Between Light and Space

A light fixture that Frank Lloyd Wright crafted.

It allows for back and direct lighting. (Above) 

Craft. An activity involving skill in making things by hand. Craft can be represented in a good way through clean lines, which can be achieved through a datum. Craft can also be represented through a negative way when lines don't line up or come to an end in a clean and polished way. "If one takes pride in one's craft, you won't let a good thing die. Risking it by not pushing hard enough is not a humility" (Paul Keating). Keating explains that one must always take pride in their craft, because when you don't you let your hard work die. One must always stand behind their own work and love it completely. Problems with Falling Water include having to fix the supporting structure every year. However, though the craft may be seem negative when it comes to the support system, it can also be seen as a positive in the fact that it was the first building to every be built using metal rods forced into the ground. YOU GO FRANKIE!

A room I designed for Suzanne's class. It is a virtual, that 

is something that is so good a fake, it looks real, 

drawing of a space. (ABOVE)

Virtual. Almost or nearly as described, but not according to strict definition. Virtual also means viewing without being there. In Jefferson's Monticello He placed mirrors on opposite sides of the windows to reflect and give the illusion of more light. As Tommy says, "It's so bad it looks good!" Virtual is also something that is so good a fake that it looks real. "The pyramids are virtual mountains, hauled block by block up to the plateau from the Nile" (Roth 169). This quote further proves the idea of virtual meaning so good a fake it appears real. Th pyramids are not mountain, however, because of there mass and form they appear to be geometric versions of mountains.

The fireplace Jefferson manufactured in Monticello. 

His technique involved adding acorns in between the molding. (Above)

Technique. A way of carrying out a particular task, esp. the execution of performance of an artistic work or a scientific procedure. In Monticello, Jefferson used all local materials to build the structure. Also, in Monticello Jefferson placed acorns in between the spaces of the molding on his fireplace. Jefferson also borrowed technique from the french when designing his home. "Eventually these become just as commonplace as metal framing, which was itself a highly novel technique when used for building ..." (Roth 41). This quotation explains how good technique can be used to create beauty. 

Jefferson invented a dumbwaiter, which is a rolling cart. 

It was constructed for one person to roll out and serve

 guests instead of many servants doing the job. (Above)

Public / Private. Open and closed. Jefferson had one third of Monticello designed for his own personal space. He was also embarrassed about having slaves work for him, so he built the kitchen and staff areas under his house so no one could see the slaves. The food was brought up from the kitchen and placed onto a revolving service station, this also prevented his guests from seeing his servants. In Monticello, Frankie W. designed dark hallways to prevent people from walking to the other end (where the private bedrooms where) and stay in the guest area. "Saying that beauty and elegance in public construction are worth having" (Roth 137). "The nobles moved to Paris, where they erected spacious private houses, hotels, in what were then outskirts of the city" (Roth 389) These quotes allow you to understand the importance of public buildings being delightful for the people and private spaces being secluded for personal use.

Falling Water was constructed in an extremely modern 

way for Wright's time. It's language expresses how 

advanced he was. (Above)

 

Language. A method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way. In Monticello, one gets the essence of being sent back in time. Through language the design remains old but timeless. Falling water was constructed of local stone in an extremely modern way. Wright's design seems like it was built just a few years ago but in reality it was erected over seventy years ago. He was completely ahead of his time. YOU GO FRANKIE, YOU GO AGAIN! 

In my fantastical visit to Monticello and Falling Water I was able to experience and view many different elements of architecture. Craft is always one of the most important components to design. If you're going to do something, do it fit and proper. Technique applies in the same way. It's all in the details lovey. Overall, one's craft and technique creates a language that explains your untold thoughts. Also, with virtual imaging one can create images that illustrates the public and private spaces of a home. YOU GO FRANKIE, YOU GO AGAIN AND AGAIN.