A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Timely Timelessness: Traditional Proportions and Modern Practice in Kahn’s Kimbell Museum
Abstract. The twentieth century witnessed declining interest in architectural proportioning systems, which were virtually eclipsed by technical, social and fiscal agendas. Louis Kahn is a seminal architect, whose most acclaimed building, the Kimbell Art Museum (1966–72), represents a compelling case-study in the use proportions by twentieth-century architects. In spite of a raft of peculiarly modern restrictions (both technological and programmatic), Kahn appears – despite his espoused ambivalence concerning proportion – to have intentionally produced a building with an array of approximate geometrical as well as precise harmonic proportions. This two-part paper presents the findings of a multifaceted research project that examined the Kimbell’s proportions from numerous standpoints. Part 1 presents a textural analysis of Kahn’s statements regarding proportion, as well as the findings of an archival study of correspondence between the architect and his client and consultants. Part 2 presents a prima facie geometrical analysis of the construction drawings for the project. The division into parts reflects an apparent discrepancy between Kahn’s buildings and what he had to say about them.
Timely Timelessness: Traditional Proportions and Modern Practice in Kahn’s Kimbell Museum
Abstract. The twentieth century witnessed declining interest in architectural proportioning systems, which were virtually eclipsed by technical, social and fiscal agendas. Louis Kahn is a seminal architect, whose most acclaimed building, the Kimbell Art Museum (1966–72), represents a compelling case-study in the use proportions by twentieth-century architects. In spite of a raft of peculiarly modern restrictions (both technological and programmatic), Kahn appears – despite his espoused ambivalence concerning proportion – to have intentionally produced a building with an array of approximate geometrical as well as precise harmonic proportions. This two-part paper presents the findings of a multifaceted research project that examined the Kimbell’s proportions from numerous standpoints. Part 1 presents a textural analysis of Kahn’s statements regarding proportion, as well as the findings of an archival study of correspondence between the architect and his client and consultants. Part 2 presents a prima facie geometrical analysis of the construction drawings for the project. The division into parts reflects an apparent discrepancy between Kahn’s buildings and what he had to say about them.
Timely Timelessness: Traditional Proportions and Modern Practice in Kahn’s Kimbell Museum
Fleming, Steven (author) / Reynolds, Mark (author)
Nexus Network Journal ; 8 ; 33-52
2006-06-01
20 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Timely Timelessness: Traditional Proportions and Modern Practice in Kahn’s Kimbell Museum
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