Great article Jeannine. Thank you for sharing! I call the book "Incidents of Travels in The Yucatán" the SEEDS of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture or the MISSING LINK that connects FLW with his architecture Mayan Style. Thank you so much for spreading the Word to the World so more people know where FLW PRAIRIE style and Organic Architecture come from. The most important of FLR architecture and contribuition to the world was that eventually thru his vast productive life and practice FLW Organic Architecture reached a fabulosa level of sofistication designing amaizing modern buildings like The Gughenheim Museum in NEW YORK CITY or the unbuilt High Mile Tower. I find out about this relationship of Wright with the book when in my thesis year in 1991our thesis professor Mr. David Niland told me to read the bible of all architects the famous FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT AUTOBIOGRAPHY. There is where mr. FLW mentioned the then best seller book he saw about the travels by John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood discovering the stone temples in the Yucatan and Guatemala. Other famous architects graduated from his private academy TALIESEN WEST. They designed amaizing ORGANIC architecture in California like John Lautner, Bruce Goff, Fay Jones and others. In Chicago he designed in the early 1900s the Unity Unity Temple, a truly Mayan Temple which had influenced many other buildings in Chicago and thru the Usa. Unity Temple also influenced a famous tower in West Wacker Drive in Chicago called the Leo Burnett Tower or 35 West Wacker Dr. Its base is all Green granite its a perfect Mayan Temple. The architect for the tower was Kevyn Roche Pritzker Price award. Roche also designed the 3 Pyramids outside of Indiannapolis. FLW influence is everywhere in the USA architecture. Greetings amiga.
Dear Carlos, thank you so much for this interesting and thoughtful reply. I will definitely find a copy of FLW's autobiography. In reading about him there is SO much out there, tough to narrow down to a handful. I am so glad you emphasized Incidents of Travel in Yucatán being the bellringer for him, too. That book really was the benchmark for so much about the Maya world, too. Catherwood's drawings. When I first read about him, on those scaffolds at the pyramids, covered head to toe with gloves in that heat, trying to duplicate what he saw. And how his first drawings he tossed b/c even though he was an itinerant explorer--midEast style--he knew not what to make of the Maya! So amazing. Organic architecture is such a perfect term, so savvy! How he brought the outside in. The man who helped us design our house in Pro Morelos was an architect and he was very listo -- and in retrospect, I think he espoused some of FLW's concepts. HIS house, oh my--he was on the beach and when you walked in, you felt you were nearly walking INTo the sea. Beautiful. Very FLW. I am happy to tell you I will be in Scottsdale in the fall for a niece's wedding and I will certainly see Taliesen West! I am so excited! Thanks for the other FLW masterpieces you mention; I did not know of them. The green granite one at 35 Wacker sounds incredible. they all do. I knew you'd love this post and had to share with you - saludos to YOU! y gracias.
Thank you dear Jeannine for your reply and for being a follower of the FLW relationship with the famous book of Incidents..Mr. David Niland who I first heard mentioning in college back in 1991 knew about it as well as many other outstanding famous architects like MICHAEL GRAVES, ERICK OWEN MOSS, FRANK GHERY and more who I heard mentioning the Mayan at some of their lecturas I attended personnally in the early 90s. They all knew from reading Famous FLW AUTOBIOGRAPHY but nobody really cares on making it public or it is a really big case study to develop in an academic way. But you and me can spread it around here in your forum. Sometimes I had also mention it at the Taliesen Foundation, which I enjoy so much to follow up. Taliesen the Mecca of mr. FLW Organic Architecture and the school where famous architects studied, developed and continued with Mr. FLW architecture designs. When he was eldery in his late 80s. and saw his pupile JOHN LAUTNER famous design, the amaizing GOLDSTEINE house in beverly hills, he mentioned that he was very happy that one of his students was able tu surpassed him in architecture design.
Btw the tower in Chicago called 35 West Wacker Dr. was a building design by irish architect Kevin Roche, an architect who won the Pritzker Prize or the Nobel of architecture. The 35West Wacker Dr. Base was inspired in The Unity Temple building by Wright but streched vertically towards the sky. But instead of the concrete skyn mr. Roche cladded with amaizing polished Green Granite. I was working as a drafstman making peanuts back then in the late 1989 for a local Dayton, Ohio Subcontractor firm called Sesco Stone Erectors hired by Roche to supervise the granite paneles installation. I draw along with 5 other drafters the base and the details for 35 West Wacker Dr. It was fun! Thats why I know very close details of the tower. My task was to draw the 5 story base. The 50 other floors were drawn by the other drafters. Sesco owner, mr. Bianchi knew Roche before and was offered the contract. Mr. Bianchi an amaizing business man was a Vietnam exveteran.
