Old Scripps Building, Research laboratory in La Jolla, San Diego, United States.
The Old Scripps Building is a simple concrete laboratory with rectangular windows and a flat roof that reflects early 20th century research design. The structure was one of the first permanent locations for oceanographic work on the Pacific Coast and continues to serve scientific purposes today.
The building opened in 1909 as the founding home of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. It marked the start of organized marine science on the Pacific Coast.
The space shows how marine science was conducted within these walls, inspiring researchers and students in their daily work. The layout and preserved equipment reveal the practical methods that scientists used in earlier times.
The building opens for scheduled tours where visitors can see the research spaces firsthand. It is best to arrange visits ahead of time, as some areas may be restricted due to ongoing scientific work.
The building was designed by Irving Gill, an architect who matched modern forms with practical needs. His minimalist style was far ahead of its time and created a structure that remains both functional and visually interesting.
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