Louis Isadore Kahn: Master of Tectonics

A collection of vocabulary flashcards focused on key terms and concepts related to Louis Isadore Kahn's architectural principles, designs, and impact.

Tectonics

A term derived from Greek 'Tekton', meaning 'a builder'; refers to the expressivity in architecture derived from the resistance of constructional forms.

Served Spaces

Spaces in a building that serve functional purposes, such as rooms used by people, e.g., offices or living areas.

Servant Spaces

Support spaces in a building that assist served spaces, often utilitarian like storage, mechanical rooms, and hallways.

Monumentality

The aspect of architecture that conveys a sense of grandeur, significance, and permanence.

Natural Light

Light that comes from natural sources like the sun, shaping the mood and experience within a space.

Geometry

The mathematical principles that guide the shape, size, and arrangement of spaces in architecture.

Poetics

The art of poetic expression in architecture which balances form, function, and atmosphere.

Light Monitors

Architectural features designed to bring natural light into spaces, often through openings in roofs or walls.

Canonical Masterpieces

Buildings considered as exemplary works in architecture, often studied by students and professionals.

Exeter Academy Library

A notable building designed by Louis Kahn, emphasizing light and spatial experience.

Salk Institute

A prominent building designed by Kahn, known for its integration with natural light and innovative design. creates an uncanny VOID: an absence which has presence

Yale Art Gallery

Kahn's first major commission that established his reputation as an architect; highlighted for its innovative design and space use.

Bryn Mawr Dormitories

A residential project by Kahn for Bryn Mawr College, showcasing his principles of served and servant spaces.

Trenton Community Bath House

A community project designed by Kahn, recognized for its blending of intimacy and monumentality.

Kimbell Art Museum

A museum designed by Kahn known for its innovative use of natural light and structural creativity.

Richards Medical Laboratories

An academic building that exemplifies Kahn's tectonic principles, focusing on the relationship between structure and function.

First Unitarian Church

A church design by Kahn that reflects his exploration of light and structure in religious architecture.

Olivetti Underwood Factory

A factory designed by Kahn, showcasing his architectural principles in a utilitarian context.

Indian Institute of Management

A complex designed by Kahn that embodies his theories of space and form in an educational setting.

National Parliament House

Kahn's largest project in Dhaka, showcasing his grand vision for architecture in civic spaces.

Adobe Structures

A term describing buildings made from earth and organic materials, significant in Kahn's architectural philosophy.

Architectural Hieroglyphics

The visual language used in Kahn's designs that conveys meaning through form and structure.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park, NYC

Kahn’s last design; built in 2012 Added to the UNESCO International Register of Historic Places

Materiality

Refers to the physical materials used in construction, their textures, and how they influence the architectural experience.

Craftsmanship

The artistry and skill involved in the construction process, significantly present in Kahn's works.

Design Philosophy

Kahn's approach to architecture which integrates theory, light, and material into cohesive works.

Heritage Designation

Recognition given to buildings or places of historical significance, often influencing conservation and restoration.

Marvelous Geometry

Refers to Kahn's use of geometrical forms to create visually striking and functional architectural designs.