Sixty years ago on April 9, 1959, Frank Lloyd Wright passed away in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 91. Although the world lost an incredible architect, his work and principles still make this world better and more beautiful.
Chances are, if you ask someone to name a famous architect, they will immediately respond with Frank Lloyd Wright. As one of the most famous architects both nationally and globally, his work and ideas have influenced American architecture for almost a century. Known for embracing change and pushing conceptual and technological boundaries in his field, Wright desired to create truly original American architecture.
The Early Years
As a preacher’s kid, Wright traveled quite a bit growing up. His father moved from one ministry position to another for many years. When Wright was 18 his parents divorced, forcing him to help provide for his family financially. He began studying at the University of Wisconsin and took a job working for the dean of the engineering school. When his studies were complete, Wright moved to Chicago and began working for a prestigious architecture firm.
New Styles of Design
At 22, Wright was married. Excited to build his family home, Wright negotiated a contract with his employer to gain the necessary money. This home in suburban Chicago was modest, yet imaginative, as Wright began experimenting with geometric shapes in its design. Wright began taking residential commissions outside of his normal architectural work, which enabled him to leave his job with the firm and set out on his own.
Home on the Range
Resolute in his mission to create homegrown American architecture, Wright spent sixteen years setting the standards for what became known as the “Prairie Style.” These homes echoed the long, low horizontal prairie on which they were built. With low-pitched roofs, deep overhangs, no attics or basements, and long rows of casement windows, these Prairie Style homes became some of Wright’s most important work.
In Response to the Great Depression
With a deep financial crisis waging war on the American economy, Wright saw the need for more affordable housing. In response to this need, Wright began designing homes that would address both economic trends and cultural changes. This design became known as “Usonian”. With Usonian homes, Americans were able to buy and enjoy homes that were both beautiful and affordable. Wright spent the rest of his career designing Usonian homes for clients with varying budgets.
Architecture that Nourishes Everyman
What made Wright such a notable architect was his passion for creating homes that were “functional, eloquent, and humane”. In addition, Wright felt strongly that architecture was not simply about buildings. Architecture is about nourishing the lives of the people in them. His belief that every person should live a beautiful life in beautiful circumstances led him to create the affordable architecture he is most known for.
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