Frank Lloyd Wright: An Enduring Influence in Architecture

My study of the works of Frank Lloyd Wright has enabled me to experience 84 sites up close and in person.  From California's textile block homes to the subdivision he created in New York State, from Florida Southern College to Taliesin West, his work continues to inspire design professionals after more than 100 years.

Many who follow Wright's legacy closely are concerned about preserving his work.  Recently the David Wright home, the house Mr. Wright designed for this son, went on the market.  After much angst and loosing two buyers, the home was purchased and will be preserved.  A collective sigh of relief was heard by those who champion historic preservation efforts. 

And in Oak Park, IL, historic preservationists plan to increase the area around Wright's home site to include the numerous prarire-style homes built in the twenties and thirties. While some are not too happy about the prospects, perhaps making their own home hard to sell, it sets up this zone to protect what is no doubt the beginning of an important and significant American architectural style unlike any others.

Having had the ability to travel and lecture, I have been able to spend a couple of hours and/or sometime a couple of days to visit a Wright building. home or places of worship  and ponder what it must have been like to have seen him directing the contractors and crews in the construction of his buildings.  

Several places offer tours and provide great accessibility to the property.  One example of his work that is very accessible is the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, AZ.   If you go, plan to stay in one of the rooms in the original building or in a casita so that you can imagine what it would have been like to stay at the resort during the 40s and 50s when it was THE hotel retort of the southwest.  While he may not have been the architect of record for this property,  there is no doubt that he was deeply involved with the owners during its development.   

It is doubtful that any recent past nor current design professional will have such a legacy as that of one enduring architect, Mr. Frank LLoyd Wright. 

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