Issue 450 February 12th 2025

The Headlines

New Coffee Table Book Celebrates Fallingwater

In 1935, Frank Lloyd Wright designed what would become his triumph in organic architecture. Towering above the waterfalls of Bear Run, in southwestern Pennsylvania, Fallingwater is a dramatic response to the natural world, as evidenced by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now, the international treasure is also the subject of an upcoming book published by Rizzoli.

Fallingwater: Living With and In Art weaves a rich narrative about Wright’s masterpiece. It unearths Fallingwater’s origins as a weekend getaway for Edgar Kaufmann Sr., his wife, Liliane Kaufmann, and their son, Edgar Kaufmann Jr., a wealthy family that owned Pittsburgh’s largest department store. Given the family’s love of nature, Wright designed Fallingwater “to the music of the stream,” allowing the home to cascade off the cliffs as if also rushing forward like the surrounding waterfalls.

Wright’s naturalistic forms extend to every corner of Fallingwater. The home’s interiors embrace stone, wood, and other local materials, while simultaneously emphasizing handwork and craftsmanship. The home’s stone floors flow with the same meandering pace of a river, its asymmetrical composition reminiscent of light bouncing off water. Grand windows also offer views of the scenery, diminishing the separation between the built and natural environment.

These stunning details, among others, are all captured in Fallingwater: Living With and In Art. The book boasts impressive large-scale photographs, each of which encourages deep study of the home’s curving angles, bold hanging balconies, and handsome materials.

Beyond its exterior architecture, the book invites readers into the home itself, cataloging Fallingwater’s intimate nested rooms and the vast array of furniture found within. Decorative objects range from sculptures from ancient India and Native American basketry to Peruvian blankets and Japanese ukiyo-e prints. Since opening to the public in 1964, the home’s decor has remained intact, faithful to the vision of its original residents and architect.

Fallingwater: Living With and In Art will be published in March 2025 and is currently available for preorder via Bookshop and Rizzoli’s website.

Washington D.C. Exhibit Showcases Wright's Vision For Southwestern Pennsylvania

An exhibit at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., highlights Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision for southwestern Pennsylvania. The exhibit explores how Wright’s unique architectural style was meant to blend with the landscape, focusing on his famous designs like Fallingwater.

Visitors can see models, drawings, and even photos showing how Wright imagined modern homes and buildings in the region. More than that, animated films created by Oklahoma-based Skyline Ink Animators + Illustrators allow museum visitors to virtually explore unrealized projects. They include a monumental re-imagining of the Point (1947), a self-service garage for the Kaufmann’s Department Store (1949), a gate lodge for the Fallingwater grounds (1941), and two designs created in 1952: the Point View residences, designed for the Edgar J. Kaufmann Charitable Trust, on Mount Washington and the Rhododendron Chapel at Fallingwater.

This exhibit offers a fascinating glimpse into Wright’s creative genius and his deep connection to the environment around him. The display not only showcases his architectural innovations but also dives into his plans for a community called the “Western Pennsylvania Usonian,” which was ahead of its time. It’s a great opportunity to learn about how one of America’s most famous architects imagined the future of living spaces in this beautiful part of the country.

Dana-Thomas House Receives $6.6 Million For Restoration And Repairs

The historic Dana-Thomas House is receiving a $6.6 million infusion for repairs and restoration. The Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site will use the money to repair roofing and water systems and to add security upgrades to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home, according to the Illinois's Capital Development Board. About $750,000 will be used for improvements to a white cottage at the site, which is at 301 E. Lawrence St. in Springfield.

Wright designed the house in 1902 for heiress Susan Lawrence Dana and it remains one of the best-preserved examples of Wright's organic architecture, containing more than 100 pieces of custom furniture and more than 250 works of original art glass, according to the Dana-Thomas House Foundation. Tours are conducted daily at 9:30 and 11 a.m. and 1:30 and 3 p.m.

Capital Development Board Executive Director TJ Edwards said that, by investing in such projects, "we are not only supporting economic growth in several rural areas, but also ensuring our state parks and historic sites remain accessible for years to come.

"These projects are a testament to our commitment to Illinois’ residents and the natural beauty of our state."

"Life, Work, and Architecture"

Martin Filler of the New York Review discusses Life, Work, and Architecture, a book about the life and career of architect Elizabeth Mock. It dives into her innovative approach to architecture, blending her personal story with her professional achievements. The review highlights how Mock navigated the male-dominated field and created impactful designs that still influence modern architecture. It also explores how her work is intertwined with her passion for improving the built environment and making it more accessible.

The book not only showcases Mock's architectural genius but also offers insights into her personal challenges and triumphs. It’s an inspiring read for anyone interested in architecture or the history of women in design.

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