Journal of Architectural Conservation
Volume 12, Issue 2, July 2007
Yale University art Gallery: Louis I. Kahn
Challenges for the Rehabilitation of Modern Museum Buildings
Lloyd L. DesBrisay
Paper Summary
This case study paper examines the rehabilitation of the Yale University Art Gallery’s Kahn building. Designed by visionary architect Louis I. Kahn, the building was constructed in 1953 and rehabilitated in 2006. The paper focuses on the rehabilitation of this landmark of the mid-twentieth century that restored the open interior spaces, updated the mechanical systems and replaced the steel framed window wall with an aluminium window wall system.
I believe in frank architecture.A building is a struggle, not a miracle, and the architect should acknowledge this. – Louis I. Kahn, 1953
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Figure 3 Rehabilitated north exterior elevation from the northeast. (Elizabeth Felicella)
Figure 4 Rehabilitated interior view of gallery space with core/stairwell beyond. (Elizabeth Felicella)
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Lloyd L. DesBrisay AIA
Lloyd L. DesBrisay is an associate in Polshek Partnership Architects in New York City. He was the project architect during the construction phase of Polshek Partnership Architects’ rehabilitation of the Yale University Art Gallery Kahn building, completed in 2006. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects in the United States. His work on historic rehabilitation projects includes the award-winning 2003 rehabilitation of the Manhattan Theatre Club’s Biltmore Theatre in the Broadway theatre district in New York City.
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