Some people change the world with their discoveries. Some people

make discoveries when they open their minds. We want you to

discover a place that is light and breezy, has changed the world,

opens our mind to the wonder of science and frames beauty with

modern architecture.

San Diego is known for many things. Woop-dee-doo is made over San

Diego's major tourist attractions. Understandably so. Despite all

the amusement that all the attractions bring, the nerds among us

celebrate and are attracted to one institution that has changed the

world. As Ghandi said, "You must be the change you want to see in

the world."

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California , or the Salk Insitute, is an icon in San Diego and around the world. For some, the Salk Institute might not sound like an exciting field trip. Historically, science was never something that grabbed us by the shirt collar or made us leap with excitement. That is, science wasn't groovy until the Salk Insitute came along. Step on the Salk property which takes up 26.3 acres and you'll get it. The Salk Institute will turn your head just by its architecture but it will also shape your point of view.

The Salk Institute is a historic landmark. Opening in 1963, Salk

has been the pulse of biotech in San Diego. We all know that Jonas

Salk is responsible for developing the polio vaccine. Sure, that's

enough of an accomplishment. Over the years, the Institute has gone

on to work on Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, spun-off 22+ startup

companies and initiated 250 patents. They may as well have called

the Salk Institute 'Brainiacs R Us' instead.

In the distant future, Salk plans to double in size from about

290,000 square feet to nearly 476,000 square feet. For now, Salk

is known for its world-famous modernism architecture and its

world-class architect, Louis Kahn.

The building is known around the globe. It is a tourist attraction

for architectural students far and wide. Why? You'll have to go and

get a sense of it yourself. What goes on inside the building is

beyond our ability to comprehend. However, innovative architecture,

like natural beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. You may like

it. You may hate it. But, one thing you will love is the expansive

view along North Torrey Pines. The rather famous Salk courtyard has

a rather famous view. There is something awesome about the open

courtyard.

One thing to look for is how Louis Kahn played with the idea of

"servant-served spaces." We'll try to simplify this concept. Kahn

mirrored Salk's belief that the integrated relationship between

science and humanistic research specialities should be fostered.

Kahn took the idea further by presenting architecture in the same

way. That is, he showed the co-dependence of 'served' spaces, or

the spaces used by people, working closely with the 'servant'

spaces which are those that are used for the function of the

building itself as in the form of electrical, plumbing, air

conditioning, etc.

Salk Institute (Courtesy Photo)

Most people don't know that the Salk Institute provides free,

one-hour guided architectural tours. There's only one hitch. The

tours are only available Monday-Friday and only at noon. Odd.

That's the down side. You can make reservations ( online) two days

in advance of the date you'd like to visit. For additional

information, call Salk Tours at 858-453-4100, ext 1287.

Architecture nuts or ocean lovers should make the time to visit

this great building. Great buildings are not in every city. This

building is great for many reasons and at the very least, what goes

on inside the concrete walls has changed the world in which we live

- forever.

Take a trip to the Salk Institute, sit in the courtyard, follow the

sight line toward the sea and see what intuition and excitement is

tossed up to you.