Discovering Taliesin West: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Architectural Marvel in Arizona
Tucked away in the McDowell Mountains’ foothills in the Sonoran Desert lies an architectural treasure crafted by Frank Lloyd Wright. Referred to as Taliesin West, this innovative architect regarded it as his desert experiment. There, he and his students resided and crafted designs for groundbreaking buildings that adhered to Wright’s organic architecture principles.
Defining organic architecture is no simple task. Wright stated that although it is a style, it also embodies a mindset and emotional response. Essentially, the structure should enhance the location, appearing natural within its environment. Taliesin West, situated near Scottsdale, Arizona, epitomizes this notion. Its façade is dressed in “desert masonry,” comprising local stone mixed with a blend of cement and desert sand. Consequently, it adopts a stony exterior that replicates the adjacent mountainous terrain. However, it does not entirely merge; redwood beams highlight the masonry, creating a striking contrast.
Initially built in 1937, Taliesin West saw continuous modifications and expansions by Wright, culminating in a drafting studio, three theaters, a workshop, dining spaces, accommodations for apprentices and staff, along with Wright’s own office and living quarters. He would spend his winters there until his passing in 1959.
Today, Taliesin West is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a National Historic Landmark. Open to the public, it allows everyone to admire how Wright’s vision intertwines architectural artistry with the splendor of the natural environment. The site provides various tours, including self-guided, behind-the-scenes experiences, and a unique “Shelters in the Desert” guided excursion.
Eugene Kim, co-founder and editor-in-chief of My Modern Met, had the chance to explore Taliesin West. “I’ve admired Frank Lloyd Wright as an architect for a long time, particularly for his stunning works like Fallingwater and the Guggenheim in New York,” he shares.
“It was a privilege to visit one of his residences and workspaces at Taliesin West and converse with Niki Stewart, vice president, chief learning & engagement officer of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation,” Kim adds. “Niki is a born educator and offered invaluable perspectives into the thought process of Frank Lloyd Wright, and I particularly valued the idea of organic architecture and designing with respect to your particular environment. A big thank you to Niki and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation for their generous hospitality towards My Modern Met.”
Head over to the Taliesin West website for more information and to arrange your visit.