"rises to a height of %%'/-'C"

5!LI5E06 9*IL2I0> 565!LI5E06 9*IL2I0> 56

2577525775


47/63

6he octagonal block in the center shoots u to %/-6he octagonal block in the center shoots u to %/-'C"'C" 6here is no a single column I the whole building,6here is no a single column I the whole building,

hollow columns, arts of sace enclosure ha$e beenhollow columns, arts of sace enclosure ha$e beenadoted as structural suorts"adoted as structural suorts"

6here are ' staircases, @.' toilets, %D@ doors, @@6here are ' staircases, @.' toilets, %D@ doors, @@

windows, @'' artitions and @F' sA" ft of glasswindows, @'' artitions and @F' sA" ft of glassshutters used in the buildings"shutters used in the buildings" ?ormal entrance is through the south laza which?ormal entrance is through the south laza which

gradually rises to a height ;'/-DCin a broad flight ofgradually rises to a height ;'/-DCin a broad flight ofstairs and through the residential sAuare fromstairs and through the residential sAuare fromnorth"north"

5t north laza there is a road by the side of crescent5t north laza there is a road by the side of crescentlake"lake"

9*IL2I0> 56E!I5LS9*IL2I0> 56E!I5LS anifested recious stone concrete masses marbleanifested recious stone concrete masses marble

stris used for construction"stris used for construction" Kahn made the most of local craftsmen in theKahn made the most of local craftsmen in the

creation of the surfaces and te8tures"creation of the surfaces and te8tures"

5!LI5E06 9*IL2I0> 565!LI5E06 9*IL2I0> 56

2577525775


48/63


49/63

#ILLIS EME6E! LI9!5!1#ILLIS EME6E! LI9!5!1


50/63

#all is ' sAuare feet, with large circular holes which#all is ' sAuare feet, with large circular holes whichalmost touch at the corners of the concrete iers,almost touch at the corners of the concrete iers,through which one sees the metal book stacksthrough which one sees the metal book stacksbehind white oak anels"behind white oak anels"

4n the first floor, in addition to the central hall, are4n the first floor, in addition to the central hall, arethe circulation desks, card catalog, referencethe circulation desks, card catalog, reference

collection, and staff offices"collection, and staff offices"

6he rectilinear brick ele$ation aid homage to the6he rectilinear brick ele$ation aid homage to thesurroundingssurroundings

6he ground floor houses the eriodicals collection6he ground floor houses the eriodicals collection *er floors include a student comuter lab, a*er floors include a student comuter lab, a

$iewing area for $ideotaes and 2


51/63

4n the fourth floor are two seminar rooms for class4n the fourth floor are two seminar rooms for classuse and two rooms, gi$en by 6homas and 7orlissuse and two rooms, gi$en by 6homas and 7orlissLamount for the housing and e8hibition of secialLamount for the housing and e8hibition of secialcollectionscollections

5 terrace for reading in leasant weather encircles5 terrace for reading in leasant weather encirclesthe fourth floor rooms"the fourth floor rooms"

740S6!*6I40 56E!I5L740S6!*6I40 56E!I5L

9rick made in E8terer, 0ew #amshire Slate from9rick made in E8terer, 0ew #amshire Slate fromennsyl$aniaennsyl$ania

>ranite from ranite from


52/63

6eak, white oak !einforcing steel6eak, white oak !einforcing steel= aro8imately '% tons= aro8imately '% tons

6otal concrete in the library6otal concrete in the library-D;% cubic yards e8terior face-D;% cubic yards e8terior facebrick .;',''' e8terior facebrick .;',''' e8terior facebricksbricks

Interior face brick = @'','''Interior face brick = @'','''interior face bricks"interior face bricks"

iscellaneous brick = commoniscellaneous brick = commonbrick of .%''' as well as smallbrick of .%''' as well as smallitems that went into firelaces,items that went into firelaces,

etc"etc" +all to wall careting %F tons of+all to wall careting %F tons of

three different colors"three different colors"

#ILLIS EME6E! LI9!5!1#ILLIS EME6E! LI9!5!1


53/63


54/63

6he museum building was commissioned in6he museum building was commissioned in%&DD and oened in%&DD and oened in %&3;%&3;""

4ne of the masterworks of architect4ne of the masterworks of architectLouis KahnLouis Kahn, the %;',''' sAuare foot, the %;',''' sAuare foot(%%,''' mN) building takes the form of a(%%,''' mN) building takes the form of a

series of saces defined by arallelseries of saces defined by arallelbarrel $aultsbarrel $aults""

Interrutions andInterrutions and

irregularities betweenirregularities between

the main sacesthe main sacesare e8erienced asare e8erienced as

rhythmic $ariationsrhythmic $ariations

on a theme"on a theme"

Kimbell 5rt useumKimbell 5rt useum

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Kahnhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Kahnhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrel_vaulthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrel_vaulthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrel_vaulthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Kahnhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972


55/63

KahnGs e8cellent treatment of KahnGs e8cellent treatment of light is aroriate to the artlight is aroriate to the art

on dislay and has the effecton dislay and has the effect

of making the ost-tensionedof making the ost-tensioned

reinforced concretereinforced concrete

constructionconstruction

seem light and recise"seem light and recise" 6he satial rhythm e8tends to6he satial rhythm e8tends to

the e8terior water-features on the west side of thethe e8terior water-features on the west side of thebuilding, and resol$es into a number of aths andbuilding, and resol$es into a number of aths andgarden areas on the grounds"garden areas on the grounds"

