DESIGN MANIPULATION
MAY08. - AUGUST 2. HOTA, Home of the Arts L O U I S K A H N
In the middle of the 20th Century, Louis Kahn, an American architect, rose to frame for his unique and considerate approach to modernist architecture. He developed a monumental and humanistic style through the use of elemental forms, careful consideration of natural light, and rich materials ² . His innovative designs for public and institutional buildings, like the National Assembly Building in Bangladesh and the Salk Institute in California, which have been praised for their timeless beauty and distinctive use of light and space, are examples of how his influence can be seen on architecture. His legacy continues to inspire architects, designers and students around the world to this day.
LOUIS KAHN ,WHO?
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“TO HEAR A SOUND IS TO SEE ITS SPACE THE SPACES OF ARCHITECTURE IN THEIR LIGHT MAKE ME WANT TO COMPOSE A KIND OF MUSIC, IMAGINING A TRUTH FROM THE SENSE OF A FUSION OF THE DISCIPLINES AND THEIR ORDERS.” -
LOUIS I. KAHN
exhibition theme.
Have you ever considered how sound and space are related? The eminent architect Louis Kahn once said that hearing a sound involves more than just the sound itself. It also involves the environment in which it exists. His approach to architecture, which he saw as a fusion of disciplines that included music and other art forms, was influenced by this belief. He said it himself “The spaces of architecture in their light make me want to compose a king of music, imagining a truth from the sense of a fusion of the disciplines and their orders.” Through this journey of sound, you will be examining Kahn’s idea of architecture as a multisensory encounter that goes beyond specific disciplines and hierarchies.
Louis Kahn was a well-known architect who held his belief that viewers ought to experience an idea when they interact with his architectural designs. His use of brick, concrete, and wood, as well as how they interacted with light and shadow, were characteristics of his buildings. However, sound was also a key factor in his architectural designs, as he believed that it had the power to enhance the sensory experience of a space. In this exhibition, we explore how Kahn’s structures connect materials, sound and light to provide visitors a unique and immersive experience in this exhibition.
The exhibit features several pieces of handcrafted models hat highlight the unique architectural characteristics of Kahn’s buildings. Each model has been meticulously created to show how the materials used in Kahn’s buildings interact with light and how the play of light and shadow within the surfaces of these materials generates an unforgettable visual experience. However, the general sensory experience is much more than about how these buildings look; sound also has a significant impact. In order to demonstrate how sound can enhance a space, the exhibition includes soundscapes that have been created to evoke acoustic characteristics of Kahn’s buildings. Visitors will be able to experience how sound, materials, and light interact to create a multisensory experience as they move through the exhibition. While the soundscapes will emphasise the value of acoustics in creating an immersive experience, the models on display will demonstrate how Kahn’s buildings use light and shadow to create a drama and mystery. Together, these elements show how Kahn’s work has influenced modern architects and how is structures continue to serve as classic illustrations oh how architecture can appeal to all of our senses.
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02 CONTENTS O1 FORWORD 02 content page 0.1 03 content page 0.2 04 EXHIBITION THEME 05 MODEL ONE, ARTIST STATEMENT 06 MODEL ONE, DESIGN PROCESS 07 MODEL TWO, LIGHT CREATES SOUND
03 PAGE 08 MODEL TWO, DESIGN PROCESS 09 THE ACOUSTICS OF CONCRETE 10 MODEL THREE, JBS TWOPOINTOH 11 GET INVOLVED POSTER 12 MODEL TWO, DESIGN PROCESS 13 MODEL FOUR, MINI KIMBELL 14 MODEL FOUR, DESIGN PROCESS 15 SALK INSTITUTE RESEARCH 16 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY RESEARCH 17 REFERENCES
model one. sound through shapes
Louis Kahn’s use of simple and precise geometric shapes, thoughtful placement of openings, use of natural materials, and attention to detail created a unique acoustic environment in his buildings that enhances the sound experienced by the user. The interplay between light and shadow, spatial relationships, and use of contrasting materials and textures add richness and depth to the acoustic environment. Through the careful consideration of form and function, Kahn was able to create buildings that are perfectly suited to their intended use, whether it can be a concert hall or a library. And enhance the natural resonance of sound in a way that complements and elevates the users experience.
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model one. sound through shapes
speaker inside.
change geometric shapes to indicate the density of sound.
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model two. LIGHT CREATES SOUND
Light and sound are two sensory experiences that are closely connected. In architecture, light has the power to create a sense of space and atmosphere that can metaphorically make a space "make sound". The use of natural light or artificial light sources can be manipulated to enhance the sensory experience of a space, creating a sense of depth, texture, and mood. The interplay between light and shadow can also create a sense of rhythm and movement within a space, which can be experienced almost as if it were sound. By playing with the way light is used in a space, architects can create a multisensory experience that engages not just the eyes, but also the ears and the imagination.
