Center view of Salk Institute of Biological Sciences La Jolla

Photo courtesy of friendsofsdarch

Homes in La Jolla are seated in a place with beautiful natural surroundings and inspired man-made refinements, some of which are known the world over. Art and architecture in La Jolla can create a sense of tranquility or a feeling of optimism that moves the viewer, which is exactly what the Salk Institute’s impressive architecture and the colors in the "Demos Gracias" mural demonstrate.

Exploring the Salk Institute's architecture

Dr. Jonas Salk invented the first safe and effective polio vaccine in 1957, which dropped the average number of Polio cases in America from between 35,000 and 45,000 to hundreds by the early 1960’s. The institute's site states that after his major polio vaccine breakthrough, Salk sought to build a scientific research facility with surroundings that were both functional and inspiring. Today, the Salk Institute for Biological Studies researches potential treatments for diseases and disorders and solutions to food supply and environmental issues. The nonprofit’s researchers have been awarded two Nobel Prizes for their work, which is conducted within a complex of buildings designed to stimulate scientific breakthroughs.

Side view of the Salk Institute La Jolla

Photo courtesy of friendsofsdarch

Louis Kahn designed the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, which was completed in 1967 using concrete, teak, lead, glass, steel and travertine marble. According to Arch Daily, Kahn researched monasteries and chose the International architectural style because he thought the buildings should be “monumental and spiritually inspiring.” The institute is seated on one of La Jolla’s unapologetically beautiful coastal bluffs and incorporates its tranquil surroundings and lots of natural light into its design. The 27-acre campus holds an open travertine marble courtyard with a water channel positioned in-between two identical six-story buildings that house laboratories, some of which are underground. Bridges connect the buildings to towers, which hold studies.

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies became a historic site in 1991 and can be admired and explored during architectural tours.

Murals of La Jolla unveils ‘Demos Gracias’

Murals of La Jolla is an ongoing public art initiative, which was started by the La Jolla Community Foundation and is funded via private donations. The commissioning and installation of artwork throughout La Jolla began in 2010 and is currently undertaken by the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. With the recent addition of “Demos Gracias” by Lorenzo Hurtado Segovia, the Murals of La Jolla collection now holds 16 pieces.

On April 4th, “Demos Gracias” was installed at 2259 Avenida de la Playa above the Galaxy Taco restaurant. Vibrant Papel Picado with celebratory bursts of color and warm messages of thanksgiving, good will and hope stream across the mural.

According to an article in La Jolla Light, “Demos Gracias” is the first of Murals of La Jolla’s art displays to be located in La Jolla Shores. It was also the largest piece ever completed by Lorenzo Hurtado Segovia.

For information about homes in La Jolla visit our La Jolla real estate page or contact DeSouza Select Properties.

Posted by Dennis DeSouza on
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