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Federico von Borstel

This course follows the influences on and the sources of the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright and explores the design and construction insights of his major works. We examine works from the different stages of his design career to provide a comprehensive look at his amazing buildings. The course encourages students to participate by using Google Earth as a study and research tool.  I teach lecture courses and studios as I wish they would have been taught to me. Much of the graphic material in my lectures is taken or generated first hand directly by me on site. I teach to learn. I teach subjects as I wish they were taught to me. The Mission Statement. Education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius

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This course follows the influences on and the sources of the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright and explores the design and construction insights of his major works. We examine works from the different stages of his design career to provide a comprehensive look at his amazing buildings. The course encourages students to participate by using Google Earth as a study and research tool.  I teach lecture courses and studios as I wish they would have been taught to me. Much of the graphic material in my lectures is taken or generated first hand directly by me on site. I teach to learn. I teach subjects as I wish they were taught to me. The Mission Statement. Education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius

This course is designed under the premise that humans should be taught in a way that is modeled after the educational patterns of evolution.

The design, development and application of educational systems based on the educational principles of evolution generates a philosophy and methodology of education in synchrony with the evolutionary education system that is firmly and deeply rooted in each of us.

Education for evolution is an educational system designed to help propel humans forward in the natural course of evolution. The purpose of education for evolution is to enhance and strengthen the natural evolutionary process of humans through the mechanism of education. The means to achieve this objective is the design of a curricula based on the same educational techniques and strategies used by natural evolution, enhanced and guided by the application of conscious educational decisions.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand and appreciate the design of frank lloyd wright
  • The course promotes self-learning.
  • The course enhances human development.
  • The course seeks to enrich your life experience.

Syllabus

Introduction
The Arts and Crafts International Design Movement. The Red House
The Prairie School. The Purcell-Cutts House, Minneapolis
Oak Park, Illinois and The Bootleg Houses
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores Wright's designs across different career stages, offering a comprehensive understanding of his architectural evolution
Examines the Arts and Crafts movement and Mayan Revival architecture, providing context for Wright's influences and design choices
Encourages the use of Google Earth as a study tool, which promotes active learning and exploration of Wright's building sites
Covers Usonian style houses, offering insights into Wright's vision for affordable and modern living spaces
Features the Johnson Wax Headquarters and the Guggenheim Museum, which are iconic examples of Wright's innovative designs
Includes the Prairie School and the 'Bootleg Houses', which are important to understanding Wright's early development

