The one clear imperative for all enthusiasts is to go and see the buildings of FLW. See how they look in situ and not from pictures. I’ve had the great fortune to spend time in some of his houses - most particularly the Meyer May house near Grand Rapids. Modern? Hip? Ahead of his time? All those are possibly accurate but I just think that he was designing differently; it certainly didn’t please everyone then (including some of his clients who were faced with bills several times the original FLW estimate) and doesn’t please everyone now. Personal,y I find them compelling; if we didn’t have the restricted, narrow-minded rules that we have in the UK, I would have loved to have built a house inspired by FLW - above, even, houses like the Red House which was built for William Morris. Form and function. The form pleases my eyes but, apparently, FLW fell down on the function bit. Many clients felt that the space didn’t work for them (which is pretty condemning for a bespoke architect-designed house) and, of course, the rooves leaked. So, I would prefer to focus upon the form. Houses like Falling Water seem to agree with the natural surroundings whereas most houses before tended to try and impose upon their surroundings. Go and see these houses plus buildings like the Johnson Wax building. And, if you find that’s there is space for one more on your private jet from UK to US, then I’m available. Please.
I'll have the Jet come get you. We would have a lot to discuss. I also did a video on the Robie house, which in many ways is amazing (exterior, garage, shielding walls, beauty) and in many ways trips over itself (entry hall, bedrooms). I really like FLW houses but there were problems, as you've stated. I hear is ego was equally hard to deal with. Thanks again for your comments.
Meh, Frank Lloyd Wright never impressed me. Many of his designs were simply different for the sake of being different, but not friendly, warm or inviting spaces.
That’s a perfectly valid opinion but probably needs you to explain further. How did you assess that his designs were not a reflection of what he wanted but designed for the sake of being different. I have to admit that I am unaware of anything to substantiate your view - which would make your evidence even more interesting to me as it would add significantly to my knowledge. Not friendly, warm or inviting spaces. Again, I would very much appreciate understanding the evidence, preferably from the people for whom the spaces were designed, that supports your view. Again, I want to stress that I’m not saying you are wrong or not entitled to raise the point; just that I would like to read the evidence that made you reach your conclusions.
I agree, his houses do strike me (as does most modern architecture) as self-aggrandizing and attention-hogging. There is more than enough freedom to play with traditional styles (e.g. see Greene and G), and the house will be timeless, vs being stylish or artistic for its own sake and looking dated. That faux-Tudor looks especially dated and airport-y to me.
Right?! Wright!!! I love this video! I do want to do a tour of this area for ALL of the Amazing architecture!!! Incredible!
You should! Its great.
Love that 1902 house! I wish there was a video of the inside of it.
Agreed.
You inspire me to be a better builder, educate myself, and aspire to be better, more like you. Thank you
Happy to hear that! Keep working.
The one clear imperative for all enthusiasts is to go and see the buildings of FLW. See how they look in situ and not from pictures. I’ve had the great fortune to spend time in some of his houses - most particularly the Meyer May house near Grand Rapids.
Modern? Hip? Ahead of his time? All those are possibly accurate but I just think that he was designing differently; it certainly didn’t please everyone then (including some of his clients who were faced with bills several times the original FLW estimate) and doesn’t please everyone now.
Personal,y I find them compelling; if we didn’t have the restricted, narrow-minded rules that we have in the UK, I would have loved to have built a house inspired by FLW - above, even, houses like the Red House which was built for William Morris.
Form and function. The form pleases my eyes but, apparently, FLW fell down on the function bit. Many clients felt that the space didn’t work for them (which is pretty condemning for a bespoke architect-designed house) and, of course, the rooves leaked.
So, I would prefer to focus upon the form. Houses like Falling Water seem to agree with the natural surroundings whereas most houses before tended to try and impose upon their surroundings.
Go and see these houses plus buildings like the Johnson Wax building. And, if you find that’s there is space for one more on your private jet from UK to US, then I’m available. Please.
I'll have the Jet come get you. We would have a lot to discuss.
I also did a video on the Robie house, which in many ways is amazing (exterior, garage, shielding walls, beauty) and in many ways trips over itself (entry hall, bedrooms). I really like FLW houses but there were problems, as you've stated. I hear is ego was equally hard to deal with. Thanks again for your comments.
Right right right right right….right? Sorry, I love the content and learning but that’s my pet peeve.
Understood. Working on it.
Meh, Frank Lloyd Wright never impressed me. Many of his designs were simply different for the sake of being different, but not friendly, warm or inviting spaces.
That’s a perfectly valid opinion but probably needs you to explain further. How did you assess that his designs were not a reflection of what he wanted but designed for the sake of being different. I have to admit that I am unaware of anything to substantiate your view - which would make your evidence even more interesting to me as it would add significantly to my knowledge.
Not friendly, warm or inviting spaces. Again, I would very much appreciate understanding the evidence, preferably from the people for whom the spaces were designed, that supports your view.
Again, I want to stress that I’m not saying you are wrong or not entitled to raise the point; just that I would like to read the evidence that made you reach your conclusions.
Thanks!
Thanks
I agree, his houses do strike me (as does most modern architecture) as self-aggrandizing and attention-hogging. There is more than enough freedom to play with traditional styles (e.g. see Greene and G), and the house will be timeless, vs being stylish or artistic for its own sake and looking dated. That faux-Tudor looks especially dated and airport-y to me.
1:30 Mr Wright should have hired carpenters that could build dormer roofs. WTF If you want to be a better builder, don't do what Wright did!
LOL. Thanks.