As a native Chicagoan, FLW influence is everywhere here, but I wasn’t aware of the Mayan influences in his western homes. So cool - I love having this history lesson! And if I’m correct, Blair Kamin, was the former writer for the Chicago Tribune covering real estate, architecture etc.
Yes Marlo! Blair Kamin was! For many years, too. I should have included his CV in the post. I too was surprised, pleasantly, of how much the Maya influenced Wright. I also love that he wanted the North American style to not be Spanish or European, but Native American-ish. And such a marvel that he was self-taught. His impeccable discernment in all things no doubt aided him immensely. I read he even would design the furniture and furnishing for clients (think that is also considered OCB, haha).
Same Marlo. Growing up in the Chicago area I enjoyed his influence. Then living in Scottsdale for years and visiting Taliesen was always a joy. But I didn’t know his personal history and his LA work. So interesting Jeanine.
Thank you Paulette. I'm heading to Scottsdale in the fall and will definitely see Taliesen. Have you read Loving Frank by Nancy Horan? It tells the full story of FLW and Mamey. Very sad, of course. Also TC Boyle's The Women was also good, if you are ever on a Wright roll.
My pleasure. They're both great. Horan's is heavy, TC Boyle's is more an overview. Both great. Enjoy! And I am SO looking forward to Taleisen Wet, plus it's combined w/ a niece's wedding so--what could be better?
An incredible lesson in history! Bravo Jeanine. Where I grew up, our local government building was designed by FLW and it's easily one of the most beautiful landmarks in our area. I had no idea of his connection to the Maya. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Daniel. Is that the Marin Civic Center? Think you're from Mill Valley? I too was surprised about FLW's connection w/ the Maya. Such an incredible story.
I had no idea about Wright’s influence from the Mayan’s. I knew he gathered much inspiration from Japanese architecture particularly inspiby the simplicity, harmony with nature, and attention to craftsmanship found in Japanese design. I love his eclectic work integrating organic with the natural environment.
Thank you for sharing more of his fascinating history! 💜
Thanks Charlotte. With Wright, it's easy to go down the rabbit hole when reading about him, there is so much to know from his long productive inspirational career and life. I was ecstatic to hear about his Maya connection. And the LA 5--so very, completely Maya like. Plus the 'hidden' agenda in each of them—quiet mausoleums to honor the dead, but in the most outward of manners—architecture—where his pain was openly on display if one only opened their eyes. Simply an amazing feat pulled off by a master. Talk about magic.
I've always thought of FLW in the context of the Prairie Style - I had no idea he was so influenced by Mayan design and architecture. Those LA houses are fascinating to look at. Thanks for this insight, Jeanine!
Thanks Mike. I was surprised too. I remember seeing a film years ago w/ I assume the Ennis House in it—maybe BladeRunner—and I was floored by its differentness. Little did I know it was FLW's. I think the Maya were a mysterious big deal in his early years, making it into 2 world fairs. If it hadn't been for those prompts, maybe his early memories from childhood wouldn't have been enough.
Thanks Lana. If you want to read more about him, two other books I recommend are Loving Frank, by Nancy Horan, and The Women, by TC Boyle. Johnny's probably read the latter.
No, I don't think so, Jessica. I haven't read it for a long time but think it's more 'light-hearted' than Loving Frank which tells the story of FLW and Mamey. That was the first I'd heard of the Taliesen murders and was shocked.
Living in Wisconsin, where there is a lot of Frank Lloyd Wright pride, we only hear about the Prairie Style. This story is fascinating and I'm particularly intrigued by the possible connection to the later Art Deco style that is a lovely piece of California-style. I know very little about architecture but so enjoyed this and appreciate how well you summarized the bits. Thank you!
Thank you, Anu! Two other FLW books I read long ago you might like are Loving Frank by Nancy Horgan and The Women by TC Boyle. Glad you enjoyed the post!
When I lived in LA, I used to dream about living in a Frank Lloyd Wright house, so thank you for wonderful piece. I didn't know he suffered such an extreme loss but can now see how it translates to his designs. I'm sharing it in my Write to Know newsletter tomorrow!
Thanks so much Lisa! Im thrilled you’ll be sharing the post! In LA you must have driven by his houses. I hear now 2 give tours but have to verify. I know you’re far away but if ever in LA … two other books I read on him are Loving Frank and The Women by TC Boyle. Thanks again!
