Looking for Usonia: preserving Frank Lloyd Wright's post-1935 residential designs as generators of cultural landscapes
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The Department offers a five-year program leading to the Bachelor of Architecture degree. The program provides opportunities for general education as well as preparation for professional practice and/or graduate study.
The Department of Architecture offers two graduate degrees in architecture: a three-year accredited professional degree (MArch) and a two-semester to three-semester research degree (MS in Arch). Double-degree programs are currently offered with the Department of Community and Regional Planning (MArch/MCRP) and the College of Business (MArch/MBA).
History
The Department of Architecture was established in 1914 as the Department of Structural Design in the College of Engineering. The name of the department was changed to the Department of Architectural Engineering in 1918. In 1945, the name was changed to the Department of Architecture and Architectural Engineering. In 1967, the name was changed to the Department of Architecture and formed part of the Design Center. In 1978, the department became part of the College of Design.
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1914–present
Historical Names
- Department of Structural Design (1914–1918)
- Department of Architectural Engineering (1918–1945)
- Department of Architecture and Architectural Engineering (1945–1967)
Related Units
- College of Design (parent college)
- College of Engineering(previous college, 1914–1978)
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Abstract
Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian houses, relatively modest single-family residences built between 1935 and 1964, pose unique challenges for 21st century preservationists. First, while often individually and locally celebrated, they are diffused across the U.S. landscape. As such, they are less likely to be collectively recognized as objects of study, cultural significance, and/or economic development. Second, their geographical distribution prevents fully leveraging proven preservation tools such as historic district designations. Third, their modest physical scales place them at risk for demolition or removal in favor of more spacious and luxurious residences. This research posits that a preserved Usonian house can be regarded as an object that both represents and generates social discourse. These sets of beliefs and assumptions regarding the geography, history, politics, and economics surrounding an object, make up a cultural landscape. This research involves the case study investigation of eight Usonian structures currently preserved as house museums or vacation rental properties. After identifying and exploring the cultural landscapes generated by each, the paper concludes with a set of recommended practices for the preservation of similar sites.