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Reviews summary

Overview of frank lloyd wright architecture

According to students, this course offers a rich and visually engaging journey through the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Learners particularly appreciate the instructor's deep knowledge and passion for the subject, enhanced by abundant first-hand graphic materials. While the course provides a solid overview of major works and periods, some find the introductory philosophical sections less relevant to the architectural content. The course seems well-suited for those seeking a greater appreciation rather than deep technical details, offering a comprehensive look at FLW's career.
Optional tool to explore locations visually.
"The Google Earth component was interesting, but felt optional."
"Using Google Earth was a fun way to visualize the locations."
"Liked the idea of exploring sites via Google Earth."
Aims to appreciate architecture, not deep technical.
"This course is perfect for gaining an appreciation for Wright's design."
"It's more about understanding the aesthetic and context than technical details."
"Focused more on the 'why' and 'feel' than the 'how'."
Covers key periods and major iconic buildings.
"The course provided a great overview of Wright's major works from different periods."
"Learned about key examples like Fallingwater and the Guggenheim, seeing the evolution."
"It was great seeing the progression through different works and styles."
Lectures enhanced by many photos and drawings.
"The abundance of photos and drawings greatly enhanced my understanding."
"Loved seeing all the first-hand graphic materials presented."
"The visuals were a highlight, making the buildings come alive."
Instructor shares deep knowledge and passion.
"The instructor's passion and knowledge shine through in every lecture."
"He clearly knows his subject inside and out, offering insightful commentary."
"The personal anecdotes and insights from the instructor were a highlight."
Introductory philosophy sections less relevant.
"Found the introductory philosophical sections a bit abstract and disconnected."
"Didn't quite follow the 'education for evolution' part..."
"The abstract ideas weren't why I took the course; I wanted architecture."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright with these activities:
Review the Arts and Crafts Movement
Review the key tenets of the Arts and Crafts movement to understand its influence on Frank Lloyd Wright's early work.
Show steps
  • Read articles about the Arts and Crafts movement.
  • Identify key figures and their contributions.
  • Note the movement's emphasis on craftsmanship and natural materials.
Read 'Frank Lloyd Wright: A Life'
Gain a deeper understanding of Frank Lloyd Wright's life and influences by reading a comprehensive biography.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of Ada Louise Huxtable's biography.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key events and influences.
  • Reflect on how Wright's personal life shaped his architectural vision.
Create a Google Earth Tour of Wright's Buildings
Solidify your understanding of Wright's architecture by creating an interactive Google Earth tour showcasing his major works.
Show steps
  • Research the locations of Frank Lloyd Wright's buildings.
  • Use Google Earth to create placemarks for each building.
  • Add photos and descriptions to each placemark.
  • Organize the placemarks into a tour.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Study 'The Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright: A Complete Catalog'
Expand your knowledge of Frank Lloyd Wright's complete works by studying a comprehensive catalog.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of William Allin Storrer's catalog.
  • Browse the catalog, noting the variety of Wright's designs.
  • Select a few lesser-known works to research further.
Design a Usonian House
Apply your knowledge of Wright's Usonian principles by designing your own Usonian-style house.
Show steps
  • Research the principles of Usonian design.
  • Develop a floor plan and elevation drawings.
  • Consider the use of natural materials and passive solar design.
  • Present your design with sketches and a brief description.
3D Model of Fallingwater
Deepen your understanding of Fallingwater's design by creating a detailed 3D model.
Show steps
  • Gather detailed plans and images of Fallingwater.
  • Choose a 3D modeling software (e.g., SketchUp, Blender).
  • Create a model that accurately represents the building's form and materials.
  • Add details such as furniture and landscaping.

