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The Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor, designed by the Taliesin Associated Architects (as part of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation) in the 1980’s, recently completed a more than $2.5 million renovation in May 2009. Read about it here.
Image via Sheraton
Lawrence Halprin, an internationally known landscape architect inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, died Oct. 25, 2009 at the age of 93. Read about his life and work here.
Image via jweekly.com
PrairieMod reader Karlitos S. sent us a cool link to a website about the work of William
George Mitchell. Mitchell is a groundbreaking artist who works with everything from
concrete in many experimental forms to recycled glass to aluminum. Check out more here.
Image copyright William George Mitchell
Chicago is America's "first city" when it comes to architecture, yet we continue to have a pretty checkered record of honoring that title--especially in preserving historic architecture. The sins of tearing down Louis Sullivan's Chicago Stock Exchange Building in the 1970s are being revisited by the current action of tearing down Walter Gropius-designed buildings today. Read about it at Blair Kamin's weblog here.
Image via Gropius In Chicago Coalition website
If you're looking to freshen-up some of your dresser drawers or closets with both the sweet smell of lavender and the sweet look of nature block prints, then check out these beautiful sets of handmade sachets from etsy.com seller Jewelweeds. See more here.
Image copyright Jewelweeds
Joseph Sandy's newest 350 sq ft small house design is an homage to the Usonian residences of Frank Lloyd Wright. It would be interesting to see one of these built (or at least get a peek at a perspective drawing!) Check out more here.
Image copyright Joseph Sandy
Here's a link to an article with tons of photos of a
new house by YH2_Yiacouvakis Hamelin Architectes, whose dramatic geometric forms and dynamic prow-like structure makes it look like a forgotten
shipwreck at the heart of the forest. Read more here.
Image copyright YH2_Yiacouvakis Hamelin Architectes/via MocoLoco
Check out this sturdy sideboard by designer Dave Keune. Its angular sides and sliding doors reflect a modern take on the tradition of ancient wooden chests, enclosing and
protecting precious items. See more here.
Images copyright Dave Keune
MocoLoco provides a look at designer Tomek Rygalik's modular Interlock carpet. See more here.
Here's a link to another article on the recent LEED Platinum rated log home by Image Design, LLC and Hybrid Homes, LLC. Read it here.
Images copyright Image Design, LLC
Here's a link to a very cool 2 minute animated piece that touts the power of entrepreneurs. Watch it here.
via reubenmiller.com
In honor of the Daniel Burnham Chicago Plan centennial, The Great Books Foundation has just published anniversary editions of the original 1909 book—one fairly standard edition and a special high-end/higher-price edition. Read more about it here.
Image via The Great Books Foundation
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Winnetka, IL Modernism show and sale, which will take place November 7-8, 2009. Find out the details here.
Image via Winnetka Modernism Show website
Wright Chat member TnGuy posts a lot of the great links that I share with PrairieMod readers on a regular basis. Case in point is this link to a video where Karen Sweeney, restoration architect for the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, discusses Wright's Prairie School of architecture and walks us through the iconic Robie House. See it here.
Image via veoh.com
"E.R." stands for "Emergency Restoration." As part of the South Temple roof slab emergency stabilization, more scaffolding went up and the interior of the Temple has been covered for protection. Click over to the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation blog to get more images and details (and to help support the work!)
Image copyright UTRF
Saturday, a couple of members of the PrairieMod Squad headed west to Quasqueton, Iowa to enjoy "An Afternoon with Frank Lloyd Wright" event and tour the Lowell Walter House. Read and see more after the jump...
Rockford, Illinois' only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structure, the Kenneth Laurent House, may be a public museum, if area enthusiasts can raise $2 million. Read about the effort here.
Image via wrex.com
After 21 years of being closed to the public, The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust has just announced that the Frank Thomas House will be on the 2010 Wright Plus Housewalk! This is huge news for anyone who loves the Prairie School architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright and tickets are sure to sell out extra quick. Get yours here.
Image via FLWPT
Blair Kamin's "Cityscapes" blog reports that the City of Chicago is set to demolish Michael Reese Hospital, but will spare one Walter Gropius co-designed building. Preservationists remain baffled by this half-hearted effort. Read more here.
Image via Blair Kamin's Cityscapes
Here's a cool set of felt storage pieces that look like stones, little mushrooms or a tiny mountain range. Check them out here.
Image copyright Etsy user Shkolnik
PrairieMod reader Karlitos S. sent us some absolutely fantastic links to info and images associated with progressive architect Charles A. Haertling. Get ready to lose yourself in architectural bliss for an hour or so! To see and learn more click here, here, here and here. Thanks Karlitos!
Image via BoulderMod.com
Google and The Guggenheim Museum announced the winner of the "Design It: Shelter Contest", held as part of the events around the recent Wright exhibit and the building's 50th anniversary. Find out who won here.
Image via Core77
PrairieMod reader, Karlitos S. sent us a link to Clifton Schooley & Associates website. The firm uses a really interesting, beautiful and eco-friendly building approach for their buildings and other structures called "rammed earth." Find out more about it here. Thanks Karlitos!
Check out Greencookingpots the
new line of ecofriendly cookware from Mica and Café
McMullen. The enameled cast-iron pots and pans are chemical-free and
absorb and distribute heat evenly, making for efficient cooking. No more Teflon for you!
