Tradition as Mediation: Louis I. Kahn

This book explores Louis I. Kahn's approach to tradition as revealed in two of his important, unbuilt, projects. Focusing on Kahn's designs for the Dominican Motherhouse of St. Catherine de Ricci, Media, Pennsylvania (1965-1969), and the Hurva Synagogue, Jerusalem, Israel (1967-1974), the book challenges prevailing aesthetic and methodological assessments of Kahn's use of tradition. It reveals how an authentic and critical theoretical-historical and humanistic study of tradition nourished Kahn's designs, enabling him to mediate historical rituals, ideas and beliefs - and to develop innovative designs rooted deep in human culture while addressing real modern concerns.

Autorentext

Dana Margalith is a lecturer at Tel-Aviv University, Israel, and a practicing architect.

Inhalt

I. KAHN'S PHILOSOPHY

Introduction: History, Tradition, Memory

1: Weak Truth

2: Institutions on Trial

3: Proto Forms as Seeds of Desire

II. KAHN'S DESIGNS

Part 1: The Dominican Motherhouse of St. Catherine de Ricci,

Media Pennsylvania, 1965-1969 1: The Architectural Challenge

2: Design Schemes

3: Proto Forms as Seeds of Desire

4: Mnemonic Images and Programs

5: The Motherhouse after Kahn

Part 2: The Hurva Synagogue

The Old City of Jerusalem, 1967-1974 1: A New Institution

2: Design Proposals

3: Proto Forms as Seeds of Desire

4: Mnemonic Images and Programs

5: The Hurva Synagogue after Kahn

III. LEARNING FROM KAHN

Conclusion: Mediation Kahn's Mnemonic Images and Programs