5lthough the museum initially housed the KimbellGs5lthough the museum initially housed the KimbellGsart collection, this has since been e8anded, alwaysart collection, this has since been e8anded, alwayswith a $iew to acAuiring artworks of first classwith a $iew to acAuiring artworks of first classAuality "Auality "


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reinforced_concretehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reinforced_concretehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reinforced_concrete


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6he museum is not6he museum is notlarge, but thelarge, but the collectioncollection

of artworkof artwork is wideis wide

ranging and wouldranging and would

not be out of lacenot be out of lace

in any of the worldGsin any of the worldGs

great art galleries "great art galleries "


http://www.kimbellart.org/database/index.cfmhttp://www.kimbellart.org/database/index.cfmhttp://www.kimbellart.org/database/index.cfmhttp://www.kimbellart.org/database/index.cfmhttp://www.kimbellart.org/database/index.cfmhttp://www.kimbellart.org/database/index.cfm


57/63

Exterior view showingExterior view showing

cleavage between building massescleavage between building masses

Interior view Interior view

Open and solid façade baysOpen and solid façade bays


Yale (ener .or BriishYale (ener .or Briish

http://www.greatbuildings.com/cgi-bin/gbi.cgi/Kimbell_Museum.html/cid_1874341.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/cgi-bin/gbi.cgi/Kimbell_Museum.html/cid_2468636.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/cgi-bin/gbi.cgi/Kimbell_Museum.html/cid_2468636.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/cgi-bin/gbi.cgi/Kimbell_Museum.html/cid_2469461.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/cgi-bin/gbi.cgi/Kimbell_Museum.html/cid_2468636.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/cgi-bin/gbi.cgi/Kimbell_Museum.html/cid_1874341.html


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Yale (ener .or BriishYale (ener .or Briish

ArAr

6he6he 1ale 7enter for 9ritish 5rt1ale 7enter for 9ritish 5rt,,in 0ew #a$en, 7onnecticut,in 0ew #a$en, 7onnecticut,

is considered to be amongis considered to be among

the finest structures of notedthe finest structures of noted

architectarchitect Louis I" KahnLouis I" Kahn""

9egun in %&3@, one year before9egun in %&3@, one year before

his death, and oened to thehis death, and oened to the

ublic in %&33, the museumublic in %&33, the museum

was built to house the mostwas built to house the most

comrehensi$e collection ofcomrehensi$e collection of 9ritish art outside the9ritish art outside the Entrance portico of Entrance portico of *nited Kingdom*nited Kingdom Yale Center of ritishYale Center of ritish !rt !rt

http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Yale_Center_for_British_A.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Yale_Center_for_British_A.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/architects/Louis_I._Kahn.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/architects/Louis_I._Kahn.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/architects/Louis_I._Kahn.htmlhttp://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Yale_Center_for_British_A.html


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6he buildingGs discreet, grey,6he buildingGs discreet, grey,monotone e8terior of matmonotone e8terior of mat

steel and reflecti$e glasssteel and reflecti$e glass

and its clearly read concreteand its clearly read concrete

frame confer a certain noble,frame confer a certain noble,

armored mien aroriate to its urose"armored mien aroriate to its urose"

Inside the building the $isitorInside the building the $isitor

e8eriences the same clarity ande8eriences the same clarity and

organization seen on the e8terior"organization seen on the e8terior"

+ithout the lan being fully+ithout the lan being fully

re$ealed uon entry, the entrancere$ealed uon entry, the entrance

court immediately establishescourt immediately establishes

a sense of logical orientation"a sense of logical orientation"

1ale 7enter for 9ritish 5rt1ale 7enter for 9ritish 5rt

http://www.architectureweek.com/cgi-bin/awimage?dir=2005/0302&article=culture_1-2.html&image=12638_image_4.jpg


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6he second-floor library6he second-floor library

court continues this interiorcourt continues this interior

organization so that theorganization so that the

$isitor intuiti$ely feels$isitor intuiti$ely feels

familiar with the lan andfamiliar with the lan and

can find his way aroundcan find his way around

the galleries throughthe galleries through

reference to the courts"reference to the courts" Skylights ro$ide illumination for the to-floorSkylights ro$ide illumination for the to-floor

galleriesgalleries 5ngled lou$ers and baffles in the truncated,5ngled lou$ers and baffles in the truncated,yramidal, concrete coffers block north light andyramidal, concrete coffers block north light andscreen ultra$iolet rays, admitting larger Auantitiesscreen ultra$iolet rays, admitting larger Auantitiesof light when the sun is low than when it is higherof light when the sun is low than when it is higherin the sky"in the sky"



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6ra$ertine flooring, 9elgian linen6ra$ertine flooring, 9elgian linenwall co$erings, white oak woodwall co$erings, white oak wood

work, stainless steel anels andwork, stainless steel anels and

ducts, and e8osed concreteducts, and e8osed concrete

structural elements make ustructural elements make u

the alette of materials"the alette of materials"

6hese are washed in daylight, which Kahn belie$ed6hese are washed in daylight, which Kahn belie$ed

was essential for areciation of art"was essential for areciation of art"

6his building reflects KahnGs6his building reflects KahnGs

continuous search forcontinuous search forsimlicity and the use ofsimlicity and the use of

daylight to define sace"daylight to define sace"



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Interior view Interior view

"he facade and"he facade andcorner entrancecorner entrance

"he"he

entrance isentrance is

recessed under a low portico#recessed under a low portico#



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louis i kahn.ppt

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