Frank Lloyd Wright: Organic Architecture - Case Study Example

Frank Lloyd Wright – Organic Architecture Order ID – 454840 “I know that architecture is life; or at least it is life itself taking form and therefore it is the truest record of life as it was lived in the world yesterday, as it is lived today or ever will be lived. So architecture I know to be a Great Spirit....” (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1936) Introduction Frank Lloyd Wright (1867 – 1959) was a pioneer and visionary of the green movement and was way ahead of his peers where eco- sensitive design and innovation was concerned. He is considered by most people to be one of the most iconic, influential and famous architects of the 20th century whose vast body of work, incorporating very innovative thoughts and ideas served to define the concept of modernism. His intuitive vision as an outstanding architect, gave him the impetus to visualize many hallmarks that were closely connected to the green movement of the present generation. Lloyd, termed his philosophy of architecture as ‘organic’ and possessed a very refined and acute sensitivity, that was not only sustainable but had a workable use of space. Keeping in mind the primary theme of American architecture, Lloyd deftly planned to create livable spaces with a deep sensitivity towards the environment. The main reason for his type of architecture was due to his great love of nature and deep to desire to live in harmony with nature. A Personal Glimpse into the Life of Architect Frank Lloyd Wright Frank was born on June 8th, 1867, at Richland Center, Wisconsin, and he was one of the three children born to William Russell Cary Wright, a widower, and Anna Lloyd Wright. (Ada Louise Huxtable, 2004) The architect’s life was a very hard lived one, that was interspersed with a lot of hardship, poverty, hunger and tragedy due to an unstable family. In his own autobiography Wright explains about the turbulence during his growing years, but agrees that this is what shaped him to become an architect. He was a real hard worker who did his best to achieve the success he always dreamed of. He went to great lengths to achieve what he had in mind. Such focus could be seen in the writing of his own biography when he “went into seclusion in a Minnesota cabin to reflect and record his life experiences. (Frank Lloyd Wright, 2005) Frank Lloyd was an ardent worker with a burning ambition to be someone great in his life. He was in awe of Alder and Sullivan whom he worked for later, but soon found that there was a lot of favoritism among the others who worked for him. He was always the brunt of their cynical jokes and he faced great discrimination among the group. Some of them had seething anger and jealousy against him and he was once fatally stabbed by one of them named Ottie and till the day he passed away he had to live with “the welts of Ottie’s fancy work…” (Frank Lloyd Wright, p. 102) According to (Nancy Horan, 2007) in her book titled ‘Loving Frank’, she gives us insight into the architect’s personal, vibrant and overwhelming life. She highlights the fact, that Frank being the genius that he was, led a life that was not devoid of ups and downs. One example that reflects this point is when he was commissioned in 1903, to design and style a new home in Oak Park for Mamah Borthwick Cheney and her husband Edwin, and it was during this time that he and Mamah were so attracted to each other that they carried on a clandestine affair despite being married and having children of their own. Finally, both abandoned their families and traveled together while pursuing their respective interests and by doing so, they were constantly hounded by a scandal hungry press. They lived together for many years and when he was around 92 years old he died in the year 1959. Background of the Study Architect Frank Lloyd Wright termed his type of architecture as “organic architecture” and he is believed to be the first person to have coined this term. According to his philosophy of nature, he believed that human habitation should be so well integrated with the natural world by way of its site, design, style, structure of the building and its surroundings so that peace, unity and harmony would prevail and make people happy by just being one with nature. According to him organic architecture was the modern ideal that did away with the traditional so that people could cherish and live in harmony with nature itself. In fact, organic architecture includes the design of every element of the built structure by planning and taking into consideration the surroundings that go with it. The very concept of organic architecture means that one should not possess any preconceived notions of the past, present and future of the living space, but one should make use of commonsense to “determine form by way of the nature of materials…” (Frank Lloyd, 1954, p. 3) Frank Lloyd’s organic architecture involves the entire structure of the building as a whole, as well as the area that surrounds it, making it something like a unified organism. The motifs, materials and other beautifying structures get repeated continuously, both on the inside and the outside, in an aesthetically weaved pattern that follows the basic ordering principles during the whole process of construction. The prime theme, mood, and style of the building solely depend on the Geographic layout of its surroundings and this is used to a great advantage to give it a harmonious and symbolic appearance that reflects the nature around it. Every element of the structure, such as doors, windows, furniture and floors, ceilings etc. are taken into consideration with the main intention of making them to relate to each other in order to reflect a feeling of harmony with nature. Some of the salient features of organic architecture were to bring about harmony in nature by satisfying the physical and spiritual needs of its occupants, in addition to their social and cultural needs. To bring about this unifying factor, the entire process of such architecture has to be unique, flexible, and adaptable and bring out the spirit of freedom and abandon of those living in it. It did not matter whether one was on the inside or outside of the building to experience the feeling of peace and harmony with nature, because during the construction process such detailing of design and style were