Thursday, February 18, 2016

Case Study 7 - Salk Institute Motif

The Salk Institute is simple in its design both inside and outside on the courtyard. Since it lacks specific design and motifs, I decided to pick and imagine what could be used as a motif in the Salk Institute. I decided that something similar to the Greek Key would work well in the area. The simple straight lines appear on the travertine courtyard as well as the entrances that line the courtyard area. The square design I created allows the simplicity of the space to continue but maintain the straight lines. The entire space is consistent with using geometric shapes like squares and rectangles.
                  The simplicity and stone of the space appears to give off a more masculine look. The focus is for those who are at the science institute to find and start a cure to diseases. The Salk was built and designed by all men and at the beginning of the time in 1957, only men worked and spent time at the science lab.
                  The man contacted to deign the Salk Institute, Louis Kahn, focused to design a simple but inspiring building; specifically, spiritually inspiring. He made the building two symmetrical bases with two identical sides separated by a courtyard. He took advantage of all the natural light used, the simple scene, and perfect location along the Pacific Ocean. He intended to create a calm, serene feel within the middle of the symmetry. He creates a mind, spiritual, and intellectual retreat with his simple design point towards nature.

                  The craft and building of the Salk Institute was a focus on the symmetry and nature aspects. There is a symmetrical balance, as mentioned above, that is made even more clear with the water feature that lines the middle of the travertine courtyard. The water feature lines up almost perfectly with the sun. This allows the focus of the people to look towards nature and the Pacific Ocean so they are reminded of how small they are compared to the vast ocean. The space also strives to make the people become ‘one with the ocean.’

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