Taliesin Associated Architects: Background on Taliesin • Taliesin Is
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Taliesin Associated Architects: Background on Taliesin Taliesin is name of a mythical Welsh hero who was a poet, philosopher and magician. The name means “Shining Brow.” The name is appropriate for Frank Lloyd Wright’s master work, Taliesin, in Spring Green, Wisconsin because he sited the building on the side of the hill and not on top as traditional buildings would have been. The structure formed a “brow” on the hill and thus was integrated into it and became a part of it. Wright’s mother’s family of teachers, dairy farmers and Unitarian preachers was of Welsh decent. The family motto, "Y Gwir yn Erbyn y Byd" ("The Truth Against the World"), was taken from the Welsh poet Iolo Morganwg, who also had a son named Taliesin. [1] Wright used it for the building in Spring Green, Wisconsin, the Fellowship he created there, the winter home for the Fellowship in Scottsdale, AZ and the architectural firm. The Taliesin Fellowship gave apprentices the opportunity to learn from the master and to be immersed in a utopian culture that included study, work and socialization. As he aged, Wright developed respiratory problems. His doctor recommended that he spend his winters in Arizona where the dry climate would be good for his breathing difficulties. Starting out as a camping experience for the Fellowship, Wright maintained the “tent” concept as he designed permanent structures with canvas roofs for their visits to the west. Not too far from Taliesin in Spring Green, William Wesley Peters, Wright’s son-in-law, bought a farm totaling 1500 acres with inheritance after his father’s death so his family could be independent from the Fellowship and Wright. It was called Alderbaran Farm where he raised registered horned Hereford cattle. After a period of independence that ended after the death of his wife and Wright’s stepdaughter, and Peter’s son, Wes Peters reconciled with Wright to some degree and assisted with the design and construction of later projects including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Taliesin Associated Architects was founded by Wright as he neared death to carry on his work. William Wesley Peters and Olgivanna Wright, Wright’s wife, were the owners of the firm until their deaths in 1991 and 1985 respectfully. The firm completed Wright’s projects, designed new projects and provided architectural services during construction of the projects. The firm disbanded in 2003. Due to Wright’s financial troubles during the great depression, Wright’s financial advisors advised him to put Taliesin and the Fellowship under the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation for tax and other business purposes. The Foundation exists today as an entity to preserve Wright’s legacy, provide education and raise funds. The architectural school is now known as “The School of Architecture at Taliesin.” Architectural registrations have evolved over the years. When Wright began his work, you became an “architect” by hanging out your shingle stating you were an architect. He finally was required to become licensed in 1937 in Wisconsin to obtain the permit for the Johnson Wax Headquarters Building. His apprentices would finally receive credit for their preparation for their registrations since they would now be working under a licensed architect. [3] Since the profession and the schools of architecture did not see things his way, Wright was typically in conflict with them. He did serve as a guess critic at Princeton University. He also accepted the Gold Metal from the American Institute of Architects. It has been reported that Wes Wesley Peters was registered as an architect in the jurisdictions where the Fellowship’s projects were constructed. Refer to the portion of the article on architectural registrations below: by Jackie Craven Updated July 03, 2019 Architecture was not always thought of as a profession. The "architect" was the person who could build structures that didn't fall down. In fact, the word architect comes from the Greek word for "chief carpenter," architektōn. In the United States, architecture as a licensed profession changed in 1857. Before the 1800s, any talented and skilled person could become an architect through reading, apprenticeship, self-study, and admiration of the current ruling class. Ancient Greek and Roman rulers picked out the engineers whose work would make them look good. The great Gothic cathedrals in Europe were built by masons, carpenters, and other artisans and tradesmen. Over time, wealthy, educated aristocrats became key designers. They achieved their training informally, without established guidelines or standards. Today we consider these early builders and designers as architects…. The Influence of the AIA In the United States, architecture evolved as a highly organized profession when a group of prominent architects, including Richard Morris Hunt, launched the AIA (American Institute of Architects). Founded on February 23, 1857, the AIA aspired to "promote the scientific and practical perfection of its members" and "elevate the standing of the profession." Other founding members included Charles Babcock, H. W. Cleveland, Henry Dudley, Leopold Eidlitz, Edward Gardiner, J. Wrey Mould, Fred A. Petersen, J. M. Priest, Richard Upjohn, John Welch, and Joseph C. Wells. America's earliest AIA architects established their careers during turbulent times. In 1857 the nation was on the brink of Civil War and, after years of economic prosperity, America plunged into depression in the Panic of 1857. The American Institute of Architects doggedly laid the foundations for establishing architecture as a profession. The organization brought standards of ethical conduct—professionalism—to America's planners and designers. As the AIA grew, it established standardized contracts and developed policies for the training and credentialing of architects. The AIA itself does not issue licenses nor is it a requirement to be a member of the AIA. The AIA is a professional organization—a community of architects led by architects. The newly formed AIA did not have funds to create a national architecture school but gave organizational support to new programs for architecture studies at established schools. The earliest architecture schools in the US included the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1868), Cornell (1871), the University of Illinois (1873), Columbia University (1881), and Tuskegee (1881). Today, over one hundred architecture school programs in the United States are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which standardizes the education and training of US architects. NAAB is the only agency in the US that is authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture. Canada has a similar agency, the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). In 1897, Illinois was the first state in the US to adopt a licensing law for architects. Other states followed slowly over the next 50 years. Today, a professional license is required of all architects who practice in the US. Standards for licensing are regulated by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Medical doctors cannot practice medicine without a license and neither can architects. You wouldn't want an untrained and unlicensed doctor treating your medical condition, so you shouldn't want an untrained, unlicensed architect build that high rise office building in which you work. A licensed profession is a path toward a safer world. [2] [1] Frank Lloyd Wright from Wikipedia [2] “How did Architecture become a Licensed Profession” - ThoughtCo website article [3] “The Fellowship” – Roger Friedland and Harold Zellman .