Issue Nov 13th 2024 November 13th 2024

Announcements

Chandler Museum Opens Collaborative Exhibit With The Organic Architecture + Design Archives

The term organic architecture was coined by world renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. With this creative philosophy, Frank Lloyd Wright and his acolytes created buildings and spaces that seamlessly blend with nature.

In 2013, the Organic Architecture and Design Archives, Inc. (OA+D Archives) was founded as the only educational non-profit organization in the world dedicated to the mission of preserving materials associated with the American organic architecture and design movement. OA+D has since saved hundreds of thousands of drawings, plans, correspondence, photographs, slides, publications, ephemera, furniture, decorative objects and architectural salvage of renowned organic architecture practitioners. OA+D Archives collection contains works by Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin Fellows and other followers of the organic design philosophy.

In partnership with the OA+D Archives, the Chandler Museum has developed a micro exhibit to provide a glimpse of the treasures that continue to accumulate under OA+D’s stewardship. Jody Crago, Chandler Museum manager states, “This exhibit offers visitors a chance to see incredibly rare and fine examples of work by Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin Associates and other great organic designers.”

Select Treasures from The Organic Architecture + Design Archives: A Micro Exhibit is open now and will be on view through Jan. 26, 2025. The Chandler Museum is located 300 S. Chandler Village Drive. It is open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. and closed on Mondays. Admission is free.

Find more information on the exhibitions and programming online at Chandler Museum or call 480-782-2717.

The Headlines

Marc Jacobs On Living In (And Artfully Restoring) A Frank Lloyd Wright House

Fashion designer Marc Jacobs shares his experience of restoring and living in a historic Frank Lloyd Wright house. Jacobs and his husband, Charly "Char" DeFrancesco, purchased the home, which was originally built in 1955, and set out to carefully preserve its design while adding their own personal touches. They worked closely with experts to restore the house, blending modern needs with Wright's unique vision. There were many challenges maintaining the house’s architectural integrity while updating it for contemporary living, and now the couple has made the space truly their own.

Jacobs talks about the balance between honoring the house’s history and infusing it with their personality, showing how art, design, and architecture come together in a home. The piece also gives a peek into the stunning details of the house, from its striking lines to its relationship with the surrounding landscape, making it clear why they’re so passionate about preserving this architectural gem.

Louis Sullivan’s Jewel Box Bank Inspires Locally And Nationally

The Merchant’s National Bank in Grinnell, Iowa, designed by Louis H. Sullivan, is a remarkable example of early 20th-century architecture. Built in 1914, the bank features Sullivan's signature style, with its intricate and decorative design showcasing his belief in the beauty of functional buildings. The structure is often called a "jewel box" because of its small size and elegant, detailed design that stands out in the town's historic district.

The bank isn't just an architectural treasure; it's also a symbol of Grinnell’s rich history. Over the years, it has become an important part of the town's identity, admired by both locals and visitors. Its preservation highlights the lasting influence of Sullivan's work, which continues to inspire architects and design enthusiasts across the country.

Transforming The Lighting Experience At Taliesin West With Innovative Ketra Technology

Wipliance, a leader in automation and audiovisual solutions, is excited to announce a transformative partnership with Taliesin West, the historic winter home of Frank Lloyd Wright. Wipliance collaborated with Lutron Electronics, renowned for their cutting-edge lighting solutions, to enhance the experience throughout the iconic site using Lutron's innovative Ketra lighting.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Taliesin West embodies Frank Lloyd Wright's vision of organic architecture. The integration of Ketra's human-centric lighting elevates the atmosphere of the property, highlighting its architectural beauty while creating a more inviting scene for visitors and staff alike.

"Our partnership with Taliesin West and Lutron marks a significant step in enhancing the site's aesthetic and functionality," said Lee Travis, owner of Wipliance. "Ketra's ability to mimic natural light beautifully complements Wright's design philosophy."

Fred Prozzillo, VP of Preservations and Collections for Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, described selecting Ketra: "Taliesin West was Wright's laboratory, a place where he experimented with materials and form. (Ketra) being so innovative, fit perfectly for our site."

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff Breaks Ground On Long-Awaited Visitor Center Project

Following the successful completion of a major fundraising effort and conclusion of a favorable bidding process, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff breaks ground on its much-anticipated Visitor Center. The project, with construction valued at approximately $4 million, will be managed by LeChase Construction Services, LLC. Once completed, the Visitor Center will offer facilities expanded by 175%, greatly improving Graycliff’s ability to accommodate the thousands of visitors it attracts each year from around the world and host year-round programming.

The project has received substantial support from various New York State entities, including a $1,275,000 commitment from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), $1,020,000 from the New York Power Authority (NYPA), $1,000,000 from Empire State Development, and $550,000 from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York secured by New York State Senator Sean M. Ryan. Erie County has also contributed $750,000 to the project.

Graycliff currently operates from a modest 1,600-square-foot visitor pavilion housed in a repurposed concrete block building. The new Visitor Center will expand the space by 175% to 4,400 square feet, significantly increasing Graycliff’s capacity for year-round programming, events, and amenities, while supporting staff and volunteers more effectively. The project includes a complete interior and exterior renovation, using an adaptive reuse model, as well as a state-of-the-art building addition integrated into the historic landscape.

The design for the Graycliff Visitor Center project is the result of a collaboration of top-tier New York State talent: SITU (Design Architect, Brooklyn), HHL Architects (Architect-of-Record, Buffalo), Bayer Landscape Architecture (Landscape Architect, Rochester), Tredo Engineers (Structural Engineer, Buffalo), M/E Engineers (MEP Engineer, Buffalo), and CPL (Civil Engineer, Buffalo). The design was chosen for its complementary aesthetic, functional elegance, and its harmonious relationship with Wright’s historic houses. HHL Architects has a long-standing relationship with Graycliff, having been involved in the property’s first stabilization and restoration efforts after the Graycliff Conservancy acquired it in the late 1990s. HHL has also worked on restoration projects at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House.

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