Video: What we can Learn from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Forgotten House

Thanks to host Heather Sabin of Monona Terrace's Wright Design Series and Brian Hannan of event-sponsor Wright in Wisconsin, we are able to bring you this recorded presentation and tour of the Elizabeth Murphy House - Frank Lloyd Wright's Forgotten House.

Why did Frank Lloyd Wright keep the drawings he planned to forget?

Why do the vintage ASBH drawings exist at all? Frank Lloyd Wright didn't plan to re-use or show them. Was his decision to store almost 1000 images based on nostalgia or pride, or something more practical?

Arthur Richards had a different idea than Frank Lloyd Wright

For Wright, American System-Built Homes met a complex design challenge: to create affordable beautiful modest homes. But for Richards, the ASBH program was one item on vast menu of real estate products he could offer.

The System within the System

Citing a vast body of drawings and plans, historians have called the ASBH project the largest single design effort by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Beauty in an imperfect system

Underneath magnificent art lie the trials, troubles and lessons-learned by the artist.

By adding a garage, a previous owner saved this Frank Lloyd Wright house

Since the house originally had no drive, garage or carport, a garage was added in 1976. It was both practical and necessary to the preservation of the house.

What is it like to live in a Frank Lloyd Wright House?

It is Captivating. You feel an Obligation; the need to be Vigilant, Attentive and Careful. But three words best describe living in this Frank Lloyd Wright house. They are Surprise, Wonder and Gratitude.

Back to School

The field trip is part of an architectural experience facilitated by their Art Teacher, who helps the kids to compare and contrast Wright's organic design philosophies with other design approaches.