ARTtalk
...the link between you, the visual artist, and the manufacturer of art
materials.
established 1990
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It has been said that Frank Lloyd Wright is one of America's greatest artists. He stands as one of the most influential and prolific in American history. During his lifetime he completed over 1,000 architectural designs--500 of which were actually built--and hundreds of drawings remained at his death.
Wright's talent went well past the traditional comprehension of architectural skill. When he took on a project, he often designed details uncommon to the overall description of architecture. These details often included aspects as obscure as the furniture, lamps and unique lighting, stained glass, china, and even the hostess' gown for entertaining within the space he had created. Sadly, one in five of the buildings Wright completed have already been destroyed. There was a time, before his genius was widely appreciated, when demolition and "piecing" the structure was considered prudent. We are fortunate that this trend no longer continues, which is due in large part to the efforts of the current owners of each property to maintain America's architectural heritage.
Wright was born in Wisconsin, and between that state and Illinois, significant numbers of Wright buildings can still be viewed. One quarter of all buildings built from designs by Frank Lloyd Wright are in the Chicago area, and thirty percent of Wright's extant (still standing) buildings are in the state of Illinois. The original Wright home and studio are located in a quiet community near downtown Chicago called Oak Park. Walking tours, occasional interior tours during Wright Festivals, and other special opportunities abound. A visit to his first home and studios is a must for those visiting the Chicago area.
Immediately upon entering a Frank Lloyd Wright building one has a feeling of openness and simplicity. The decorative elements are minimal, and yet there is such cohesiveness to the feel and look of each room. When other architects were creating dwellings in Victorian styles, Wright opened spaces, calling attention to the circumferences and heights of rooms with moldings and trim of elegant, simple design. Unsupported levels within the structure were his "signature."
Wright's designs seemed to draw Americans out of the box-like structures they were accustomed to and into open spaces. If your home has a carport or a living room, you enjoy elements that were unknown before Wright featured them in his designs.
Wright's forward vision and styling were remarkable. Homes built in the late 1800's are as contemporary in appearance as many homes built today. His actual presentation would be different if he were building today because we have streamlined his looks. Wright also designed houses of worship, museums, skyscrapers, government offices, resorts, gas stations and bridges--many of which are still standing. Much documentation is available on the sites of all extant Wright structures.
Wright is the originator of a distinctive style of architecture known as the "prairie style." This style is best known for its elongated horizontal lines and elegant groupings of specially designed stained glass windows, open interior spaces and seemingly unsupported levels within the structure. It helped to open the boundaries of what was accepted in his time as "traditional."
During Wright's architectural career, America was transformed through technological and industrial developments from a predominantly rural to an urban-industrial society. A significant resurgence of interest in Frank Lloyd Wright occurred with the opening of his vast archives to researchers in the early 1980's. At that time the ecological consciousness in America rekindled Wright's popularity because he had employed his strong regard for nature and the landscape in his work. His quality designs also shone because of the proliferation of quickly constructed, utilitarian structures built to meet the retail demands of a growing country. Americans desired architecture of real quality and found it in the unique structures built over Wright's career. Lastly, the buildings themselves seem to demand notice, study and respect as they open up new levels of discovery and pleasure to those who visit them. They are unlike any other structures, old or new, and seem timeless in their appeal, their comfort, and their basic beauty.
For over 72 years, Frank Lloyd Wright produced drawings and designs that contributed to the architectural strength of this country. In the last 10 years of his life, he produced six books, traveled widely in the United States and abroad, and, remarkably, produced as many buildings as he had in his previous sixty years! He founded the Prairie School of Architectural Design where he taught new, progressive aspects of architectural development--of course, true to his own style.
There are over 60 Frank Lloyd Wright buildings accessible to the public as museums or functioning, tourable sites. Festivals and special celebrations offer additional tour opportunities. For more information about Wright buildings in public places, the text Wright Sites (Princeton Architectural Press) is recommended. It lists all 66 of the buildings open to the public, along with detailed directions to their locations and many photographs. For listings of all extant Wright buildings, whether open to the public or not, The Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright - A Guide to Extant Structures by William Storrer, Ph.D., is recommended.
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Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 10 No. 3 -- January 2000