Specifically, James describes a variety of buildings to demonstrate the various elements that Kahn uses in his architecture. One building of particular interest is his Yale Center for British Arts. Here, the cylindrical stair tower in the courtyard of the Center introduces an imposing note (James, p. 49). In contrast, and indeed according to Khan's ideal, the facades are understated and reserved. The elevations of the courtyard and galleries adhere to the principle of study, providing a quiet space for students to focus their thoughts and their subdued conversation. As such the courtyard focuses the purpose of the rest of the building. In the interior, daylight is filtered to a soft hue through skylights, where as the oak and fabric paneled walls as well as chamber music further focuses the atmosphere inward, towards a contemplative and peaceful design. Spatial emphasis is placed upon the aesthetic displays of the galleries within the courtyard rather than upon functional elements such as offices and classrooms. The latter is veiled by corridors stretching...

49).
The inward focus mentioned above is both spatially and intellectually accomplished. The quiet and peaceful atmosphere in the courtyard is focused by the design elements within it, while the spatial orientation of the rest of the building almost literally encourages patrons to gather here.

As an architect Khan successfully combines his philosophy of the courtyard's purpose with design elements to create a unique form of architecture that caters to a very specific audience: those using the interior of the building.

Sources

The Museum of Modern Art, New York. (2004). Curator's Statement. http://www.moma.org/expansion/charette/statement.html

James, Kathleen (1995, Sep). Louis Kahn's Indian Institute of Management's Courtyard: Form vs. Function Journal of Architectural Education Vol. 49, No. 1. pp. 38-49.

Ricciotti, Dominic (1985, Summer). The 1939 Building of the Museum of Modern Art: The Goodwin-StoneCollaboration American Art Journal,…