Introduction
Louis Khan was one of the most known personalities in the field of architecture during the twentieth century. His work was infusion of new and traditional design that significantly influential on the younger generation. Khan’s philosophy about architecture was broad and vast thus was involved in construction of several buildings. The designs of Khan are considered as pieces of excellence and perfection. The Khan’s Salk Institute is distinct from other architectures on the basis of its admiration material, texture, lights, geometry and essence of value concerns Solomon, (2008). This research paper aims at analyzing the Salk Institute of Louis Khan. Further, the institute will be explored into details including the architectural designs, effects and the uniqueness. Several photographs will be attached to give visual information on the design of the Salk Institute building.
The Salk Institute of Louis Khan
Khan’s design of the Salk Institute redefine itself on the basis of its structure, form, space and light that is entirely different from the international style of modernism. As an effect, Khan claimed that the architecture speaks about the nature and emotions of the human mind. It can be identified from the different works of Khan that he used specific materials in the construction of architecture based on the appearance and feelings of these materials. The spacing in the Salk building is a bit unique as compared with other common buildings and any conservative would consider it as a waste of space Frasier, (2005). Light is as well observed to sufficiently get into the building.
The architecture defines nature and living being because of the designs of construction. Spaces are essential for good air circulation making the Institute good for living. Salk Institute portrays beauty with an opportunity for life creation by its spacing and attractive rays of light entering the building. Claims arise that Khan’s work in the Salk building is seen as an interest in the expression of human feeling An architect that has an opportunity to create the life feeling in what is built and this is evident in the Salk building. Khan designed the building in a manner that people could live in it with no worry. It is evident from the designs that Khan used in his work and has its unique meaning to define beauty of life. The beauty of life is in the nice presentation of the building and anybody would love to get into the building Kahn, (1998). An influence of these architectures at the institute can be identified to promote good life. The spacious large windows, glass windows, corridors and doors demonstrate a wide-scale implementation of sunlight and life.
Figure 1.1 Light wells in the Salk Institute (Stevens, 1997)
The extensive use of geometric shapes is evident in the Salk Institute that is mainly inspired by Egyptian arts. It is one of the reasons that the Khan designs had shapes like circle, squares and triangle. The use of brick and concrete is extensively and innovatively used to portray strong and lasting impacts of architecture. The reason for the use of these materials in the designs was to create an image in the minds of the future generation about the meaning of a strong civilization. The past generations could use the structures and still leave the next generation in use. The durable materials were a long lasting effect with consideration of tomorrow such that the buildings were not only meant for a specific period.
Figure 1.2 Salk Institute (Stevens, 1997)
Analyzing the construction of Salk institution it is evident that Khan’s design of the building was based on the inspiration of his idea and philosophy (Salk Institute, 2010). The use of material, design and texture of the building were carefully induced in the philosophy of Khan. Location of the building is carefully chosen considering the purpose of the building. The Salk institution is situated in the central part of California, just opposite the University of California adjacent to a residential area. The location itself creates a distinct notion for the building to stand apart among all the building in the area. The location hence is one of the prominent elements that make the building unique.
Some researchers claim that the material and the designs of the Salk Institute buildings are the main elements that assert an impression of the building. The location of the building thus can only be identified as a major contribution to the designs that makes the institution prominent among all the buildings. The large windows, corridor and passages allow the sunlight to pass through the building’s corner and along the parallel blocks of the building. The design of the building is a strong, clear and natural reflection that it ideally suits with the purpose of scientific studies Quaid et al (2002). The corridors of the building allow the sunlight to pass through with an access of the outer air in the building. In addition, the support walls of the corridors offer a purpose of ventilation that appear like a tower to others. The building’s tower itself is a design that creates and illusion of brightness.
Figure 1.3 the open corridors showing the usage of daylight passage (Fraser & Henmi, 1993)
Concrete use, color and design of the building appear to be simple and clear. The windows and passages of the building add a unique brightness to the building as mentioned before and as seen in the photo attached. Light is one of the reasons that the entrance of the building clearly shows that the ways enter laboratories and classes Scully. V (2002). Use of proper lightening of the institute indicates the unique objectivity and purpose of building. Light gives hope that the building is important and was not made for the sake but for a purpose. The use of a different material, wall texture and material seems to inspire the nature. Additionally, the light oak colors of the buildings with the small metallic nails in the simple encore walls of the pillar depict a fusion of simple modern art that has inspired nature. The building has parallel walls making it organized to be used for a serious purpose.
With the fact that each pillar of the Salk building extends to a wide area, the space has been magnificently used. This can be observed at the entrance of Yale university art gallery. Principles that have been implied in the construction of the building by Khan have a distinct feature of modern and traditional architecture Stoller et al (1999). The space and light have been carefully implemented in the construction of the building that has overcome the issues of space and light in the institution.
In concluding, the Salk building depicts an essence of simplicity and strength. Khan has ensured perfectionist in every aspect of this building using the idea of precision, light and space. Modesty in the design and its clarity is one of the main elements of Khan’s work that creates a lively and beautiful image in the minds of individual. Ghast et al (1999). Moreover, the combination of the designs, geometry and engineering of the Salk Institute defines clarity and brightness of nature. The Salk Institute thus reflects a powerful and gracious place that discourses complete reflection in its discovery.
References List
GAST, K.-P., KAHN, L. I., & SCHINDLER, S. (1999). Louis I. Kahn. Basel [u.a.], Birkhäuser. ( Overview of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies)
STOLLER, E., & FRIEDMAN, D. S. (1999). The Salk Institute. New York, Princeton Architectural Press.(Characteristics of the architectural Fotum and how it will always be)
SCULLY, V., & LEVINE, N. (2002). Modern architecture and other essays. Princeton, N.J., Princeton University Press. (Exhibition of the entire American architecture)
MCQUAID, M., & RILEY, T. (2002). Envisioning architecture: drawings from The Museum of Modern Art the Schirn Kunsthalle, Frankfurt, April 29 - August 3, 2003; and the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves, Porto, October 10 - December 31, 2003]. New York, NY, Museum of Modern Art. (An exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, December 7, 2002 - February 16, 2003)
KAHN, L. I. (1998). Louis I. Kahn: conversations with students. Houston, Tex. [u.a.], Rice University School of Architecture [u.a.]. (Elevation of the laboratories and the classes)
SOLOMON, N. B. (2008). Architecture: celebrating the past, designing the future. New York, Visual Reference Publications. (Historical references to the Italian towers and use of brick in the Kahn’sstructures)
