US History

The Emergence of Modern America (1890-1930)

Arts

This collection uses primary sources to explore the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and his influence in modern American architecture.

An excerpt from a 1952 interview with Frank Lloyd Wright by Larry Lafer.

In this excerpt, Wright discusses his vision of the job of the architect and reflects on his work on the Guggenheim Museum and the role of cities.

A 1962 brochure featuring a portrait of Frank Lloyd Wright and an excerpt from an earlier speech.

In this excerpt from a speech, Wright argues for the importance of architecture to a nation’s culture.

An excerpt from a 1902 article by Frank Lloyd Wright titled “The Art and Craft of the Machine.”

Frank Lloyd Wright wrote this article during the early part of his career. In this excerpt, he discusses tools and materials, emphasizing the potential of machines in the creation of furniture and architecture.

An article from *The Architectural Review* about the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, 1900.

This article surveys the early work of Wright’s career, evaluating it with the criteria valued in 1900.

An excerpt from a 1953 exhibition catalog, *Sixty Years of Living Architecture: the Work of Frank Lloyd Wright*.

This exhibition catalog surveys Wright’s career, highlighting key works.

A photograph of a window designed by Frank Lloyd Wright ca. 1912-1914.

Frank Lloyd Wright specifically designed this window to capture a view of nature. It was manufactured by the Temple Art Glass Company and was part of the Francis and Mary Little House in Deephaven, Minnesota, on the shore of Lake Minnetonka. 

A photograph of the Frank Wright Thomas house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1901.

The Thomas House in Oak Park, Illinois, was the first of the Prairie School houses designed by Wright. The style is noted for its emphasis on horizontal planes, incorporation of natural elements, and integration with the landscape.

A photograph of a straight back chair designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for the Martin House, ca. 1906.

This chair by Wright embodies his design principles centering on harmonious and geometric incorporation of natural elements. 

A photograph of Ward W. Willits House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905.

The Willits House was designed in 1901, and built in 1905, making it one of Wright’s first Prairie School houses. The house embodies the low, horizontal aesthetic and emphasis on natural elements central to the style.

A print of the Guggenheim Museum, which opened in 1959.

This print by Frances Myers shows the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright from 1943 to 1959. Wright’s architectural style was heavily influenced by natural forms. Wright welcomed the opportunity to bring this style to the highly urban environment of Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

A 1901 essay by Anthony Barker titled “Louis H. Sullivan, Thinker and Architect.”

This short, illustrated essay surveys Louis Sullivan’s career, focusing on key works in his search for an American style of architecture. Early in his career, Wright worked for Sullivan for five years.

Questions

91. Carefully examine the works of Frank Lloyd Wright shown in the [article from *The Architectural Review*](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1651), the [exhibition catalog](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1652), the [photograph of a window](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1653), the [photograph of the Frank Wright Thomas house](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1654), the [photograph of a straight back chair](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1655), the [photograph of Ward W. Willits House](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1656), and the [print of the Guggenheim Museum](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1657). Describe the style of the architecture and designed objects. What shapes do you see? How are they arranged? What materials do they use?
2. Look closely at the [photograph of the window](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1653) and read the article “[The Art and Craft of the Machine](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1650).” How does Wright’s work incorporate nature? 
3. Based on Wright’s statements in the [interview](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1648), the [brochure](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1649), and the article “[The Art and Craft of the Machine](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1650),” how did he define the role of an architect? 
4. Look carefully at the work of Louis Sullivan shown in the essay “[Louis H. Sullivan, Thinker and Architect](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1658)” and review the work of Wright shown in the [article from *The Architectural Review*](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1651), the [exhibition catalog](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1652), the [print of the Guggenheim Museum](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1657), and the photographs of the [window](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1653), the [Frank Wright Thomas house](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1654), the [straight back chair](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1655), and the [Ward W. Willits House](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1656). What evidence can you see of Sullivan’s influence on Wright? 
5. According to the [article from *The Architectural Review*](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1651), what was innovative about Wright’s work? Why did the author find Wright’s work important? Do you agree with the author’s findings?

Activity

Have students examine [print of the Guggenheim Museum](https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/sources/1657), describing the building in their own words. Working in pairs, have students choose a local building that has significance to them. This might be a building they admire or one they strongly dislike. Have students visit the building, or use Google Earth to examine the building, and draw the structure. If online or local resources allow students to research the style and architect of the building, they can take note of this information. Students should then write a brief description of the building that explains the aspects of it they like or dislike. These might comment on the appearance of the structure or the way space is used. Students may also draw an alternate version of the building incorporating their ideas for improvement.

Teaching Guide: Exploring the Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright

Resources

1. [Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation](http://franklloydwright.org/frank-lloyd-wright/). 
2. [Fallingwater](https://www.fallingwater.org/). 
3. [Frank Lloyd Wright](http://www.pbs.org/show/frank-lloyd-wright/), PBS.

Overview

Frank Lloyd Wright is regarded by many as the greatest American architect. In his effort to develop an American style of architecture, he designed over 1,100 buildings. Wright is most noted for developing the distinctive Prairie School style of architecture.

Born in Wisconsin in 1867 to a teacher and a minister/musician, Wright grew up feeling a strong connection to nature. He enrolled at the University of Wisconsin at Madison to study civil engineering but left school after two years to begin work as an architect. Early in his career, Wright had the chance to spend five years working for Louis Sullivan, who was highly regarded for his work designing skyscrapers. Sullivan’s belief that form follows function was highly influential on Wright as well as other architects.

The Prairie School style developed by Wright focused on single-story homes made of local materials. Wood was an especially important element and was often left unpainted and natural. Key buildings designed by Wright included his own home and the Robie House in Chicago, Fallingwater near Pittsburgh, and the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Wright passed away at age 91 in 1959.

This primary source set includes images of Wright’s work, excerpts from his writings and speeches, information about his influences, and commentaries on his work. 

English

Frank Lloyd Wright and Modern American Architecture

https://d2jf00asb0fe6y.cloudfront.net/frank-lloyd-wright_01_4098f1bd9edec05235f8268f55fe05e5.mp3

https://d2jf00asb0fe6y.cloudfront.net/frank-lloyd-wright_01_4098f1bd9edec05235f8268f55fe05e5.m4a

https://d2jf00asb0fe6y.cloudfront.net/frank-lloyd-wright_01_4098f1bd9edec05235f8268f55fe05e5.ogg

Courtesy of New York Public Radio via Metropolitan New York Library Council and Empire State Digital Network.

Excerpt from “Interview with Frank Lloyd Wright,” Digital Public Library of America, https://dp.la/item/4098f1bd9edec05235f8268f55fe05e5.

An excerpt from a 1952 interview with Frank Lloyd Wright by Larry Lafer.

Cite this item

Tips for Students

Item 1 of 11 in the Primary Source Set Frank Lloyd Wright and Modern American Architecture