Richards Medical Research Building

building, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

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July 13, 2026

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The Richards Medical Research Building, designed by architect Louis Kahn, is located at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Completed in 1960, it is renowned for its innovative "servant" and "served" spaces concept.1

In this design:
* Servant spaces (stairwells, elevators, vents, pipes) are isolated in distinct towers.1
* Served spaces (laboratories and offices) are separate from these service areas.1

This architectural principle, elevating a practical design feature, became a hallmark of Kahn's mature style. The building is considered an outstanding example of post-World War II architecture, shifting from functionalism towards a more monumental formalism.12

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Louis Kahn
His Richards Medical Research Building (1960–65) at the university is outstanding for its expression of the distinction between “servant” and “served” spaces. The servant spaces (stairwells, elevators, exhaust and intake vents, and pipes) are isolated in four towers, distinct from the served spaces (laboratories and offices).…
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His Richards Medical Research Building (1960–65) at the university is outstanding for its expression of the distinction between “servant” and “served” spaces. The servant spaces (stairwells, elevators, exhaust and intake vents, and pipes) are isolated in four towers, distinct from the served spaces (laboratories and offices).…
Read More