I'd taken a peak at half this post yesterday and promptly read the rest just now w/ your prompt ): You well immersed yourself in the food and culture of the Yucatán, dove right in and had a grand time doing it. Merida--love that city. We'd go 3x a year to buy Spanish language books for our bookstore in Puerto Morelos and enjoyed every moment. Wonderful you experienced Ek Balam and Uxmal w/ few tourists. In the early days that wasn't unusual though today--well, times have changed. It's fabulous to meet other wanderers who share one's favorite favorites. Saludos y encantada!
Another winner from you, Jeanine. Fascinating...like others, I had no idea of the Mayan influence though it seems obvious now that I read your piece and see the photos.
Thanks Jennifer. I like that he combined elements of the Prairie style--low roof, which also looks quite Maya-like--along w/ the Mayan Revival style. It blew my mind that he worked through his grief by creating mausoleum type structures, no doubt with Mamey in mind. Did you ever read Loving Frank, by Nancy Horan? Tells the story of Mamey, Taliesen, etc.
Such a captivating, completely interesting and insightful post! Incredible history and legacy. Extra intriguing and appreciated by me because of my love and admiration of ancient Maya architecture and culture. Would love to see FLW's LA creations and really quick research reveals that tours are available for Hollyhock House and possibly (maybe?) private tours can be arranged for Ennis House. A couple others can partially be appreciated just from the street view. We're pretty close so that is a must-do!
Thank you! And that's incredible Barbra! Fabulous re tours! I'm heading to Scottsdale for a wedding this fall and Taliesen West is on my itinerary. But please do keep me posted on what you find out about private tours in LA. Very curious. Gracias!
Great article Jeannine. Thank you for sharing! I call the book "Incidents of Travels in The Yucatán" the SEEDS of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture or the MISSING LINK that connects FLW with his architecture Mayan Style. Thank you so much for spreading the Word to the World so more people know where FLW PRAIRIE style and Organic Architecture come from. The most important of FLR architecture and contribuition to the world was that eventually thru his vast productive life and practice FLW Organic Architecture reached a fabulosa level of sofistication designing amaizing modern buildings like The Gughenheim Museum in NEW YORK CITY or the unbuilt High Mile Tower. I find out about this relationship of Wright with the book when in my thesis year in 1991our thesis professor Mr. David Niland told me to read the bible of all architects the famous FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT AUTOBIOGRAPHY. There is where mr. FLW mentioned the then best seller book he saw about the travels by John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood discovering the stone temples in the Yucatan and Guatemala. Other famous architects graduated from his private academy TALIESEN WEST. They designed amaizing ORGANIC architecture in California like John Lautner, Bruce Goff, Fay Jones and others. In Chicago he designed in the early 1900s the Unity Unity Temple, a truly Mayan Temple which had influenced many other buildings in Chicago and thru the Usa. Unity Temple also influenced a famous tower in West Wacker Drive in Chicago called the Leo Burnett Tower or 35 West Wacker Dr. Its base is all Green granite its a perfect Mayan Temple. The architect for the tower was Kevyn Roche Pritzker Price award. Roche also designed the 3 Pyramids outside of Indiannapolis. FLW influence is everywhere in the USA architecture. Greetings amiga.
Dear Carlos, thank you so much for this interesting and thoughtful reply. I will definitely find a copy of FLW's autobiography. In reading about him there is SO much out there, tough to narrow down to a handful. I am so glad you emphasized Incidents of Travel in Yucatán being the bellringer for him, too. That book really was the benchmark for so much about the Maya world, too. Catherwood's drawings. When I first read about him, on those scaffolds at the pyramids, covered head to toe with gloves in that heat, trying to duplicate what he saw. And how his first drawings he tossed b/c even though he was an itinerant explorer--midEast style--he knew not what to make of the Maya! So amazing. Organic architecture is such a perfect term, so savvy! How he brought the outside in. The man who helped us design our house in Pro Morelos was an architect and he was very listo -- and in retrospect, I think he espoused some of FLW's concepts. HIS house, oh my--he was on the beach and when you walked in, you felt you were nearly walking INTo the sea. Beautiful. Very FLW. I am happy to tell you I will be in Scottsdale in the fall for a niece's wedding and I will certainly see Taliesen West! I am so excited! Thanks for the other FLW masterpieces you mention; I did not know of them. The green granite one at 35 Wacker sounds incredible. they all do. I knew you'd love this post and had to share with you - saludos to YOU! y gracias.
