Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright (June 8, 1867 – April 9, 1959) was an American architect, designer, writer, and educator. Over a prolific career spanning 70 years, he designed more than 1,000 structures, with 532 of them being realized. His work had a profound influence on the architectural movements of the twentieth century, and he was recognized by the American Institute of Architects in 1991 as the "greatest American architect of all time."
The legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright is encapsulated not only in his buildings but also in his philosophy and educational practices. His Taliesin Fellowship mentored hundreds of apprentices, shaping the next generation of architects. Wright authored several books and numerous articles, becoming a well-regarded lecturer in both the United States and Europe. In 2019, a selection of his work was designated as a World Heritage Site under the name "The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright."
Early Life and Education
Wright was born in Richland Center, Wisconsin on June 8, 1867. Although he often claimed to have been born in 1869, it was later confirmed that 1867 was his actual birth year. His early life was marked by his parents' separation and a subsequent change in his middle name from "Lincoln" to "Lloyd," a decision made by his mother. Wright's formative years were spent in Wisconsin, where he first developed an appreciation for the natural landscape that would later influence his architectural philosophy.
Architectural Philosophy and Style
Wright's work is synonymous with the Prairie School movement, which emphasized horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs with broad overhanging eaves, windows grouped in horizontal bands, integration with the landscape, solid construction, craftsmanship, and discipline in the use of ornament. One of his core beliefs was that architecture should be designed in harmony with humanity and its environment, a philosophy he called "organic architecture."
His innovative designs included the concept of the "open floor plan," which revolutionized the way people thought about the use of interior space. Wright also pioneered new construction technologies and materials, such as the use of reinforced concrete.
Notable Works
Among Wright's many significant works are the Fallingwater house in Pennsylvania and the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Fallingwater is renowned for its dramatic cantilevered design over a waterfall, seamlessly integrating the structure with its natural surroundings. The Guggenheim Museum marks a departure from traditional museum layouts, featuring a spiral ramp that allows visitors to view art in a continuous flow.
The Taliesin Fellowship and Legacy
In 1932, Wright established the Taliesin Fellowship, an architectural apprenticeship program that provided a holistic learning environment, encompassing both traditional architecture studies and hands-on experience. The fellowship operated at his Taliesin estate in Spring Green, Wisconsin and at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Wright's influence extends beyond his built works; his writings and teachings have left a lasting impact on architecture worldwide. His family continued his architectural legacy, with his son, Lloyd Wright, and grandson, Eric Lloyd Wright, both becoming notable architects in their own right.
Personal Life
Wright's personal life was as colorful as his professional one. He was married three times, with his third wife being Olgivanna Lloyd Wright, whom he met in 1924. His familial relationships, including those with his children such as John Lloyd Wright, were often complex and sometimes tumultuous.