Career center

Learners who complete The Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Architectural Designer
An architectural designer creates plans and drawings for buildings and structures. This course will allow you to explore the design sensibilities of Frank Lloyd Wright, developing an understanding of how structures can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Examining Wright's work, from prairie style homes to the Guggenheim Museum will build a strong foundation in the principles of architectural design. Additionally, this course encourages self learning and exploration through tools like Google Earth, which will aid in your practice as an architectural designer.
Architectural Historian
Architectural historians research and document the history of buildings and architectural styles. This course is specifically about Frank Lloyd Wright's works, allowing you to explore the influences, sources, and design insights of his major projects across different stages of his career. The course's emphasis on learning through direct observation and experience, as well as its detailed examination of specific buildings will be particularly helpful for a career as an architectural historian. The course may also help cultivate a deeper appreciation for the field of architectural history. The course’s self learning style encourages the kind of research required by this profession.
Professor of Architecture
A professor of architecture teaches and conducts research at a university level. The course on Frank Lloyd Wright will aid you in teaching architectural history and theory. The course’s design is explicitly based on the instructor’s own preferences as a student which can inform your own pedagogic approach. An appreciation of Frank Lloyd Wright is a must for most architecture instructors. The course’s emphasis on self learning may also be well suited to those who want to conduct their own research on architecture.
Interior designer
An interior designer plans the layout, furnishing, and decor of interior spaces. The course explores the design and construction insights of Frank Lloyd Wright’s major works. This will teach you to analyze and understand design elements, which can then lead to better skills as an interior designer. The course also focuses on different periods of design, which can inform the sensibilities of an interior designer. The course’s focus on student directed study can also be a valuable asset to an interior designer who must independently research new trends.
Museum curator
A museum curator is responsible for the acquisition, care, and display of collections. If the museum is focused on architecture, then this course in Frank Lloyd Wright may be very helpful. You will be gaining specific and specialized knowledge on a major architect and his progression through his career. The course encourages first hand study and observation which is vital to properly curating an exhibit. This course’s commitment to historical accuracy may also be useful to a museum curator preparing to properly display architectural works.
Landscape Architect
A landscape architect designs outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens, and campuses. Frank Lloyd Wright's emphasis on organic architecture, where buildings harmonize with their natural surroundings, is a key tenet of landscape architecture. This course will allow you to examine this concept through various stages of Wright's career, including his integration of buildings into the landscape, such as Fallingwater. This course encourages self learning and exploration through the use of tools like Google Earth, which will facilitate your research and analysis of landscapes.
Construction Manager
A construction manager oversees and coordinates building projects. This course examines the design and construction insights of Frank Lloyd Wright's major works, which can help construction managers understand the practical aspects of building design. By studying Wright’s career progression, you can have a deeper awareness for the evolution of building techniques. The course's emphasis on first hand observation through tools like Google Earth might be helpful in the planning stages of construction management. The course’s self learning methodology can encourage the kind of flexibility required of a good construction manager.
Exhibit Designer
An exhibit designer creates engaging and informative displays for museums and other venues. This course will have you looking at the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, which might inspire you to better appreciate architecture as art. The course's emphasis on self learning may help you develop the research skills required of an exhibit designer. The course’s focus on direct observation through Google Maps may also help you generate novel ideas for creating impactful exhibits. The course may be useful for those who are interested in designing and curating exhibits with an architectural focus.
Urban Planner
An urban planner develops plans and programs for the use of land and infrastructure within a city. This course might be useful as it introduces students to concepts such as the Usonian style which focused on designing homes to fit their sites, the landscape, and the lives of the people who would occupy them. By going through the progression of Wright's work through his career, this course may be helpful to an urban planner who is interested in the historical precedent of good, site-conscious design and development. This course promotes self learning which is a trait well-suited to a career in urban planning.
Architectural Drafter
Architectural drafters create detailed technical drawings based on architect specifications. This course may be useful as it enhances your understanding and appreciation for building design. Examining Frank Lloyd Wright’s work may inspire you toward a deeper appreciation for the principles of good design. The course’s encouragement of self learning may also help drafters feel more empowered in taking initiative when working on projects. The course may also be a good starting point for those who wish to learn building design, making it useful for a career as an architectural drafter.
Real Estate Developer
A real estate developer plans and oversees the construction of real estate projects. This course enhances your appreciation for good architectural design. By learning about Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic approach to architecture, you will be better equipped to make decisions that value site and landscape. The course promotes self learning which may encourage you to independently research new and interesting building designs. This course may also be useful for those who want to understand the history and development of housing, starting with Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie style homes.
Set Designer
A set designer creates the visual environment for theater, film, or television productions. This course will give you a strong understanding of architectural history and design. Examining Frank Lloyd Wright's work will help you cultivate a deeper appreciation for how form informs function, which is a vital part of set design. The course also seeks to instill an ethic of first hand observation and learning, which will be useful for anyone working in the creative arts. This course may help a set designer better understand how to create visually dynamic and historically informed sets.
Building Inspector
A building inspector examines buildings for safety and code compliance. This course provides an overview of Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural designs. While not directly focused on code compliance, the course's survey of different construction techniques may inform your understanding of building practices. The course also promotes self directed learning, encouraging you to take on new learning challenges independently. This may be helpful for a career that will require you to understand many different and complex building practices and systems.
Construction Estimator
A construction estimator calculates the cost of building projects, including labor and materials. This course will introduce you to a variety of building designs from Frank Lloyd Wright. The course’s emphasis on construction insights will give you a better understanding of the building process. While not directly focused on cost, analyzing Wright’s designs will help you learn about the historical evolution of building. The course’s focus on self-directed learning may help you navigate the learning curves required of construction estimating.
Archival Researcher
An archival researcher organizes and preserves historical documents and records. This course emphasizes the design and development of educational systems, which may inform an archival researcher’s approach to organizing information. The course encourages self learning and independent study which may help an archival researcher take initiative and explore new channels of research. This course may ultimately be helpful for those who want to learn about historical research and analysis through the lens of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright.
This biography provides a comprehensive overview of Frank Lloyd Wright's life and career. It delves into his personal life, his architectural philosophy, and the challenges he faced. Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the man behind the architecture and the context in which his designs were created. It valuable resource for understanding Wright's motivations and influences.
This catalog provides a comprehensive overview of all of Frank Lloyd Wright's built works. It includes photographs, drawings, and descriptions of each building. valuable reference tool for identifying and learning about Wright's diverse architectural output. It is especially useful for students who want to explore Wright's lesser-known works and track his stylistic evolution.

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