Type of Change: Addition:Highly controversial addition of two new lab buildings to the East of the original two lab buildings.

Cost: $21 Million
Date(s): 1992 – 1996 (C)
Circumstances/Reasons for Change: Led by found Jonas Salk, the campus had always intended on expanding and was now doing so to accommodate for more labs, an auditorium, and a primary lobby space.
Effects of Changes: Grove of Eucalyptus trees removed from East end of court.
Persons/Organizations Involved: Architect: Anshen + Allen, Los Angeles (Architects David Rinehart and John MacAllister. Rinehart was a former employee of Louis Kahn).
Landscape Architects: Sherr &. Wagner, Kawasaki Theilacher Ueno + Assoc.
Engineer: Ove Arup & Partners
Civil: Barrett Consulting Group
Consultants: Earl Walls; Carmen Nordsten Igonda Design; Debra Nichols Design; Cermack Peterka Petersen
General Contractor: McCarthy Brothers Company

Of Whole Building/Site: Neuroscience Research, Molecular and Cellular Biology Research

Of Principal Components: Living center and Meeting Hall never built

Of Whole Building/Site: Still being used and cared for as intended. Good Condition

Of Principal Components: The institute is continuing to grow and maintain itself.

Of Other Elements: The Eucalyptus grove (although Kahn intention debated) has been removed. Entry to the Complex as a “Designed Experience” through the grove to the barren courtyard (pictured below) has been compromised by Ashen + Allen addition. Although, a resident scientist noted that most no one entered that way – most everyone enters from where the parking lots are (to the north and south).

Of Surrounding Area: Surrounding area has turned from secluded research village to a “science theme park”. Several other research institutions have sited neighboring the Salk Institute. (See Google Earth Image above).

Comments: Original Entrance viewed from under Eucalyptus tree .

The Technical Innovation that occurred here is simple, yet revolutionary. Salk wanted flexible laboratory space – meaning free of columns and walls with the ability to adapt to changes over time. The Engineer Komendant suggested the use of a 9-foot tall Vierendeel truss to span the 65-foot wide labs.
Those trusses became the “Interstitial Space” to house the mechanical systems and larger machinery. The alternate floors became free.

This improved the science of science. researchers became more collaborative and development accelerated. This seemingly simple act changed the way research was conducted, from the historical double-loaded corridor of cellular labs – to a more integrated adaptable lab. The impact on human inter-relations transformed.
I think it is also important to note Kahn’s deliberate design of space for the individual, small group, and large collective. He also designed the possibilities of serendipitous interaction through careful consideration of spatial relationships and their derivative circulation. The drawing below depicts several humans and the lush, attractive space and practical circulation that allows for their interaction.

The formal solution by Kahn is of pure and abstracted geometrical forms. He uses materials in their natural states without paint, varnish, or other forms of appliqué. The minimalist form is not obfuscated by extraneous adornment, decoration, or ornamentation.

Canonical Status: When searching through the Avery Library stacks it became apparent that the building’s popularity or at least the conversation about the building was escalated in the early 1990’s when the Ashen + Allen addition was proposed. The number of conversations that the new design sparked was enormous. The number of journal articles prior to that are very limited.
It seems true that we only start to appreciate what we have when we risk losing it. It seems that this is not the first lab building to use the free-plan. Salk himself ran a lab in Philadelphia that was spawned the idea in La Jolla. The formal solution is timeless, which in my opinion lends to it’ credibility. Kahn’s interest in ancient western ruins and Salk’s interest in Assisi are close formal ties and inspirations to the Salk Institute. Personally I don’t believe the Modern Movement to be a break from history at all (influenced by Eisenman) but rather a continuation and abstraction of it.
This project was built at what I understand is considered to be the end of the modern movement (late ‘60’s?). But, that is not important. this building is more than Modernist. It is timeless and authorless – it was meant to be there.

Forms of attachment: additions to modern American monuments
Michael Sorkin.
Lotus international 1992, n.72, p.90-95.
Summary: Four examples are used: Kimbell Art Museum (Louis I Kahn. Mitchell Giurgola & Thorp); Guggenheim Museum (F. L. Wright; Gwathmey Siegel); Whitney Museum (Michael Graves); Salk Institute (Louis Kahn; Anshen & Allen).

