[[architecture/Biographies/Biographies|Biographies]] **Born:** June 8, 1867, Richland Center, Wisconsin, USA Died: April 9, 1959, Phoenix, Arizona, USA **Overview:** [[Frank Lloyd Wright]] was an American architect, designer, and educator, widely regarded as one of the greatest architects of the 20th century. Known for his philosophy of organic architecture, Wright designed structures that harmonized with their natural surroundings, emphasizing functionality, simplicity, and the integration of buildings with their [[environment]]. **Early Life:** Frank Lloyd Wright was born in rural Wisconsin to William Carey Wright, a preacher and musician, and Anna Lloyd Jones, a schoolteacher. His mother encouraged his interest in architecture from a young age, introducing him to the Froebel Gifts, a series of educational blocks that influenced his understanding of geometric forms. Wright briefly attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison but left to pursue architectural work in Chicago. **Career Beginnings:** In 1887, Wright moved to Chicago and joined the architectural firm of Joseph Lyman Silsbee. He later worked under Louis Sullivan at Adler & Sullivan, where he honed his skills and embraced Sullivan's philosophy of "form follows function." In 1893, Wright established his own practice, beginning a prolific career that spanned over seven decades. **Major Works and Contributions:** Wright's portfolio includes over 1,000 designs, with approximately 500 completed projects. His most famous works include: - Fallingwater (1935): A residence in Pennsylvania built over a waterfall, exemplifying organic architecture by blending the structure with its natural setting. - The Guggenheim Museum (1959): A spiral-shaped museum in New York City, showcasing innovative use of form and space. - Robie House (1910): A quintessential example of Wright's Prairie School style, characterized by low, horizontal lines and open floor plans. - Taliesin (1911) and Taliesin West (1937): Wright's personal homes and studios, which also served as architectural schools. Wright pioneered the Prairie School movement, emphasizing horizontal lines, open interiors, and regional materials to create distinctly American architecture. His Usonian homes aimed to provide affordable, functional housing for the middle class. He also contributed to urban planning with concepts like Broadacre City, a decentralized vision of suburban development. **Philosophy:** Wright's organic architecture philosophy stressed harmony between human habitation and the natural world. He believed buildings should reflect their environment, purpose, and the needs of their inhabitants. His designs often featured natural materials, open spaces, and innovative structural solutions. **Personal Life:** Wright's personal life was tumultuous, marked by multiple marriages and financial struggles. He married Catherine Tobin in 1889, with whom he had six children, but their marriage ended in divorce. His relationship with Mamah Borthwick Cheney ended tragically with her murder in 1914 at Taliesin. Wright later married Miriam Noel and then Olgivanna Lazovich, with whom he had one daughter. Despite personal challenges, Wright remained a prolific and influential figure. **Legacy:** Frank Lloyd Wright's influence on modern architecture is profound. His innovative designs, commitment to organic principles, and emphasis on environmental integration continue to inspire architects worldwide. His homes, museums, and public buildings remain iconic landmarks, and his ideas on sustainable, human-centered design resonate in contemporary architecture. **Recognition:** Wright received numerous accolades, including the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal (1949) and recognition as "the greatest American architect of all time" by the AIA in 1991. His works are preserved as National Historic Landmarks, and his archives are maintained by institutions like the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. **Conclusion:** Frank Lloyd Wright's visionary approach redefined architecture, blending aesthetics, functionality, and environmental harmony. His legacy endures through his timeless designs and the principles of organic architecture that continue to shape the built environment. Sources: - "Frank Lloyd Wright - Living Architecture," Internet Archive - "Masters of Architects," Internet Archive