Issue 309 June 8th 2022

The Headlines

Steelcase And The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Announce New Collaboration

Steelcase announced a new relationship with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, through which they will revisit, reinterpret, and reintroduce Wright's designs, as well as co-create novel concepts rooted in his principles to provide products that enhance how we live and work today.

The new collaboration will be sweeping in scope as the organizations reflect on the past to continue Wright's legacy into the future. Steelcase will draw on the Foundation's archives and Wright's organic design principles for aspiration and inspiration, and together they intend to establish ongoing collections of fine furnishings, textiles and wall coverings that evolve from the legendary to the unexpected.

"We are honored to begin this collaboration with the Foundation as we draw upon our shared heritage to reintroduce iconic pieces and reinterpret Frank Lloyd Wright's vision for a better environment," said Allan Smith, senior vice president, chief revenue officer of Steelcase. "The Foundation's dedication to advancing his vision of the world, and of work, complements our commitment to create inspiring work environments. As we adjust to new work expectations and cultures, we believe there's never been a more meaningful time to draw from a master who was always ahead of his time."

Steelcase's unique connection with Frank Lloyd Wright began in 1939, when the company produced the original furniture for Wright's revolutionary design of one of the first open plan office spaces, the SC Johnson Administration Building in Racine, Wisconsin. Since 1985, the company has added to its shared heritage through the ongoing stewardship and restoration of Wright's Meyer May House in Grand Rapids, Michigan. More here.

Plan A Trip To See Wright's "Cedar Rock"

The summer is a great time to plan a visit to visit Cedar Rock State Park in Buchanan County, Iowa. The staff of the non-profit organization that cares for the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home named "Cedar Rock," will be glad to welcome you. Tours are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

When Lowell and Agnes Walter envisioned their home, they wanted it to be a symbol of how big dreams can be attained when they are fueled by hard work. They wanted guests and visitors to be as amazed as they were by the simplicity, efficiency, and natural beauty of master architect — Frank Lloyd Wright.

Today, the Friends of Cedar Rock strive to preserve this unique and culturally important architectural masterpiece. The group supports education, restoration and preservation programs, and ensures that Lowell and Agnes Walter’s estate will continue to engage and inspire visitors for generations to come. Cedar Rock State Park has been open to the public since 1982. More here.

The Second Studio Podcast: Interview with Stuart Graff

The Second Studio (formerly The Midnight Charette) is an explicit podcast about design, architecture, and the everyday. Hosted by Architects David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet, it features different creative professionals in unscripted conversations that allow for thoughtful takes and personal discussions.

This week David and Marina are joined by Stuart Graff, President and CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation to discuss the foundation’s mission; the role cultural institutions play in supporting creative professions; preserving and furthering Wright’s legacy through programs and collaborations; intellectual property; Stewart becoming CEO of the foundation; running a successful non-profit; Frank Lloyd Wright’s principles; and more.

To hear this informative episode click here.

Rare Home By John H. Howe For Sale In Rochester, MN

A piece of American architectural history is on the market in Rochester, Minnesota for $1.3 million.

The four-bedroom home, built in 1976, was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright's principal draftsman, John H. Howe. Karen Rue with Edina Reality said Howe is often referred to as "the pencil in Frank Lloyd Wright's hand."

The 3,704-square-foot home is nestled into a slope on a 5-acre wooded lot and features many recognizable characteristics of Wright and Howe's designs, including a double-sided brick fireplace, a cantilevered deck, a slanted roofline and mahogany woodwork throughout the home. See the photo gallery of this beautiful home by clicking here.

New Voices Interpret What "Organic" Means

The desert ignites the imagination. In the stark vastness, you’re reminded that you’re a tiny, fleshy piece of something unending. It was in this context—of small acts of lively expression within a larger arid wilderness—that visitors to the School of Architecture’s (TSOA) Arcosanti campus encountered Organic, an exhibition that ran for a month through mid-May. The show offered a contemporaneous view of an unagreed-upon design term that continues to hold special relevance for TSOA. Read the rest of the review here.

Coming This Summer: Exclusive Behind-The-Scenes Tours Of Wright’s Martin House

Often regarded as one of the greatest achievements in iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s entire career, the Darwin D. Martin Estate is an incredibly impressive National Historic Landmark. Spanning 1.5 acres, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House estate consists of six interconnected buildings designed as one unified composition. This includes the Darwin D. Martin House, the Barton House, an open-air pergola, the conservatory, and more.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House will also be offering their exclusive behind-the-scenes tours again this year!

Starting June 29th and running on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer season, these 90-minute, docent-led tours give guests an exclusive look at how the Martin family once lived right here in Buffalo. During this unique experience, guests will be able to view and access certain areas of the Martin House that aren’t included on standard tours due to time constraints. These include the lower level (what we call the basement!), a suite of guest rooms, the staff dining room, and Darwin Martin’s gorgeous home office area.

If you’ve ever been curious to see more of this historic house, now’s your chance! The Martin House grounds will be in bloom all summer, and the estate is absolutely breathtaking in the evening, so you can’t go wrong no matter what day you decide to visit or what tour you decide to take.

One thing’s for sure, the behind-the-scenes tours sold out each week last summer, and they likely will this year, too. All tours require a reservation booked ahead of time, so be sure to head to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House website to grab yours ASAP. You don’t want to miss out!

Tours are offered 7 days per week during the summer, and the behind-the-scenes tours begin on June 29th and run on Wednesdays throughout the summer at 6:30pm and 7:00pm. More here.

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