Thank you dear Jeannine for your reply and for being a follower of the FLW relationship with the famous book of Incidents..Mr. David Niland who I first heard mentioning in college back in 1991 knew about it as well as many other outstanding famous architects like MICHAEL GRAVES, ERICK OWEN MOSS, FRANK GHERY and more who I heard mentioning the Mayan at some of their lecturas I attended personnally in the early 90s. They all knew from reading Famous FLW AUTOBIOGRAPHY but nobody really cares on making it public or it is a really big case study to develop in an academic way. But you and me can spread it around here in your forum. Sometimes I had also mention it at the Taliesen Foundation, which I enjoy so much to follow up. Taliesen the Mecca of mr. FLW Organic Architecture and the school where famous architects studied, developed and continued with Mr. FLW architecture designs. When he was eldery in his late 80s. and saw his pupile JOHN LAUTNER famous design, the amaizing GOLDSTEINE house in beverly hills, he mentioned that he was very happy that one of his students was able tu surpassed him in architecture design.
Btw the tower in Chicago called 35 West Wacker Dr. was a building design by irish architect Kevin Roche, an architect who won the Pritzker Prize or the Nobel of architecture. The 35West Wacker Dr. Base was inspired in The Unity Temple building by Wright but streched vertically towards the sky. But instead of the concrete skyn mr. Roche cladded with amaizing polished Green Granite. I was working as a drafstman making peanuts back then in the late 1989 for a local Dayton, Ohio Subcontractor firm called Sesco Stone Erectors hired by Roche to supervise the granite paneles installation. I draw along with 5 other drafters the base and the details for 35 West Wacker Dr. It was fun! Thats why I know very close details of the tower. My task was to draw the 5 story base. The 50 other floors were drawn by the other drafters. Sesco owner, mr. Bianchi knew Roche before and was offered the contract. Mr. Bianchi an amaizing business man was a Vietnam exveteran.
As a native Chicagoan, FLW influence is everywhere here, but I wasn’t aware of the Mayan influences in his western homes. So cool - I love having this history lesson! And if I’m correct, Blair Kamin, was the former writer for the Chicago Tribune covering real estate, architecture etc.
Yes Marlo! Blair Kamin was! For many years, too. I should have included his CV in the post. I too was surprised, pleasantly, of how much the Maya influenced Wright. I also love that he wanted the North American style to not be Spanish or European, but Native American-ish. And such a marvel that he was self-taught. His impeccable discernment in all things no doubt aided him immensely. I read he even would design the furniture and furnishing for clients (think that is also considered OCB, haha).
Yes, there is definitely Prairie style furniture! so cool
Same Marlo. Growing up in the Chicago area I enjoyed his influence. Then living in Scottsdale for years and visiting Taliesen was always a joy. But I didn’t know his personal history and his LA work. So interesting Jeanine.
Thank you Paulette. I'm heading to Scottsdale in the fall and will definitely see Taliesen. Have you read Loving Frank by Nancy Horan? It tells the full story of FLW and Mamey. Very sad, of course. Also TC Boyle's The Women was also good, if you are ever on a Wright roll.
I think you’ll really enjoy the visit. No, I have not read. Thanks for the recommendations.
My pleasure. They're both great. Horan's is heavy, TC Boyle's is more an overview. Both great. Enjoy! And I am SO looking forward to Taleisen Wet, plus it's combined w/ a niece's wedding so--what could be better?
An incredible lesson in history! Bravo Jeanine. Where I grew up, our local government building was designed by FLW and it's easily one of the most beautiful landmarks in our area. I had no idea of his connection to the Maya. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Daniel. Is that the Marin Civic Center? Think you're from Mill Valley? I too was surprised about FLW's connection w/ the Maya. Such an incredible story.
Yes! The Civic Center. It's a like a living museum. Worth a visit if you're ever in the area!
Yes, have been. We’re from the Bay Area too.
Such fascinating architecture!
So so true!!
I had no idea about Wright’s influence from the Mayan’s. I knew he gathered much inspiration from Japanese architecture particularly inspiby the simplicity, harmony with nature, and attention to craftsmanship found in Japanese design. I love his eclectic work integrating organic with the natural environment.
Thank you for sharing more of his fascinating history! 💜
Thanks Charlotte. With Wright, it's easy to go down the rabbit hole when reading about him, there is so much to know from his long productive inspirational career and life. I was ecstatic to hear about his Maya connection. And the LA 5--so very, completely Maya like. Plus the 'hidden' agenda in each of them—quiet mausoleums to honor the dead, but in the most outward of manners—architecture—where his pain was openly on display if one only opened their eyes. Simply an amazing feat pulled off by a master. Talk about magic.
