Arizona, Finale…Frank Lloyd Wright

On our way from Mesa to Sedona, we passed an exit that said, “Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd” in Scottsdale. I remembered Frank Lloyd Wright built a home/studio, Talesin West,to train students in architecture. On our way back from Sedona, we took a detour and spent several hours at the site. For an architect, this is absolutely a bucket list item. FLW is undoubtedly the most famous american architect of all time. He practiced for nearly seven decades prior to his death in 1959. He fathered the “Prarie Style”, Unisonian Homes, and Organic Architecture. He was using passive solar design in 1937-38 during the construction of Talesin West. Ready for the tour, here we go. Please note, the images are of things that I found interesting and not necessarily in the order encountered nor did I capture everything.

As you can see, organic is the word here. Wright was a known for using local materials and designing structures that seemed to grow from the landscape or live in harmony with the surroundings. As a very private man, the entrance to his buildings was not always a prominent feature of the design.

Welcome to the personal office of Frank Lloyd Wright. The roof here is made of canvas panels that bring natural light into the space. They can be opened and closed to control natural breezes and cool the space. What about rain you ask, well when you only get about seven inches of rainfall per year, it’s not a big deal…apparently.

I never thought I would ever find myself standing the office of Frank Lloyd Wright!

Stay tuned for Wordless Wednesday, featuring interiors.

Monday’s Music Moves Me

This week is a freedom of choice week. When I’m in my truck my radio is on Sirius channel 63, The Chris Stapleton station. I believe it may be the most diverse playlist available. There is everything from Bob Dylan to Jelly Roll. There is classic country, modern country, blues, 50′-60’s pop, rock, big band, folk and bluegrass. Almost every day I hear an artist, band or song that is new to me or I haven’t listened to in a long time, so here are a few things I have heard recently.