Alfred Newton Richards Medical Research Building and Biology Building, University of Pennsylvania, Phidadelphia, Pennsylvania, Plan
Louis I. Kahn
American, born Estonia. 1901–1974
1957
A tracing‑paper architectural study by Louis I. Kahn, rendered in crayon, graphite, and colored pencil, investigating the tall service towers, window rhythms, and column motifs for the Richards Medical Research and Biology buildings at the University of Pennsylvania.
The sheet hits you with a strong vertical thrust—three looming, shaded towers with repeated arched windows and textured caps, surrounded by energetic, handwritten notes and small schematic details scattered around the margins.
The drawing makes visible Kahn’s strategy of separating ‘served’ laboratory spaces from ‘servant’ service towers and helped shape a mid‑century approach to institutional architecture that celebrates structural clarity and the legibility of function.
Medium
Crayon, graphite and colored pencil on tracing paper
Dimensions
21 5/8 x 23 1/2" (54.9 x 59.7 cm)
Classification
Department
Credit
Gift of the architect
Accession
364.1967
Palette
Art Terms
Exhibitions
![Alfred Newton Richards Medical Research Building, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Structure of typical laboratory tower [final version])](https://www.moma.org/media/W1siZiIsIjUzMTI0MyJdLFsicCIsImNvbnZlcnQiLCItcmVzaXplIDEwMjR4MTAyNFx1MDAzZSJdXQ.jpg?sha=4c65ee888723a3e7)
