The influence of Anne Tyng

Abstract

Anne Tyng is an architect who has been strongly influenced by her interest in geometry within the field of architecture. The use of Platonic solids is evident in Tyng's designs. However, for a long time Tyng was undervalued for the influence she had on the designs that Tyng created with Louis Kahn. This thesis explores what Anne Tyng's architectural goals were and what influence Tyng had on the designs Tyng and Kahn made together. For this a literature research is done and nine designs, three by Tyng, three by Kahn and three joint projects, are analysed and compared. In Anne Tyng's designs, Platonic solids, combined geometrical hierarchy and human scale emerge as Tyng's objectives, mainly in the structure of the designs. Louis Kahn, on the other hand, uses more two-dimensional structures, regular polygons, within his floor plans, in addition to focusing on light and central places within the buildings. Comparing the three joint projects, it is clear that the structures are mostly made out of Platonic solids, indicating the influence of Anne Tyng. The designs also focus on light and central spaces, which are influences of Louis Khan. This points to the influence of both architects, with Anne Tyng as the 'geometrical conceiver'.