“One hundred years from now, people will look at his ideas, his principles, his forms, and see—with wonder and amazement—that those ideas are still fresh, vibrant, applicable, and intensely prophetic.” —Olgivanna Lloyd Wright (1969). Nearly twenty years later, this exhibition of Frank Lloyd Wright’s principles and forms validates Mrs. Wright’s prophecy, showcasing the foundation of his achievement. Part 1, prepared by Bruce Brooks Pfeiffer, features four sections defined by Wright’s own words: “The Destruction of the Box: The Freedom of Space”; “The Nature of the Site”; “Materials and Methods”; and “The Architecture of Democracy.” It includes 150 illustrations (86 in full color), presenting dazzling visions of architectural treasures—some realized, some planned but never built, and others that continue to enrich our society. Accompanying quotes from Wright illustrate how his ideas manifested in his designs. Part 2 comprises five essays that enhance our understanding of Wright’s contributions: Jack Quinan on the Chicago context in 1893; Aaron Green discussing organic architecture; E. T. Casey on structure in organic architecture; Narciso Menocal on Wright’s architectural democracy; and Bruce Brooks Pfeiffer on Wright’s second career from 1924 to 1959. An appendix provides detailed descriptions of the works featured in Part 1, including notes on media, methods, and measurements.
