Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Title
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Publisher
Lawrence Technological University
Date Created
December 11, 2015
Creator
Kahn, Louis Isidore
Creator2
Stevens, James (photograph)
Creator Nationality
American
Work Type
Single Built Works
Date
September, 2014
Work Location
California (state)
La Jolla (neighborhood)
Style/Period
Modern (style or period)
Subject
office buildings
research laboratories
Salk, Jonas, 1914-1995
cisterns (plumbing components)
Description
View of cistern at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California, designed by Louis Kahn and completed in 1966. "Added to the central channel was a “sculptural cistern” at the west end of the site (Wiseman 2007). The cascading pools of the cistern are thought to be inspired by either the Mughal garden Kahn saw in India and Pakistan
or the Alhambra in Spain (Wiseman 2007). Either way, it is clear that there are pre-Modern influences. Although at first sight there are striking modern elements, like the use of rectilinear forms and slabs, the presence of travertine
marble and a water feature suggest Kahn’s pre-Modern influences. The “sculptural cistern” also features its own use of hierarchy and monumentality that one might find in a classical fountain. Additionally, it is completely
symmetrical, with the water channel dividing it into two equal halves,"--Louis Kahn's Salk Institute Pre-Modern Influences in Kahn's Work by Josh Mollman, Indiana University website.
or the Alhambra in Spain (Wiseman 2007). Either way, it is clear that there are pre-Modern influences. Although at first sight there are striking modern elements, like the use of rectilinear forms and slabs, the presence of travertine
marble and a water feature suggest Kahn’s pre-Modern influences. The “sculptural cistern” also features its own use of hierarchy and monumentality that one might find in a classical fountain. Additionally, it is completely
symmetrical, with the water channel dividing it into two equal halves,"--Louis Kahn's Salk Institute Pre-Modern Influences in Kahn's Work by Josh Mollman, Indiana University website.
Material/Medium
travertine
concrete
Reproduction Type
jpeg
Copyright Statement
©2013 Lawrence Technological University. These images may be used for personal or educational purposes. They are not available for commercial purposes without the explicit permission of LTU.
ID Number
LTU-JS037
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