Frank Lloyd Wright (Architectural Monographs, No. 18) - Hardcover

Heinz, Thomas A.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0312072430 ISBN 13: 9780312072438

Publisher: St. Martin's Press; Academy Editions, 1992

Synopsis

In a new contribution on the work of this iconoclastic and flamboyant architect, who is widely regarded as the greatest that America has ever produced, Tom Heinz uses his extensive experience in the restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings to present aspects of them that have previously gone unnoticed. Concentrating primarily on residences, the author uses his own photographs to examine construction techniques that are just as unorthodox as the architect himself, showing that Wright's approach to detailing was pragmatic, rather than conventional, and was based on traditional common sense. Previously unpublished sketches on tracing paper provide a rare insight into Wright's design progression, and show that while he constantly promoted the myth of his abilities of instantaneous creation, he did graphically evolve concepts through several stages of growth. Those concepts invariably included all elements of a space, such as furniture and decoration, into his idea of "total design". Heinz's photographs of Wright's interiors while they were still intact, prior to items being sold off in the recent frenzy for anything that he has produced, provides valuable historical documentation for students of his work.

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

Architectural Monographs No 18 Frank Lloyd Wright Thomas a Heinz In a major new contribution on the work of this iconoclastic and flamboyant architect, who is widely regarded as the greatest that America has ever produced, Thomas A Heinz - both an architect and writer - uses his extensive experience in the restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings to present aspects of them that have previously gone unnoticed. Concentrating primarily on residences, the author uses his own photographs to examine construction techniques that are just as unorthodox as the architect himself, showing that Wright's approach to detailing was pragmatic, rather than conventional, and was based on traditional common sense. As Heinz writes in his introductory essay to this pictorial survey, 'Frank Lloyd Wright's buildings are not just differently designed, they are differently constructed. Wright had to invent or re-invent many items and systems to bring about his new art. Every design, every hidden detail, is evidence of Wright's unique intelligence . Other architects who designed in the Wrightian mode often were more consistent than the one who originated the style, and, in fact, some of their creations are more apt to appear as the quintessential Prairie House than are many of Wright's, with his little quirks and exceptions.' Architectural Monographs have enjoyed a positive critical response since they were first launched over ten years ago, and have now been revised, with an enlarged format. Often representing the first publication on the work of a particular architect or firm, Architectural Monographs focus on individuals of international stature, who have been influential in education and in practice. Including both built and unbuilt projects, each Monograph becomes an invaluable record of the architect presented, and an important source book for further study. Future Monographs include: Foster Associates CFA Voysey Venturi and Scott Brown, On Houses and Housing Monographs in print include: Alvar Aalto Ahrends, Burton and Koralek Tadao Ando Le Corbusier: Early Works Terry Farrell Hassan Fathy Daniel Libeskind Edwin Lutyens Mies van der Rohe Richard Rogers John Soane Robert AM Stern

From Library Journal:

The author, who has restored many Wright buildings, focuses in his straightforward introductory essay on the architect's innovations in design and construction technology. Handsome color photographs of more than 80 of Wright's best-known works form the heart of this slim volume, and they are indeed lovely to look at. They do not, however, provide many clues about how the buildings were constructed; the book's lack of floor plans or other drawings somewhat limits its usefulness. In addition, anyone expecting to learn about Wright's life and contributions to the Modern architecture movement will be disappointed by a text that presumes a working knowledge of those subjects. Recommended, despite these reservations, for readers seeking quality contemporary images of Wright's architecture.
- H. Ward Jandl, National Park Svce., Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: St. Martin's Press; Academy Editions
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0312072430
• ISBN 13: 9780312072438
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 144