Early Life and Education

Frank Lloyd Wright was born on June 8, 1867, in Richland Center, Wisconsin. As a child, he loved nature and building things. His mother believed he would become a great architect and gave him blocks to play with that helped him learn shapes and design. He studied engineering briefly at the University of Wisconsin but left before graduating to work with famous architects in Chicago.

Becoming a Famous Architect

Wright began working for architect Louis Sullivan, who was known as the "father of skyscrapers." After learning from Sullivan, Wright started his own practice. He wanted to design buildings that fit naturally into their surroundings and that people could live in comfortably. He called this idea "organic architecture." His Prairie-style homes were long and low, with flat roofs and open spaces inside, designed to blend into the landscape.

Important Buildings

Wright designed over 1,000 buildings during his career, including homes, offices, museums, and churches. Some of his most famous works include the Robie House in Chicago, the Unity Temple, and Fallingwater, a house built over a waterfall in Pennsylvania. Fallingwater is often called one of the greatest buildings in American history. Another important building is the Guggenheim Museum in New York City, known for its spiral shape and modern style.

Some of Frank Lloyd Wright's Iconic Buildings

Legacy and Impact

Frank Lloyd Wright changed the way people think about architecture. He believed buildings should work with nature, not against it. He also designed furniture, stained glass, and even clothing to match his buildings. Wright died in 1959, but his ideas continue to inspire architects today. His work helped shape modern architecture in the United States and around the world.

Falling Water Postage Stamp

Discussion Questions

1. What is "organic architecture," and why did Frank Lloyd Wright believe in it?
2. How did Frank Lloyd Wright’s early life influence his career?
3. Why is Fallingwater considered one of his most important works?
4. How did Wright's buildings differ from others at the time?

Glossary

• Architect: A person who designs buildings.
• Organic architecture: A style that makes buildings blend with nature.
• Prairie-style: A type of house designed by Wright with flat roofs and open spaces.
• Legacy: Something important left behind after a person dies.