Institute of Theoretical Physics-- Kohn Hall floor plan

This is an early floor plan of the original building for Kohn Hall, designed by Michael Graves.

The Kavli Institute of Theoretical Physics is a world-renown research facility where physicists meet to collaborate on cutting edge research and theoretical questions. The scientists come to UCSB for extended periods of time (anywhere from one week to many months) to meet and discuss new problems in the field. The Kohn Building was originally designed in 1994 by architect Michael Graves, with an addition completed in 2004, also by Graves. The building was designed specifically to foster interactions between scientists, so offices and hallways are laid out in such a manner as to facilitate random meetings and impromptu discussions (with a number of blackboards in communal spaces for working out complex theoretical issues).

Michael Graves is known for being one of the leading examples of postmodern architecture. In addition to building iconic commercial and public buildings (like the Denver Public Library and an expansion of the Whitney Museum of American Art), he was a Professor of Architecture at Princeton University and a designer for Alessi and Target. His postmodern and urbanist style was reflected in the use of color and classical elements in new and varied ways.

Michael Graves, architect

University of California, Santa Barbara Campus Building records, Architecture and Design Collection. Art, Design & Architecture Museum; University of California, Santa Barbara.

1994

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