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Friday, May 8, 2009

IT PLEASES MY EYE


I've always been fascinated by Japanese architecture...........


the fantastic cantilevered roofs........


And on the western front, 'Prairie Style' (below) .......


The Westcott House, Ohio (Frank Lloyd Wright 1908)

The Frank Lloyd Wright designed Westcott House underwent four years of restoration recently; the full story is here.

"Many aspects of the house resemble those of a Japanese Shinto temple. These included small divided-light windows reminiscent of a shoji screen, clay tiles on a low-hipped roof, and open sleeping porches on the second floor. Drawings of a proposed lighting fixture for the pergola had text describing a Japanese lantern in which light is to be suspended when used." Matt Cline in Architecture Week.

Frank Lloyd Wright visited Japan in 1905 and many of his design traits after that time were attributed to his infatuation with traditional Japanese design.



Robie House Chicago (1908-1910)

In 1957 Wright, at 90, returned to Robie House to protest the intended demolition - it survived and is in the final phase of a decade long restoration, hoped to be completed for the 100 year anniversary in 2010.

While I'm on the subject of architecture, my deep empathy goes out to the people of Montecito California on the tragic loss of their homes to the brushfire. Thankfully there has been no loss of life, as I believe all residents were evacuated.

7 comments:

Susan said...

I can't believe I live 35 miles from the Westcott House and didn't know about it! Sheesh, what cave have I been living in?!! My son actually lives IN Springfield! Well, I am going to remedy this situation ASAP. Thanks for posting this, LB.

The Clever Pup said...

Thanks for this informative entry.

I remember being very fond of pagodas when I was a child.

alaine@éclectique said...

There's also a nice history of it on Wikipedia.

Ruthie Redden said...

i love this architecture too, thank you for posting

Tracy said...

Splendid views of architecture...I've long had a fascination with things Japanese, especially arts & crafts. Happy Day :o)

Rouchswalwe said...

Is that first photo of Shitennô-ji Temple in Osaka? I can't remember if it was built in 600 or if it is 600 years old, but I do remember the incredible feel of the wood. Old, old wood!

alaine@éclectique said...

Hello Rouchswalwe, thanks for visiting. My notes say that it is the Kondo and Pagoda at Horyu-ji, Ikaruga, Nara, 7th Century. Wonderful buildings, aren't they.