If you follow any sort of interior design blog or social media, chances are you’ve heard of the name Frank Lloyd Wright. Who is Frank Lloyd Wright, and what makes him so great? We’ll tell you, and talk about some of the homes you can visit right here in NH!
Who is Frank Lloyd Wright?
Frank Lloyd Wright was an American architect and interior designer made famous by his unorthodox structure design. Wright designed over 1,000 structures, but only about 56% of those have actually been built. He used to design with environment in mind, using something called “organic architecture.” His structures are often very unique and highly sought after.
What makes his work so great?
Frank Lloyd Wright used organic architecture to plan each and every structure. Using the environment around where the structure would be, he would design and build accordingly, resulting in unique structures and homes that fit with their landscape, rather than a cookiecutter home. The term “organic architecture” was even coined by Frank Lloyd Wright himself. This methodology of designing also incorporates the same materials and designing process inside of the home, meaning each room is uniquely designed as a whole in regards to the home’s structure.
Let’s look at some of his most renowned works!
Fallingwater
Located in Mill Run, Pennsylvania, this structure incorporates a breathtaking waterfall on Bear Run. Fallingwater is considered one of Wright’s most influential and top-notch works. Gorgeous structured lines with stonework contrast against the erratic natural lines of forestry. The stonework is repeated inside the home in various rooms. Large windows give great views to the exterior.
The Guggenheim Museum
Located in New York City, there’s a fair chance you’ve heard of, seen, or even visited this building. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, The Guggenheim Museum is a pinnacle of modern architecture, which contrasts starkly against NYC’s more structured and traditional buildings. It was built in 1959, with a concrete facade that was originally intended to be painted red (but never actually painted). Many people thought the structure of the building would overshadow the artworks contained inside, but that was quickly dismissed as the building became a well-known piece of amazing architecture worldwide!
Frank Lloyd Wright in New Hampshire
New Hampshire actually has a rather rich artistic history… If you know where to look! Manchester, NH’s own Currier Museum of Art is dedicated to preserving NH’s historical architecture. The Currier is currently in possession of two houses, called the Zimmerman and Kalil houses. The Currier allows the public to visit these houses April through January.
The Zimmerman House
The Zimmerman house is one of The Currier Museum of Art’s Frank Lloyd Wright homes that you can publicly tour during tour season. Located in Manchester, NH, this home features a design around a large rock just outside the front entrance, an interior design layout that focuses on a large L-shaped chimney, and boasts a deeply overhanging roof.
The Kalil House
A recent acquisition to the Currier Museum of Art, this home was able to be acquired by funds from an anonymous donor. This home, a Usonic Automatic home (and one of only seven to survive) features fantastic concrete structures unlike any you’ve ever seen. When the house went up for sale, there were fears it may have been altered or even demolished. Luckily, the Currier was able to purchase it and can now allow the public to enjoy this home forever.
What do you think of Wright’s work? What’s your favorite design of his? Let us know in the comments below!
Zero mention of the horrifically designed structural failures attributed to so much of his work??
Yes, unfortunately they’re not the most structurally sound and many have not stood the test of time. However we were focusing on the visual aspects of his work and the appreciation of that instead.
I think most of them are ugly.