Frank Lloyd Wright in the Realm of Ideas

“One hundred years from now, people will look at his ideas, his principles, his forms, and see—with wonder and amazement—that those ideas are still fresh, vibrant, applicable, and intensely prophetic.”—Olgivanna Lloyd Wright (1969).

Nearly twenty years later, this exhibition of Frank Lloyd Wrights principles and forms validates Mrs. Wrights prophecy highlighting his ideas—the foundation of his achievement.

Part 1 of the book, prepared by Bruce Brooks Pfeiffer, contains four sections defined by Wrights own words: “The Destruction of the Box: The Freedom of Space”; “The Nature of the Site”; “Materials and Methods”; and “The Architecture of Democracy.” The 150 illustrations in this part (86 in full color), are dazzling visions of what was but is no more, what was planned but never built, as well as those architectural treasures that continue to enrich and challenge our society. The illustrations are accompanied by quotations from Frank Lloyd Wright that demonstrate how his ideas found expression in his designs.

Part 2 contains 5 essays that serve to increase our awareness and appreciation of Frank Lloyd Wrights contribution: Jack Quinan, “Frank Lloyd Wright in 1893: The Chicago Context”; Aaron Green, “Organic Architecture: The Principles of Frank Lloyd Wright”; E. T. Casey, “Structure in Organic Architecture”; Narciso Menocal, “Frank Lloyd Wrights Architectural Democracy: An American Jeremiad”; and Bruce Brooks Pfeiffer, “The Second Career: 1924–1959.” An appendix provides full descriptions of the works in part 1, including notes on media, methods, and measurements.