Monday, April 30, 2007


This images show the use of geometric shapes, in particular through voids for interesting lighting effects, that Kahn uses through is architecture. It is a very unique approach to architecture and makes Kahn's buildings recognisable as distinctively his own.

Phillips Exeter Academy Library


The Exeter Library is another inspring building of Kahn's.
What I find interesting is about this building is the play between truth and lies about the load bearing masonry system.
In these images, notice the clever system of the brick 'collumns' which are distinguishable as solids in between lines of windows. The arch above each window allows the windows to subtly get wider as the building rises. This obviously means the 'collumns' get narrower as it rises, demonstrating the load system, wear the bases is copping the brunt of it.
The other interesting feature is at the corners of the facade, he has place a small diagonal wall which is set back against the right angled main walls. This creates the illusion that the main walls are not load bearing and are simply a screens about the building.
Inside you see the geometric voids that Kahn is so well known for.

First Unitary Church


I used the First Unitary Church as inspiration, I found the flow of brick facade very intriguing. Hollowing out certain sections for windows, yet the facade is still united, giving it a feeling of movement as the protruding collumns link together almost like a maze. If I could incorporate a system like this into my portal frame it would be an interesting feature of the structure. I am think I will make this an enveloped system, possibly making every protruding brick 'collumn' wear the load bearing collumns are merely for a suggestive role of wear the loads are travelli

Bunnings Warehouse

Bunnings Warehouse
Bunnings warehouse is a perfect example of a large spanning building.

Main View

Main View
This interior view of Bunnings warehouse gives an idea of the long spans required for the structure using minimal supports. Collumns run along each wall and down the centre of the structure only, allowing maximum space for storage.

Lateral Support

Lateral Support
This gives an idea of the repetition of supports (cross bracing) along the roof, and the connection to longer spanning beams.

Collumn and Roof Spanning beam. Corner connection

Collumn and Roof Spanning beam. Corner connection
This detail shows a close up for the 'I' beams used in the structure and the connection system used.