Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the most famous 20th century architects, who developed his own sophisticated but organic style that ranged from urban museums to small shelters in the desert. He hand built furniture and designed a hotel in Tokyo (McCarter). He was an iconoclast and an innovator, who was voted the greatest American Architect of all time and also criticized for a stubborn personality and troubled personal life. He was more than an architect, he also wrote books, taught college level courses, and was a pioneer in interior decorating. Even when he was a famous architect around the world, he still built small houses for private individuals, and believed good architecture should be affordable and accessible. In 1909, he was the first to use reinforced concrete in a building, which became a popular medium for architects up until today. His “open floor” design, with few walls, shared living spaces and connections between outdoor and indoor spaces are still considered modern and cutting edge today (McCarter).
I have been to the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Guggenheim Museum in New York City. The contrast of the building to the rest of the urban landscape was remarkable and it is one of the most recognizable pieces of architecture in the world. To me, the design of the Guggenheim complements the art inside, with each rising level leading to new discoveries. Furthermore, I have researched his “Fallingwater “ house in Pennsylvania. It is another iconic piece of architecture on a more personal and modest scale. The house, despite being famous, was in disrepair, and some of his innovations and radial ideas did not stand up physically to the test of time and the elements. Although it is a beautiful and serene looking masterpiece, it was never structurally sound.
Wright is an interesting subject for a variety of reasons. His democratic architectural philosophy and the sheer diversity of his contributions to architecture and style are interesting. Furthermore, his personal life was dramatic, and involved three wives, a mass murder at his studio, abandoning his family, and becoming a major celebrity around the world (Field). He was an uncompromising artist and even more stubborn in his personal life. Despite controversy regarding his life and designs, his contributions to architecture are as concrete and permanent as his building. His unique style is still relevant and popular today. Many of his students and protégés also became famous architects, and his architectural philosophy helped shape the way we think about buildings and living spaces. More than an architect, he was also a visionary, and lessons may be learned from both his designs and the way he lived his life.
Works Cited
McCarter, Robert. Frank Lloyd Wright. Reaktion Books, 2006.
Field, Marcus. "Architect of Desire: Frank Lloyd Wright's Private Life Was Even More Unforgettable than His Buildings." The Independent. Independent Digital News and Media, n.d. Web. 05 July 2015.
