The Homes of Frank Lloyd Wright

From Fallingwater to the Guggenheim Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright created some of the most celebrated designs in history. But his development as an architect is best seen in the three homes he built for himself. Freed from the demands of any client, they are the purest expressions of the talents and theories of the greatest architect of the 20th century. This episode of America's Castles follows the evolution of Wright's style from the balanced simplicity of his first home and studio, to the beauty of Taliesin, and to the innovative design of Taliesin West, which broke down the traditional boundaries of inside and outside.

The Homes of Frank Lloyd Wright would be useful for classes on American History, American Culture, and Architecture. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

OBJECTIVES

Students will examine the style and impact of Wright's architectural styles on the twentieth century. They will analyze and explore the relationship between buildings, structures and culture.

NATIONAL HISTORY STANDARDS

The Homes of Frank Lloyd Wright fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5-12: chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretations, and historical research capabilities for United States History eras 8 and 9; World History eras 7, 8, 9 and 10.

• Admonish
• Aesthetic
• Ambiance
• Blasé
• Covet
• Epitome
• Fruition
• Indigenous
• Motif
• Nemesis
• Reverberate
• Unconventional

1. Frank Lloyd Wright is considered to be the greatest architect of the 20th century because of his unconventional designs. How were Wright's designs unconventional? How did they become his trademarks?

2. Do you agree that Wright was the greatest architect of the 20th century? Why or why not?

3. Wright's mother gave him blocks to play with when he was a child. How did this gift help Wright in his future career?

4. Many people who have an impact on the world have a mentor in their past. What is a mentor? Who was Wright's mentor?

5. What is the "prairie school?” How did it define a movement?

6. Wright's designs differed from the traditional Victorian architecture that dominated designs in the late 19th and early 20th century. Compare and contrast Victorian architecture with the architecture of Wright.

7. Wright integrated his designs with the surrounding landscape. How did he use indigenous materials in his homes?

8. Wright experienced some devastating tragedies in his life. How did he survive these tragedies?

9. Discuss why Taliesin is considered the "self-portrait" of Frank Lloyd Wright.

10. Wright employed "desert masonry" in Taliesin west. What is desert masonry? How did it define Taliesin West?

11. What was the Taliesin Fellowship? Discuss how these fellows helped Wright to design his homes and those he designed for clients.

12. What is the legacy of the work and life of Frank Lloyd Wright?

1. Research pictures of the many buildings Frank Lloyd Wright designed and use these pictures to illustrate the great architect's style.

2. Design your own architectural dream.

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