coordinated in such a way to bring out such feelings. Notable Architectural Works of Frank Lloyd Wright Architect Frank Lloyd had constructed so many buildings which makes it difficult to choose between them. One such notable building is the R.W. Lindholm Service Gas Station at Cloquet, Minnesota, that was built in 1956 and is fully functional even today. (Dan Colman, 2011) Other important structures by Wright were the ‘Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum located in Manhattan, New York and houses great art works from Impressionists, and early Modern and Contemporary artists. The Johnson Wax Building constructed with glass and brick, serves as office work space and has a very unique design that brought the architect great accolades because it was something that was way ahead of his time. The Guggenheim Museum is worth mentioning because it was one of the most significant buildings that were constructed during the peak of his career. The building had a very unique style and design, not familiar during that time. The entire structure comprised of a cylindrical spiral gallery, while the exterior had a twisted spiral façade that was both rare and attractive. It was during the construction of this huge building that concrete technology was pushed beyond one’s imagination. A concrete well was the centrifugal point around which a circular ramp was built and this spiraled right to the top of the building. It took around 16 years for Wright to finalize the building’s design and his main intention was that guests and visitors would make use of the lift to reach the top floor and when coming down the would use the ramp. However, this building housed exhibitions which began from the ground floor and hence people visiting here were forced to walk the ramp instead of using the elevator. He took great care to see that the same harmonizing effect was brought about in both the exterior and interior of this massive structure. In the artists own words – “to make the building and the painting an uninterrupted, beautiful symphony such as never existed in the World of Art before.” Fig. 1 - Guggenheim Museum by Frank Lloyd – The Spiral Exterior Fig. 2 - Guggenheim Museum – The Spiral Stairwell Interior “Falling Water” a landmark in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Architectural Career Frank Lloyd Wright’s had his own unique perspective where architecture was concerned and he went to great lengths to ensure that international modernism took root in the regional as well as democratic policies of the American Mid-west. “Falling Water” is considered to be a masterpiece in itself for the sheer beauty and adaptability unknown during that period. In 1935, the site was chosen and the planning and designing had been done. However, construction for this masterpiece began only a year later, continued for a couple of years and was finally completed in 1939. The period before embarking on this ambitious commission of ‘Falling Water’ was a very dry one with the architect having no work and no money. However, it was a very fortunate turn of events when Mr. Edgar Kaufmann’s son came to Taliesin to study under Wright and it was through him that the connection had been made. Choosing the Site It was not easy choosing the site and after scouring the area for what might be the best option, a solid high rock ledge that rose beside a gushing waterfall was chosen and Wright was commissioned to create ‘Falling Water’ in quite a remote region in the Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania. (Donald Hoffmann, 1993) The chief trigger for building this magnificent structure was Mr. Kauffmann’s love for nature and the waterfall because he liked listening to the rippling water on the rocks. Therefore, it was decided that the house would be constructed on the rock bank above the waterfall in a beautiful forest and hence the apt name given was ‘Falling Water’ that brought fame to both Kauffmann and the architect. The rock ledge overlooking the waterfall, above which “Falling Water” was built. . Edgar Kaufmann Sr. had a great passion for art and architecture and took pleasure in the physical planning process. He was attracted to Lloyd’s work and took a keen interest in various projects following his visit to Taliesin, where he dropped in to the architect’s studio. Before commissioning ‘Falling Water’ he engaged him in several civic related projects for Pittsburgh. A good example of organic architecture by Frank Lloyd is what he named as “Falling Water” that he constructed for the Kaufmann family who resided in the rural area of Pennsylvania. “Falling Water” on completion ‘Falling Water’ is considered to be a unique masterpiece of architectural excellence ever to have been created by architect Frank Lloyd during the 20th century. Edgar Kaufmann Sr. was the patriarch of a well known family in Pittsburgh, who had their own distinctive taste and sense of style in all that they did. They were an affluent business family in Smoky City and were well respected by the community. The family owned an upscale departmental store and Edgar Kaufmann was quick to notice the genius and winning nature of Frank Lloyd and therefore chose him to construct this family home which they named “Falling Water”. Materials used for “Falling Water”. In the summer of 1936, the construction of ‘Falling Water’ began with a small bridge being constructed over the stream. Frank Lloyd loved nature and he was always careful not to disturb the natural environment for building his structures. In ‘Falling Water’ he made use of the rock ledge over which he constructed the house, without displacing the natural foliage around it. The main house comprising of three levels, was constructed above vertical stone pillars and there were four piers that led to and from the house above the rushing stream. However, he did make good use of concrete and steel for the entire structure which made it very strong. Reinforced cement was used to construct the cantilever system that extended over the cliff above the waterfall. Other materials used for constructing the inside and outside were stone, wood, glass and iron. According to (Donald Hoffmann, 1993, p.7) the architect explained that he wanted his client to ‘live with the waterfall, not just to look at it…’ Hoffmann also highlights the fact that Frank Lloyd went to great lengths to see that both the inside