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model three. JSB-TWOpointOh
The objective of this model is to invite and involve people to add-on and complete an interpretation of Louis Kahn’s work. With the use of nails, foam board and precise measurement an abstract-woven pattern is created around a geometrical shape; a circle, to create a space similar to one of Kahn’s famous building ‘Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (JSB)’ . JSB‘s geometrically designed openings create an interplay of light and shadow, creating a dramatic effect ⁴ . The architectural purpose of these openings are to allow air flow and light into the structure while also adding an aesthetic feature to compliment the structure’s angular and modernist design.
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THE ACOUSTICS OF CONCRETE
Louis Kahn was renowned for his innovative use of concrete in his designs. He was particularly interested in how concrete spaces potentially improve ‘building acoustics’ were just as crucial as its aesthetics¹. After conducting-indepth research on the impact of sound on concrete spaces, Kahn came to the conclusion that the material’s density reflective properties made it ideal for creating spaces that could enhance sound quality. He experimented with different types of concrete and surface treatments to achieve the best acoustics.
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GET INVOLVED. activity interpreting Kahn’s design
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model two.
Materials: Cardboard, Knif, Hot glue
Shapes were carved into the cardboard to create gaps and allow light to penetrate through creating shadows that create a metaphorical sounded space.
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Salk Institute.
The Salk Institute, located in La Jolla, California, is another of Louis Kahn's masterpieces. The building is characterized by its simplicity, symmetry, and use of natural light. Its design features two main laboratory wings connected by a central courtyard, with administrative offices and meeting rooms located in a separate building 6 . The laboratory wings are constructed from poured concrete and are set on a raised platform, which provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The building's façade is adorned with a series of perforated concrete screens, which provide shading and filter natural light into the interior spaces. The combination of simple geometric forms, natural materials, and attention to detail create a striking and functional architectural masterpiece that has
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design process 03.
MATERIALS: Nails, Wool, Foam, White Card
Foam was used as foundation for this model that allows the nails to be stabilly hammered into and hold the woven wool that will create a geometrical shaped and intepret one of Kahn’s famous building.
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model four. Mini Kimbell
These two displayed models are replica of Kahn’s Diagram and perspective sketches of one of his famous buildings. The Kimbell Art Musuem in Fort Worth, Texas is renowned for its exceptional collection of European and Asian works of art, which includes works by Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Monet. Louis Kahns architecture for the museum is particularly praised for its creative use of natural light and geometric shapes5. A vaulted concrete roof system, natural lighting provided by skylights and light wells, and a central courtyard that provides both light and sound are examples of architectural features. These elements create a serene and contemplative atmosphere that enhances the experience of viewing art.
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design process 04.
MATERIALS: Fine-Line Pen, Rubber, Canvas paper,Wood Cut small pieces of wood and sanded it down to the required shape. Drew replica of Kahns wor on Canvas boards.
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National Assembly Building
The National Assembly Building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is considered to be one of Louis Kahn's greatest architectural achievements. Its distinctive design features a series of intersecting geometric forms, including concrete shells and cylindrical towers7. The building's layout is based on a centralized plan, with each functional space arranged around a central courtyard. Kahn also incorporated a number of innovative features, such as the use of natural light and ventilation to create a comfortable interior climate. The building's exterior is characterized by the use of high-quality materials, including concrete, marble, and granite, which have been carefully crafted to create a sense of texture and depth. These elements combine to create a unique and immersive architectural experience that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
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references.
i. English, VOA Learning. “Louis Kahn, 1901-1974: He Helped Define Modern Architecture.” VOA. VOA - Voice of America English News, July 23, 2011.
https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/louis-kahn-1901-1974-he-helped-define-modern-archi tecture-126066138/112564.html.
ii. “Louis I. Kahn: Moma.” The Museum of Modern Art. Accessed May 01, 2023.
https://www.moma.org/artists/2964.
iii. “Louis I. Kahn: In the Realm of Architecture: Moma.” The Museum of Modern Art, 2012.
https://www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/371.
iv. “Jatio Sangsad Bhaban or National Assembly Building and Sustainability.” Accessed May 02, 2023.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348001313_Jatio_Sangsad_Bhaban_or_National_Ass embly_Building_and_Sustainability.
v. “Kimbell Art Museum.” Architectuul. Accessed May 01, 2023. https://architectuul.com/architecture/kimbell-art-museum.
vi. About (2019) Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Available at: https://www.salk.edu/events/institute-council/about/ (Accessed: May 8, 2023).
vii. Souza, Eduardo. “Ad Classics: National Assembly Building of Bangladesh / Louis Kahn.” ArchDaily. ArchDaily, October 20, 2010.
https://www.archdaily.com/83071/ad-classics-national-assembly-building-of-bangladesh-loui s-kahn.
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