Conserving the Salk Institute

On April 25th, New York University Department of Art History will hold a lecture entitled ‘A Challenge or a Gift? Conserving the Original Building Materials of Louis Kahn’s Salk Institute for Biological Studies,’ with Kenneth Itle, Associate Principal and Kyle Normandin, Associate Principal, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. One of the most beloved architecture icons, known from the seminar black-and-white photograph by Ezra Stoller, the Salk Institute, design by Louis Kahn and completed in 1965, this Brutalist gem is situated in South California. After five decades of exposure to marine environment, the building of its prefabricated windows and concrete walls has undergone a conversation program which will be completed next month. To celebrate this event, the lecture will highlight and examine the decision-making processes behind this ambitious project. The lecture will be held at New York University Department of Art History, Silver Center, Room 301100 on Washington Square East and is open to the public.