and the outside were in harmony with each other and so even the materials he made use of were well balanced to bring about this harmonizing effect. ‘Falling Water’ was not without its share of problems and both Kaufmann and the architect often got into words with each other. In fact, Kaufmann was wary about the strength of the building and when a few cracks appeared on the parapet walls, Kaufmann is said to have called the engineers from his departmental store to test the strength of the building. However, gradually he placed his trust completely in Wright and accepted his views and ideas. Finally after completion and when the family moved in, they found the entire atmosphere so refreshing and revitalizing and they in turn became one with nature and their patterns of sleep, work and entertaining became so well integrated with each other and they enjoyed great times in Bear Run. The Legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright If the legacy of architect Frank Lloyd lives on even to this day and age, the credit of the existence of such magnificent works should go to the visionary people who not only knew but loved Wright with profound respect. In fact, one could say that their magnanimous actions were unprecedented, because such architectural archives of such magnitude, dedicated to one single architect did not exist during that time. These archives were so huge and had such a wide scope that it was hard to believe that all these works belonged to only one architect. One of the surprising aspects of Frank Lloyd’s legacy was that during his lifetime, he did not prefer donating or giving his works to either institutions or museums for either reference or to be archived, because he wished to keep his body of work to himself instead. However, in 1959, after Wright’s demise, his wife, gathered and safeguarded his archive of work at Taliesin West and was successful in preserving the visual and textual contributions of his architectural genius, which has been safely handed down as a profound legacy to us. The first apprentice of Wright’s work at Taliesin West, and who later became its Director was Bruce Brooks Pfeiffer, who took great care to curate and organize the archives since the time of its inception. His hard work and dedication has earned him great respect and appreciation, especially among Wright’s lovers of architecture, the world over. In addition, the Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library that houses the great architectural works of Lloyd appreciate the dedication shown by its entire staff in the preservation of Frank Lloyd’s legacy. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Invaluable Collection In the beginning, the Wright Foundation archives were not made available to the public for either consultation purposes or for carrying out any research. However, it was only on 16th September, 2013, that materials such as the project drawings of Wright were released from the expansive Archive. It is believed that very important collections which include over 1,000 architectural drawings (c. 1880 – 1959) and many other related documents are archived at the Avery Library’s Department of Drawings and Archives. Some of the major projects belonging to this huge collection include “Falling Water”, “Guggenheim Museum”, and “Dana House” in addition to Frank Lloyd’s own home and studio situated in Oak Park, III. The dedicated staff of the Drawings and Archive section continues organizing materials and eventually materials such as manuscripts, photographs and other correspondence materials would be released. The Avery Library also comprises of rare books and other published works of Frank Lloyd, which was made use of by architectural enthusiasts who visit the library for consultation or research. In a ground – breaking collaboration between the Columbia University - The Museum of Modern Art and the Wright Foundation, a joint venture has been initiated for the archiving and preservation of all Frank Lloyd’s works. The chief repository for all types of paper- based content such as personal and public photographs, films, transcripts, interviews, architectural photography and other personal and public correspondence would be housed in the Avery Library, while architectural elements and models, design prototypes and three – dimensional works of Lloyd would be archived at “The Museum of Modern Art”. This collaboration has served to provide a wider platform for celebrating his works through exhibitions, research, and curricular and public programs. Conclusion There is no doubt about the genius architect, that he was one of a kind because of the uniqueness of his works. Even today, his building structures are relevant and meet the contemporary tastes of today’s society. He was always much ahead of his peers and never failed to exhibit his genius in each and every creation. His far –sighted vision and hard work, coupled with great resilience is what paved the way to his success and for carving a special niche for himself as one of the great architects ever to have lived. References Ada Louise Huxtable, (2004) Frank Lloyd Wright. A Life. Published by Penguin Group. USA. www.amazon.com Dan Colman. (2012) An Animated Tour of ‘Falling Water’, one of Frank Lloyd’s masterpieces. (Video) taken from: www.openculture.com Dan Colman. (2011) An Animated Tour of the ‘R.W. Lindholm Service Station’ one of Frank Lloyd’s masterpieces. (Video) taken from: www.openculture.com Donald Hoffmann, (1993) (Paperback) Frank Lloyd Wright’s ‘Falling Water’: The House and its History. (Dover Architecture.) Published by Dover Publications Inc. 2nd Revised edition. Pgs. 128. Falling Water. www.fallingwater.org/ Frank Lloyd Wright, (2005) An Autobiography. Publisher Pomegranate Communications. Pgs. 561 Frank Lloyd Wright. (1936- 1939) from Bruce Brooks Pfeiffer and Gerald Nordland, ed. Frank Lloyd Wright: In the Realm of Ideas. p7. Frank Lloyd Wright Collection www.library.columbia.edu/indiv/avery/da/FrankLloydWrightCollection Frank Lloyd Wright (1954). The Natural House (New York: Bramhall House), p. 3 Frank Lloyd Wright. (1936 – 1939) Johnson Wax Building. Accessed in November 2014 from: www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Johnson_Wax_Building.html Nancy Horan (2007) Loving Frank. A Novel. Published by Ballantine Books. pgs. 384. 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