Touring Taliesen West

Monday, March 25
Monday morning we toured Taliesen West which was architect Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and school in the desert from 1937 until his death in 1959 at the age of 91. Taliesen was designated a National historic landmark in 1982. He believed in designing structures which were in harmony with humanity and its environment, a philosophy he called organic architecture. He was a leader of the Prairie School movement of architecture and was recognized in 1991 by the American Institute of Architects as "the greatest American architect of all time."

Frank Lloyd Wright

John & Jim waiting for tour with McDowell mountains behind

Wright wanted to confine and expand people with space thus the use of small doorways and passages opening into larger open spaced rooms. He felt high ceilings were a waste of space. He built for the "average" person ~ "anything over six feet was a waste of space" said he.
















He also tried to use all natural materials from the area in which he was designing a building. Taliesen was built with , stone and sand from the Sonoran desert.
















Due to fires at his other homes, Frank incorporated reflecting pools and fountains in the design so the water could be used to douse a fire if necessary.












He also enjoyed designing furniture for the buildings he designed so the lines would be carried throughout the structure.




~ the dinner bell




The theater he designed at this winter home for his friends "Taliesenites" ~ built with "95% acoustic perfection."

~ sitting the "Frank" way ~








We drove by a couple of his houses in Scottsdale which are located in Cactus Gates, Ed and Karen's neighborhood.








We are fortunate to have homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the Rochester and Buffalo area as well. It was very interesting to see his work and learn about the man himself. John had little interest in this tour before we went but he really enjoyed it and wants to learn more about this interesting man.





















Pool time was a priority before John went to meet an old college buddy that he hasn't seen in 48 years!




They enjoyed catching up on old times and we enjoyed hearing the stories the next morning.

Gail and Jim took Lynn to Kierland,
a beautiful up scale area with a Westin Hotel, golf course, stores and restaurants. It was a lovely warm evening as we strolled around from store to store (Jim was such a good sport) and more impressive at night with everything lit up.




Beautiful Easter displays were set up in the square.