Salk Institute Wins 25-Year Award
Architecture 1992 Feb., v.81, no.2, p.23, ISSN 0746-0554

Salk Institute Controversy [letter]
Kenneth Frampton
Architectural Review 1992 Apr., v.190, no.1142, p.10, ISSN 0003-861X

Salk Institute, Louis I Kahn
Steele, James
Architecture in Detail. Phaidon Press Limited, London, 1993.

The Salk Talks
Kathy Chia, Suzanne Stephens.
Oculus 1993 Jan., v.55, n.5, p.11-13.
Summary: Dr. Jones Salk spoke on his relationship with Louis Kahn at the Architecture League on November 4, 1992. There are plans to add to Salk's Institute in La Jolla, California. Includes a response by the architect for the addition.

Criticism: a reading of Louis Kahn's Salk Institute Laboratories
Jeffry Kieffer.
A + U: architecture and urbanism 1993 Apr., n.271, p.3-17, ISSN 0389-9160.
Abstract/Summary The Salk Institute for Biological Research in La Jolla, built 1959-1965.

Save the Salk? Or are devotees missing the point about Kahn?
Aaron Betsky.
In: L.A. architect 1993 Apr., p.[8]-9.

Salk addition: pro and con
Robert Venturi, Denise Scott Brown, Brian Henderson.
Architecture 1993 July, v.82, n.7, p.41,43,45, ISSN 0746-0554.
Abstract/Summary Presents opinions on the addition, by Anshen + Allen, to Kahn's Salk Institute in La Jolla. Con: Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown. Pro: Brian Henderson, president of the Salk Institute.

Add and subtract [Salk addition debate]
Michael J. Crosbie.
Progressive architecture 1993 Oct., v.74, n.10, p.48-51, ISSN 0033-0752.
Abstract/Summary "...offers new reasons to question this disputed project." Addition by Anshen and Allen.

Between beakers and beatitudes [Salk addition]
Michael Benedikt.
Progressive architecture 1993 Oct., v.74, n.10, p.52-53, ISSN 0033-0752.
Abstract/Summary "...speculates on how an addition to Kahn's Salk Institute can
bridge this landmark's dual role."

Dissecting the Salk
Michael J. Crosbie.
Progressive architecture 1993 Oct., v.74, n.10, p.[40]-47, ISSN 0033-0752.
Abstract/Summary History of the designed by Louis Kahn and the controversial addition. Includes interview with Jonas Salk.

Add and Subtract
Crosbie, Michael J.
Progressive Architecture, Oct. 1993, v. 74, n. 10, p.48-51.

The Salk Sinks
Katherine Kai-Sun Chia.
Oculus 1993 Nov., v.56, n.3, p.12.
Abstract/Summary Construction proceeds on the controversial addition to the Salk Institute in La Jolla, Calif.

Concrete controversy at the Salk
Raul A. Barreneche.
Architecture 1996 Mar., v.85, n.3, p.125-129, ISSN 0746-0554.
Abstract/Summary On the debate over patenting the process used by Anshen + Allen for the concrete construction of the New East Building at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California.

The Salk's addition
Joseph Giovannini.
Architecture 1996 Mar., v.85, n.3, p.[72]-[81], ISSN 0746-0554.
Abstract/Summary East Building, Salk Institute for the Biological Sciences in La Jolla, California. Architects: Anshen + Allen. Original architect: Louis Kahn.

Tod Williams & Billie Tsien [interview].
GA document 1997 Apr., n.50, p.[42]-45, ISSN 0389-0066.
Abstract/Summary An account of their initial work designing the Neurosciences Institute in La Jolla, Calif. and their impressions of Kahn's Salk Institute there.

The Salk Institute Architecture & Engineering
Ashen, Allen, et al
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies. La Jolla, CA. 2000? (No other publication information)
Avery Library Call No. AA685 K121 Sa343.

Things in their best order: technical aspects of the Salk Institute and their role in its design
Thomas Leslie.
Journal of architecture 2003 Spring, v.8, n.1, p.95-113, ISSN 1360-2365.
Abstract/Summary Using correspondence from the Louis I. Kahn archives at the University of Pennsylvania, the author suggests an alternative understanding of Kahn's work as empirical, evolutionary and based on engineering.

Masters of light: Louis Kahn: Salk Institute, La Jolla, California, USA, 1965
Henry Plummer.
A + U: architecture and urbanism 2003 Nov., extra edition, p.176-183, ISSN 0389-9160.