Frank Lloyd Wright was an American architect, interior designer, writer, and educator who is considered one of the greatest figures in the history of American architecture. He is renowned for his unique style, which incorporated elements of the natural environment into his buildings and for his innovative use of materials, such as concrete and steel.
Born in Richland Center, Wisconsin in 1867, Wright began his career as an apprentice to a Chicago architectural firm. He eventually opened his own practice in 1893 and quickly gained a reputation for his design work, which was characterized by a strong emphasis on functionality and a rejection of traditional Victorian styles.
One of Wright's most famous works is the Fallingwater house, which was built in 1935 in Bear Run, Pennsylvania. The house is built over a waterfall and incorporates the natural surroundings into its design, with large windows and terraces that provide sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Another notable work is the Johnson Wax Building, which was completed in 1939 and features a unique "buttressed" structure that allows for an open interior space.
Wright's work was not without controversy, however. He had a tumultuous personal life, including multiple marriages and legal disputes, and his work was often met with criticism from the architectural community. Despite this, he remains a highly influential figure in the field of architecture and is credited with helping to shape the modernist movement.
Wright died in 1959 at the age of 91, but his work continues to inspire architects and designers around the world. His legacy is preserved at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, which was established in 1940 and works to preserve his work and promote his ideas. Today, many of Wright's buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are considered important cultural landmarks.