The Wright Way

The Wright Way

Architecture is commonly known to be the practice of simply designing buildings, but for Frank Lloyd Wright architecture became his own unique expression of art, his passion in life. He would commonly present the idea that “the mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own, we have no soul of our own civilization,” representing the idea that architecture should mimic our heritage and the American democratic experience (1). Fueled by his belief that beautifully designed buildings make a difference in our lives, Wright dedicated his time and knowledge experimenting with new forms and materials in order to develop this distinctly American form of architecture. For over 70 years he revolutionized art and architecture with 532 completely unique structures ranging from houses to museums to bridges, which lead to many authorities considering him the greatest architect of the 20th century (2). The home Wright entitles, Samara, provides the opportunity to examine a number of these aspects in Wright’s work, including his influences at a young age, the inspiration nature provides for his work, and the ways Samara captures his visions and goals.

Wright developed many of his artistic aspirations at a very young age, both through the influences of his immediate family, and all of the wonders the world around him had to offer. In 1867 Wright was born in Wisconsin to a family of Welch decent. Due to the fact that his father was a preacher and musician, and his mother was a teacher, they played an active role in his life by always persuading him to be creative and enjoy life (3). Wright credits the Froebel Gifts and Occupations his mother introduced to him at a young age as a major influence on his architecture. The Froebel Gifts and Occupations were developed by Friedrich Froebel, the creator of kindergarten, as an incentive for kids to play. Froebel stated, “The gifts are intended to give the child from time to time new universal aspects of the external world, suited to a child’s development. The occupations, on the other hand, furnish material for practice in certain phases of the skill. [Thus], the gift leads to discovery; the occupation to invention. The gift gives insight; the occupation power” (4).

It was at this young age when Wright started to develop his fascination with everything related to nature. This obsession began as a child growing up on a frontier near the Wisconsin River. In this area Wright could walk as far as his legs would take him, while constantly trudging through “wooded hills [that] surrounded open fields, which were cut through by streams that coursed off into a broad river valley edged with rock bluffs worn away by the forces of water and weather” (2). While in the wilderness, Wright was absolutely fascinated by all of the colors, shapes, and motions nature had to offer. He gained exceptional understanding of nature’s forms and