Yes. There’s one that sits very prominently over Hollywood. Thanks for the book recs. I’ve added them to my list! 🧡
I bet that’s Ennis House. I read somewhere one ‘looms’ over entire neighborhoods.
I think it’s exactly that. Gorgeous exterior.
I've always thought of FLW in the context of the Prairie Style - I had no idea he was so influenced by Mayan design and architecture. Those LA houses are fascinating to look at. Thanks for this insight, Jeanine!
Thanks Mike. I was surprised too. I remember seeing a film years ago w/ I assume the Ennis House in it—maybe BladeRunner—and I was floored by its differentness. Little did I know it was FLW's. I think the Maya were a mysterious big deal in his early years, making it into 2 world fairs. If it hadn't been for those prompts, maybe his early memories from childhood wouldn't have been enough.
Once again you've outdone yourself.💜💜
Thank you Micheline!!! Appreciate it!
What an intriguing story! I love FLW. Thank you, Jeanine.
Thanks Lana. If you want to read more about him, two other books I recommend are Loving Frank, by Nancy Horan, and The Women, by TC Boyle. Johnny's probably read the latter.
I enjoyed The Women, but I don’t believe the LA period was covered…but I may have forgotten as I read it a long time ago
No, I don't think so, Jessica. I haven't read it for a long time but think it's more 'light-hearted' than Loving Frank which tells the story of FLW and Mamey. That was the first I'd heard of the Taliesen murders and was shocked.
Yeah! It’s part of the lore of that place, not far from where I live.
Wow. So you've been to Taliesen?
Living in Wisconsin, where there is a lot of Frank Lloyd Wright pride, we only hear about the Prairie Style. This story is fascinating and I'm particularly intrigued by the possible connection to the later Art Deco style that is a lovely piece of California-style. I know very little about architecture but so enjoyed this and appreciate how well you summarized the bits. Thank you!
Thanks Jessica!
Thank you, Anu! Two other FLW books I read long ago you might like are Loving Frank by Nancy Horgan and The Women by TC Boyle. Glad you enjoyed the post!
Loved your post! I learned something new about the great Mr. Cantilever himself:)
When I lived in LA, I used to dream about living in a Frank Lloyd Wright house, so thank you for wonderful piece. I didn't know he suffered such an extreme loss but can now see how it translates to his designs. I'm sharing it in my Write to Know newsletter tomorrow!
Thanks so much Lisa! Im thrilled you’ll be sharing the post! In LA you must have driven by his houses. I hear now 2 give tours but have to verify. I know you’re far away but if ever in LA … two other books I read on him are Loving Frank and The Women by TC Boyle. Thanks again!
Such an interesting story. Thanks for sharing! What a dream it would be to live in a Frank Lloyd Wright house. Or in a Mayan temple for that matter!
Thank you Claire! Yes, either would be a dream.
A wonderful fusion of our favourite 20th century architect and our favourite part of Mexico. Apropos the latter:
https://marcoandsabrina.substack.com/p/easter-in-the-yucatans-white-city
I'd taken a peak at half this post yesterday and promptly read the rest just now w/ your prompt ): You well immersed yourself in the food and culture of the Yucatán, dove right in and had a grand time doing it. Merida--love that city. We'd go 3x a year to buy Spanish language books for our bookstore in Puerto Morelos and enjoyed every moment. Wonderful you experienced Ek Balam and Uxmal w/ few tourists. In the early days that wasn't unusual though today--well, times have changed. It's fabulous to meet other wanderers who share one's favorite favorites. Saludos y encantada!
Another winner from you, Jeanine. Fascinating...like others, I had no idea of the Mayan influence though it seems obvious now that I read your piece and see the photos.
Thanks Jennifer. I like that he combined elements of the Prairie style--low roof, which also looks quite Maya-like--along w/ the Mayan Revival style. It blew my mind that he worked through his grief by creating mausoleum type structures, no doubt with Mamey in mind. Did you ever read Loving Frank, by Nancy Horan? Tells the story of Mamey, Taliesen, etc.
Such a captivating, completely interesting and insightful post! Incredible history and legacy. Extra intriguing and appreciated by me because of my love and admiration of ancient Maya architecture and culture. Would love to see FLW's LA creations and really quick research reveals that tours are available for Hollyhock House and possibly (maybe?) private tours can be arranged for Ennis House. A couple others can partially be appreciated just from the street view. We're pretty close so that is a must-do!
Thank you! And that's incredible Barbra! Fabulous re tours! I'm heading to Scottsdale for a wedding this fall and Taliesen West is on my itinerary. But please do keep me posted on what you find out about private tours in LA. Very curious. Gracias!