Angela Strickland, age 15, of Galveston, Texas., for her question:
WHAT WAS FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT'S GREAT CONTRIBUTION?
Frank Lloyd Wright is considered to have been one of the greatest figures in 20th century architecture. His great contribution comes from the fact that he was one of the most outstanding pioneers in the modern style of architecture.
Wright created the philosophy of "organic architecture," the central principle of which maintains that the building should develop out of its natural surroundings. From the outset he exhibited bold originality in his designs for both private and public structures and rebelled against the ornate neoclassic and Victorian styles favored by conventional architects.
Wright's life stretched 92 years. He was born in Wisconsin in 1869 and was still working on projects when he died in Arizona in 1959.
As an architect, he was opposed to the mechanical imposition of preconceived styles. He believed that the architectural form must ultimately be determined in each case by the particular function of the building, its environment and the type of materials employed in the structure.
Among Wright's fundamental contributions was the use of various building materials for their natural colors and textures, as well as for their structural characteristics.
Wright's interiors emphasize the sense of spaciousness, which derives from open planning with one room flowing into another. The concept was particularly evident in his early single family houses, the so called prairie houses.
Wright initiated many new techniques, such as the use of precast concrete blocks reinforced by steel rods. He also introduced numerous innovations, including air conditioning, indirect lighting and panel heating.
Wright designed the first office building to utilize air conditioning, double glass windows, all glass doors and metal, furniture.
Among Wright's remarkable engineering feats was the design of the huge Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, constructed to withstand earthquakes. To obtain the required flexibility, he employed cantilever construction with a foundation floating on a bed of soft mud. The building was completed in 1922 and it suffered no damage in the disastrous earthquake that occurred in the following year.
Throughout his career, many architects who were more conventional than Wright opposed his unorthodox methods. Beset with personal difficulties and professional antagonisms, he passed a year of self imposed exile (1909 1910) in Europe. Upon his return, he began anew on a career of ever widening achievements.
One of Wright's most outstanding buildings is the curvilinear Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City, which was completed in 1959.
Wright spent much time in writing, lecturing and teaching. At Taliesin West, his home and studio near Phoenix, Ariz., he established a studio workshop for apprentices who studied under him and assisted him on his projects.