Kid explore how nature influences design, starting at Frank Lloyd Wright's Elizabeth Murphy House
“We learned about biomimicry”
Emphasizing the horizontal
After a year of living here, we stumbled upon more horizontal lines in a subtle, but historically significant place: the masonry of our small fireplace.
Art glass during art class
Fourth graders from nearby Atwater School have been visiting this week. Mrs. Hayes, their Art Teacher, is collaborating with The Madison Children's Museum and experts from Taliesin to create an expeditionary curriculum focused on organic design.
For Frank: function followed form
As with other prairie-influenced designs, the chimney sets the tone for the rest of the house. It is intentionally dramatic, like Frank’s fine pork pie fedora. It is also a fake.
Downsizing with Frank
Part of organic design, we're learning, is that spaces are sensory, social and evocative; meant for people, not things.
“How to build a warm, strong and dry house”
By specifying Byrkit Lath in this and other American System-Built Houses, Frank Lloyd Wright may have secured this home's legacy.
“Where is the door?”
Most posts have been about interior spaces in the Elizabeth Murphy House. The days are warming, so soon we'll turn our attention to the outside. What are we planning?
Wood as it should be treated
Most wood surfaces are undisturbed from the moment they were set in place by the carpenters.
The Elizabeth Murphy House 