I:N:S:P:I:R:A:T:I:O:N: Frank Lloyd Wright

Since this project is so important to us, I want to share some of the sources of inspiration that lead us on this journey.  Frank Lloyd Wright was a modern architect in a time when there were few others. His style reflected his philosophy of living amongst the natural world. Wright disliked urban environments--which is why he created many structures with walls of windows and horizontal lines. He completed his last building, the Guggenheim Museum in New York City (a place that I have been to on occasion with my dad) in 1957 when he was 90 years old. 

Frank Lloyd Wright has been very influential in my father's ideas about design. In addition to visiting the Guggenheim, another favorite spot he likes to visit is Falling Water in Pennsylvania. Conveniently, it's just a short detour on his way home from a trip to UPITT, where my sister is a college junior. Wright created structures that let people transcend the world around them to some other, more peaceful place. This goal has been a cornerstone principle for my father. 

For as long as I can remember my dad has been talking about Frank Lloyd Wright, showing me pictures in his endless architecture books and taking me to see his art in person as much as possible. In high school this influence came full circle when I read, and fell in love with "The Fountainhead," by Ayn Rand. Howard Roark, the main character is said to be based off the real life Frank Lloyd Wright. His dedication to staying true to his art made him a hero in my eyes, whether in reality or in fiction. 

Falling Water- built in 1935

This quotation from the book sums up why Ayn Rand, my dad and I all feel inspired by someone like Frank Lloyd Wright and why I feel it is necessary to mention him:

 "Here are my rules: what can be done with one substance must never be done with another. No two materials are alike. No two sites on earth are alike. No two buildings have the same purpose. The purpose, the site, the material determine the shape. Nothing can be reasonable or beautiful unless its made by one central idea, and the idea sets every detail. A building is alive, like a man."

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