ASSEMBLY
Remembering Louis Kahn
Reinterpretation of Richards Medical Research Laboratories
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Spring 2019
Advisor: Terrance Goode
The goal of this project is to present a primarily graphic investigation, supplemented by written text where necessary, of the Richards Medical Research Laboratories which will identify the formal and conceptual intentions, goals and values of the architect, Louis Kahn; the ways in which the building’s technical systems, including categories of structure, environmental conditioning and exterior envelope,perform their nominal tasks; and the ways in which these technical systems door do not reinforce the formal and conceptual intentions, goals and values mentioned previously.
'a pragmatic return to functional separation'
00 - OBJECTIVE
At a time where rationalism and industrial logic seemed taboo when extremized, Kahn made an architectural statement that could only be understood as practical and efficient- communicating a harmonious juxtaposition between the users of the space and the performance of the architecture.
Beyond that however - what was maybe most important to Kahn - was the communication of this relationship. Humans,people, amidst a society where power is in numbers, find themselves alienated by the complexities of the gizmo and their own apparent irrationality.
Kahn recognized this disconnect and sought to educate through order.Are we the cogs?
Should we try to be?
Through Kahn’s extravagant distinction of the technological servants and very human served, Richards Medical Research Laboratories aims to be a space where people understand their role in the pursuit of knowledge, and technology’s place is clearly defined and celebrated.
The following five chapters cross-examines the separated yet closely connected systems in Richards Medical Research Laboratories in relation to Kahn’s intention expressed through formal strategies.
01 - FORMAL STRATEGY
Through the condensation of column organization into distinct vertical elements, pushed to the exterior, a dialogue between distinct structure and the distinct cores is expressed.
From the exterior, vertical circulation and HVAC systems are seemingly indistinguishable from one another.
Formally, they are in conversation with one another by their literal formal appearance. Their structural logic exemplifies the similarities between the way that people and air move through space by separating and visually distinguishing the structure necessary for both HVAC and vertical circulation, the users of , and air within, the lab spaces can experience greater freedom of movement.
Ultimately, the formal separation of programmatic and systematic organization allows for more fine-tuned design response within each distinct mass. As well, it allows people to relate to the elements, without the false notion that they are identical.
02 - STRUCTURE & FORMAL
Rather than a typical move to either hide the building systems within walls and slabs, or simply push these systems to the roof of the space, Kahn pulls the structure down, and away from the slab. This move would save on material costs, but increase construction costs, overall being an expensive move. However, through Kahn’s motivation to distinguish the technological and human, this move may be just as, if not, more important than the large-scale massing moves — because this move permeates the space and is in constant dialogue with the users of the space.
What distinguishes this structural system is the way in which it articulates an unoccupiable space.
It communicates an idea that maybe architecture and clearly-defined, organized space is not just open for occupied spaces.
Within every moment, on each floor, there are two spaces — one for the systems and one for the people. It bridges the dialog on formal strategies of servant and served spaces in an often ignored perspective by making aclear translation through the building section.
03 - HVAC & STRUCTURE
As Kahn’s philosophy goes, prestressed concrete beams are exposed as a celebratory act and an architectural statement. HVAC system, in this case, is also exposed and running through the hollow areas of the structural system. Now, it is way to convenient to have the two gotogether this easily; it invites us to challenge the elasticity of HVAC system. We see the system bringsTower A and Core servant building, Tower B and TowerC, together; HVAC system, having its very ability to expand in and out the room, holds the fabric of structural web together like pulling needles through threads.
Ducts Through Beams -Threading
Deployment of AirSupply and Return Ductsconnecting Tower A andCore Servant Building.
Layering of systemforming inner fabric ofthe Richard MedicalLaboratories
Framed HVAC
The structure articulates a distinct separation between occupied space and environmental systems.
Weaving
Key image on the left, showing a particular floor plan to exhibit the relationshipbetween the structural system and HVAC system, in the interstitial area of thetwo lies the emergent character of HVAC system.
04 - HVAC & FORMAL
The HVAC systems, rooted in the formal decision of extracted cores, branch into the building through and tie several systems together. They communicate to the users of the lab spaces where air is being directed. There is a complex consideration for fresh air being brought to people, and a mechanic rationale to its expedient removal to the return ducts. This relationship reinforces and relies on the overall situating of cores around spaces around core.
The interwoven systems of structure (gravity), HVAC (atmospheric conditions) and users (life) reinforce and depend on each other. They are expedient where they can be, and careful and complex when they must be. The architecture is a single mechanism where every system is separated, distinct in its character, but co/interdependent on one another. The house is divided for itself.
05 - CONTENTION
Iconic Tapered Column
Kahn’s iconic tapered structure communicates the reality of forces as well as forming visual communication between this quality of the universe and what effects/experiences it allows for.
These moves of structural tapering, stark daylighting, and thin envelope are excellent vehicles for a conversation on the potential shortfalls of Kahn’s ideology impeding building performance. Richard’s Medical Research Laboratories has seen its fair share of complaints regarding excessive and harsh daylight conditions- ones not optimal for lab space. Beginning in 2006, renovations for the project have helped insulate, shade these spaces for optimal performance.
Removal of Unnecessary Structure Allowance for Additional Daylighting
Kahn’s work frequently features an intentional removal of unnecessary structure, or rather structure that adapts to conditions at a smaller scale than frame. This often is used to communicate a relationship between gravity and light, allowing for additional daylighting, for which we have the structure to thank.
The framing beam system dissolves toward the corner of the buildings, allowing for additional daylight, and communicating the branching nature of both structure (stemming from large columns) and environmental control systems that the structure supports and clings to.
While this relationship between daylight and structure will become well documented later in his career, this move draws attention to the odd role of the window. Perhaps Kahn aims to suggest how the very same environmental systems that are being emulated through these mechanic systems exist just outside of this thin membrane. The interior and exterior environments are comprised of the same elements and rely on one another.
06 - CONCLUSION
Within Kahn’s Richard Medical Research Laboratories, the overall massing presents the idea of building as mechanism, with systems made distinct through separation. This distinction is further supported by the structural system which, vertically, is condensed into CIP pylons and pushed to the exterior. The beams system in each of the lab blocks further articulates the relationship of servant and served, creating a clear relationship between environmental control systems and the buildings occupants. These environmental control systems then reinforce the overall formal strategy, stemming from the cores, moving freely through the space alongside its users.
The environmental control systems stem from and run through a larger structural strategy that cannot be separated from the overall conceptual aim of the project. Through the design of Richards Medical Research Laboratories, Kahn distinguishes the technological servants and very human served, creating a mechanized academic architecture where peopleunderst and their role in the pursuit of knowledge, and technology’s place is clearly defined and celebrated.
The human and what was once inhumane can now share a space where the nature of their confusing codependence is never obstructed.
(writings in collaboration with Bennett Powers)