Issue 336  December 14th 2022

A Look At DS+R's Restoration Plan For Kalita Humphreys Theater

Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R) has recently shared new visuals and a detailed fly-through animation depicting a full restoration proposal for the Kalita Humphreys Theater in Dallas, Texas. Originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the mid-century complex sits within a large public green park, in a disused shape. Indeed, years of accumulated neglect and additions to the 1959-designed theater have drowned out its architectural integrity, making it one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most overlooked creations.

In light of this, DS+R launched a complete revitalization plan to thoughtfully restore the theater to its original glory. Taking on a multifaceted approach, the proposal relies on four essential actions: ‘surgical extraction, selective reconstruction, careful preservation, and faithful reinterpretation of Wright’s design intent. […].While it is appreciated for its synthesis with nature, by the same token, it has never been truly celebrated as a standalone Frank Lloyd Wright building. The proposed makeover addresses this paradox,’ writes DS+R. Read more here.

Click for more details: designboom.com  

Intermediate Photography Workshop With Andrew Pilage

Capture this! On March 17-19th, 2023 join Phoenix-based photographer Andrew Pielage for a deep dive into the world of architectural photography in this intermediate-level workshop. Over the course of the weekend, you will learn how to accommodate changing light in the desert, how to properly scout a location, and how to shoot architecture with any lens! The workshop will also include an introduction to the powerful editing software of Adobe Lightroom Classic as well as Adobe’s new updated editing tools. Included are two photo critique sessions, an audio tour of Taliesin West, and breakfast and lunch over the weekend, along with opportunities for both sunrise and sunset photography at Taliesin West. More information here.

Click for more details: franklloydwright.org  

This Christmas Home Tour In Kansas Is Perfect For The Holidays

This Christmas home tour in Kansas is a great way to see a beautiful piece of architecture all decked out for the season.

The Frank Lloyd Wright designed Henry J. Allen House in Wichita is open throughout the year for tours, but in the winter season, it’s host to one of the best Christmas home tours in Kansas. Christmas in Kansas is always a magical time, and checking out this beautiful home will really put you into the holiday spirit!

The Allen House was built in 1918 for former Kansas Governor Henry Justin Allen and his family. It was one of the last homes that Frank Lloyd Wright built in his famed Prairie House style, and also has Japanese influences.

There are a variety of different tours available, including ones that are more in-depth than a standard tour. You can also enjoy a moonlit tour for a special nighttime viewing of the Allen House. More here.

Click for more details: onlyinyourstate.com  

The Perfect Gift For The Wright Person On Your Holiday List

Are you looking for that perfect gift for the hard-to-buy-for architecture lover on your holiday list? Then be sure to get a copy of the new book Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple: A Good Time Place Reborn.

Written by author Pat Cannon and featuring stunningly beautiful new images by photographer James Caulfield, this book captures the newly-restored UNESCO World Heritage building by Wright, which he referred to as the first truly modern building. While such a statement could be argued over, what can be more readily agreed upon is the impact and importance this reinforced concrete building had in the history of modern architecture.

Cannon states that the masterful restoration by Gunny Harboe and UNESCO honor encouraged him and photographer James Caulfield to rethink and revise their 2009 book on the building. The new book has 50 percent more pages than the original, and the all-new photographs are displayed in a larger format. It was made possible by a generous grant from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation.

I received an early copy of the book and can attest to how compelling the narrative is and how gorgeous the images are. I highly recommended the book to anyone who loves the work of Frank Lloyd Wright.

If you need any other reasons to purchase the book, buying it from the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation directly helps their efforts to maintain and showcase Wright's Modern Masterpiece. Be sure to get your copy here.

Click for more details: neoncrm.com