The townhouse of late
mid-century modern architect Paul
Rudolph was featured in the October, 2009 Open House New York. (HIGHLY recommended if ever you're in NYC in the fall.) Check out some photos here.
Image copyright Evan Rose
Good news for lovers of Modern progressive architecture: Rudolph Schindler's Van Dekker Residence has finally sold and appears to be saved from a bleak future. Architectural designer, Josh Gorrell, purchased the home and has committed to its complete restoration. Read more here.
Image via Curbed LA
Unity Temple Restoration Foundation has recently announced that emergency concrete work is now underway to stabilize and restore the badly damaged south Temple roof slab. This is just one of four slabs that need this type of restoration attention and funds are badly needed to ensure this important architectural masterpiece is not lost. Follow the link to learn more and to help support the work.
Image copyright UTRF
Prospect Park, near the University of Minnesota, has faced down many challenges over the decades but the biggest one may be the encroachment of the University itself. With one-fourth of the neighborhood's houses designed by architects (including the Willey House by Frank Lloyd Wright) there's a push for historical designation (and some protection) from the onslaught of predatory development. Read more about this struggle here.
Image via Twin Cities Daily Planet
Team Hybrid and Image Design, LLC's "Watercress Project" in Pentwater, Michigan just received LEED for Homes "Platinum" certification, the highest honor from the USGBC. It also makes it possibly the first log home in the US with such a designation. Read more about it here.
Image copyright Image Design, LLC
Just a reminder that this Friday and Saturday, there will be two events in Iowa that Frank Lloyd Wright-ophiles will not want to miss. The first is in Mason City on Friday for a program about the efforts to restore two Mason City buildings
designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The second program will be the "Cedar Rock" lecture event we've posted about previously. Get details here and here.
Image via Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources
After a visit to Buffalo, NY, Karrie Jacobs at Metropolis Mag.com contemplates the many loaded issues that come with bringing lost or unbuilt Frank Lloyd Wright buildings back to life. It's a question plagued with arguments of authenticity and intent. Read her article here.
Here's another article on the plight of the Wright-designed Lamp House in Madison, WI. Read it here.
Image copyright Lukas Keapproth
Here's another article on how a developer's scheme in Madison, WI could radically affect the future of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Lamp House (1903). Read about it here.
Photo copyright Steve Apps
The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust has some very cool events lined-up for November. Check them out after the jump...
Cobre Copper recently announced some new fall specials, including a sale price on this sweet "Mission Style" copper lidded orb box. Check out more here.
Image copyright Cobre
It's a massive tree house and it's a horror for any of Michael J. Chapman's neighbors who like their privacy. Read here about how this over zealous tree house has caused quite a stir in a once friendly neighborhood.
Image via Telegram.com
Fair Oak Workshops has some new Prairie School votives available, just in time for the upcoming holiday gift season. They come in three colors, have a built-in holder for a glass votive and cast a warm glow through pierced squares when lit. Check them out and order yours here.
Image copyright Fair Oak Workshops
Here's a link to an interview with architect Eric Corey Freed of the firm organicARCHITECT about desert architecture, sustainability and Frank Lloyd Wright. Read it here.
Image via Wikipedia
I made a point to visit the Architech Gallery in Chicago to see the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit currently on display. I was treated to an unbelievable selection of museum-quality architectural renderings, photographs, artifacts and blue prints. Gallery owner, David Jameson, has succeeded in assembling a small, yet impactful exhibit showcasing Wright's legacy. I was especially taken with the original renderings (like the ones shown here of the Pew and Perry Residences). Getting close to drawings that Wright himself very likely worked on was a special experience. If you can, I would highly recommend a visit to this exhibit before it closes in December. For more info, visit the Architech website here.
Images via the Architech Gallery
I got an email from our friends at Wright in Wisconsin about their upcoming November 14, 2009 event that is not-to-be-missed! If you love the Arts and Crafts movement and touring private Frank Lloyd Wright homes, then read more after the jump...
It's amazing what you'll find stumbling around the Internet. Case in point is this really great drawing from the Ball State University archives for a Indiana Dunes State Park fountain that Prairie School landscape architect Jens Jensen did for Chicago's Prairie Club in 1932. Read more about it after the jump...
Didn't get to go to Buffalo for this year's Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy Conference? Well, then check out these three links to the FLWBC message board for a bevvy of fantastic photos from the event:
PrairieMod reader Adam F. sent me a link to a really cool development in the rebuilding after Katrina. Brad Pitt's Make It Right Foundation recently unveiled a revolutionary floating house design by Morphopediahere called FLOAT House (obviously). Read about it here and here.
If you're like me, you understand the importance of coffee in the morning (I did not have enough yesterday before I started posting). With that said, here's a really great etsy.com find for those who would like a little style with your coffee while keeping you're hand protected. Get yours here.
Image copyright etsy seller meganauman
Since 2001, the Chicago Public Library has hosted a massive book club called "One Book, One Chicago." This year's selection for the city to read is in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Burnham Plan and is titled The Plan of Chicago by Carl Smith. You can join in the fun (even if you aren't in Chi-Town) by checking out the selection and downloading a reader's guide here.
Image via Google Books
PrairieMod reader, Eric S. sent me a link to a McHenry, IL home for sale that bears several very cool Mod features. Anyone know who the architect is? Follow the link to see more.
Image via ditlove.com
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