Salk Institute for Biological Studies (laboratory, meeting house, and housing), La Jolla, California, (Elevation of laboratory)
Louis I. Kahn
American, born Estonia. 1901–1974
1961
An ink-on-tracing-paper elevation by Louis Kahn of the Salk Institute laboratory block, aiming to articulate the building’s massing, proportions, and rhythm of concrete volumes on its site.
A spare horizon of fine ink lines sketches a low, linear composition of blocky volumes and chimney-like towers with a central opening, reading like a calm, measured silhouette across an otherwise empty sheet.
These drawings record Kahn’s pivotal approach to modern institutional design—combining monumental geometry, exposed materiality, and rigorous spatial order to shape humane, light-filled civic architecture that influenced later generations.
Medium
Ink on tracing paper
Dimensions
12 x 30 3/4" (30.5 x 78.1 cm)
Classification
Department
Credit
Gift of the architect
Accession
421.1964
Palette
Art Terms
Exhibitions
