David B. Brownlee

In undergraduate architecture school my first exposure of Louis I. Kahn's work was not a good one: in one class we watched a critical documentary on the Richards Medical Research Building, which argued that the separation of served and servant spaces that Kahn became known for was not an appropriate response for the building users. Since then I have come to love the work of Kahn – so far visiting only the Kimbell Art Museum, something I need to remedy – but in my mind the Richards show more building is always a blemish of his oeuvre. One book that certainly helped in my growing appreciation of Kahn's building is this MOCA catalog to the traveling exhibition of the same name. This excellent book benefits from some deep scholarship by the authors, which covers Kahn's background and career in roughly chronological order, and beautiful illustrations. For those not familiar with Kahn, this is a great place to start, following behind only "Between Silence and Light." show less

The buildings created by Louis Kahn have become the very signature of the modernist aesthetic and his unique vision has permanently changed the direction of American architecture. This detailed, definitive and profusely illustrated account illuminates the work and philosophy of one of the 20th century's most influential practitioners, teachers and thinkers in architecture. Drawings, floorplans and a biographical chronology make this a valuable reference as well as a highly enjoyable volume.

Monograph Library - shelved at: 93 KAH - Architects

Studio North Library - shelved at : B11:KAH