Issue 513 April 22nd 2026

Announcements

Support OA+D's Spring Fundraising Drive & Be Part Of Something Special!

The Organic Architecture + Design Archives preserves and shares the ideas, drawings, and materials that define organic architecture. This spring, OA+D is focused on a clear goal: raising $50,000 to advance our mission and bring the 2026 Ocatilla Exhibit to life.

Centered on Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert camp experiment, the exhibition will explore Ocatilla (as Wright spelled it) as a pivotal moment in the evolution of organic architecture. Realizing this exhibition requires research, design, fabrication, and public programming, all made possible through your financial support.

To achieve this vision, OA+D is seeking financial partners to help reintroduce Ocatilla to the public. Sponsorship directly supports the development and construction of the exhibition, including its centerpiece cabin reconstruction. Opportunities to participate are designed to engage supporters at multiple levels:

Partner | $10,000+ Supports the exhibition centerpiece and receives primary recognition across the exhibition, printed catalog, and promotional materials.

Patron | $5,000 Underwrites the official exhibition catalog with prominent recognition in the gallery and in print.

Supporter | $1,000 Helps fund research and execution of the Ocatilla cabin reconstruction with recognition on the exhibition display and in the catalog.

Friend | $500 Supports essential design and fabrication phases with recognition on the exhibition display.

The exhibition will be on display during the 2026 Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy conference, placing Ocatilla before an international audience of architects, scholars, and enthusiasts. Your sponsorship is a direct investment in preserving and sharing a defining moment in architectural history.

We invite you to be part of it.

Make a tax-deductible gift or become an exhibition sponsor to support the 2026 Ocatilla Exhibit and help us reach our $50,000 goal.

The Headlines

Camp Taliesin West: Advanced Architecture: Ultimate Design Challenge

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s popular Camp Taliesin West returns this summer with a dynamic lineup of camp experiences for young learners to explore architecture, science, engineering, art and photography at Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Scottsdale, Arizona home and studio.

This daily camp is from 9 a.m. -3 p.m. In this advanced session, campers take on the role of junior architects, learning how to design for real-world challenges, environments and client needs. Participants will follow the architectural design process to develop detailed models of innovative structures and hear from a guest architect about professional practice. No previous camp or architecture experience is required. At the conclusion of the week, families and friends will be invited to Taliesin West to see a showcase of the campers’ work! This camp is recommended for ages 12-16.

Fleur de Montagna Named Official Lodging Partner Of Fallingwater

Nestled in the scenic mountains of Western Maryland, Fleur de Montagna, a Frank Lloyd Wright–inspired luxury retreat, has been officially recognized as a lodging partner of Fallingwater, the world renowned architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Located just 32 miles from Fallingwater, Fleur de Montagna offers architecture enthusiasts and discerning travelers a rare opportunity to not only visit one of the most iconic homes ever built, but to extend that experience by staying in a residence inspired by Wright’s philosophy of organic architecture.

The home was originally designed and built by a private individual who spent more than a decade working at Fallingwater. Deeply influenced by Wright’s work, Fallingwater, as well as Prairie School architect, John Van Bergen, the designer, created a home that reflects the principles of harmony with nature, simplicity of form, and thoughtful craftsmanship.

Set on a secluded 2-acre parcel in Garrett County, the property blends forest, farmland, and native flora into a serene landscape. The residence features low-pitched rooflines, expansive windows, natural materials, and curated interiors including Mission-style furnishings, art glass, and Japanese-inspired design elements.

Originally conceived as a private residence and gathering place, Fleur de Montagna has been thoughtfully reimagined under new ownership. A former hospitality professional and lifelong admirer of Wright, the current owner has enhanced the property with concierge services, breakfast offerings, and modern amenities—creating a refined guest experience while preserving its architectural integrity.

“Fleur de Montagna represents a continuation of the architectural journey that begins at Fallingwater,” said the owner. “It offers guests the opportunity to live within the spirit of Wright’s philosophy, not just observe it.”

As part of Fallingwater’s “Partners in Education” program, Fleur de Montagna contributes to the preservation and educational mission of the site, supporting programs for regional students while welcoming visitors from around the world.

The property accommodates up to four guests and also includes a separate gardener’s cottage, creating a unique and flexible lodging experience in one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most sought-after natural destinations.

For travelers seeking an immersive architectural retreat in the Laurel Highlands, Fleur de Montagna offers a singular blend of design, history, and tranquility.

Unitarian Meeting House 75th Anniversary Heritage Weekend

An event marking the 75th anniversary of the Unitarian Meeting House in Madison, Wisconsin, a landmark building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a weekend of public programs in starting Friday, June 5,2026 organized by the Friends of the Meeting House. The celebration includes a mix of paid and free activities aimed at architecture enthusiasts and the general public, all highlighting the building’s design, history, and preservation.

Programming begins with a walking tour of a nearby neighborhood showcasing homes connected to Wright and his apprentices, followed by a lecture and reception exploring Wright’s unrealized plans for Madison. Saturday, June 6 offers an in-depth, behind-the-scenes tour of the Meeting House, giving access to rarely seen spaces and historical artifacts. On the final day, Sunday, June 7, events shift to preservation and community engagement, including a lecture on the building’s long-term rehabilitation efforts and a free open house where visitors can explore the site and learn about its significance as a National Historic Landmark.

Albert Dekker's Modernist Estate Listed For $4.5 Million

The historic 'Van Dekker House' in Los Angeles, completed in 1940 by famed architect R. M. Schindler, is now on the market for $4.5 Million. Designed in 1940 for actor Albert Van Dekker, is one of Schindler’s most important residential projects and a defining example of early Southern California modernism. A protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, Schindler carried forward Wright’s ideas but developed his own distinct language—one focused on spatial experimentation, integration with the landscape, and the expressive use of materials.

The house reflects this influence through its site-responsive design: an L-shaped plan rotated to maximize views and outdoor space, fluid transitions between interior and exterior, and an emphasis on light, volume, and natural materials. Signature elements—like built-in furniture, wood paneling, and dramatic window compositions—demonstrate Schindler’s belief that architecture should function as a total environment rather than just a structure. Its sculptural features, particularly the unusual copper-paneled roof and asymmetrical geometry, highlight Schindler’s experimental approach and willingness to push beyond conventional residential design. These innovations helped shape the trajectory of mid-century modernism in California, positioning the house as both a livable space and a piece of architectural history.

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