John King looks at how Wright's Marin County Civic Center, which the architect described as a "three-dimensional essay on the relationship between government and governed," has stood the test of time.
Designed in 1959, near the end of Wright's life, the Civic Center is described by Victor Sidy, dean of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture in Arizona, as no less than "a true realization of his ideals about society."
Although some aspects of the building have not weathered well - its roof has leaked almost from the start - King describes it as "that rarest of buildings: a popular favorite that also holds lessons for architectural scholars."
"His creation indeed is organic," says King, "sumptuous curves poured across the
landscape beneath a long low sky-blue roof, yet futuristic enough that
the building was used as a set in the science-fiction movies 'Gattaca'
and 'THX-1138.' Above all else it is confident - embracing at once the
natural setting of the tumbling hills and the imposed potential of a
structure where citizens can check out a book, go on trial, get married
and grab a quick lunch."
FULL STORY: At 50, Marin Civic Center comes of age
8 Frank Lloyd Wright Buildings Named World Heritage Sites
Eight buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright are the first works of U.S. modern architecture to be named UNESCO World heritage sites.
8 Frank Lloyd Wright Buildings Nominated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites
If accepted as UNESCO World Heritage sites, the eight Frank Lloyd Wright buildings would be the first examples of modern architecture in the United States included in that august company.
National or Regional? Finding American Identity in Architecture
In an extended discussion, Keith Eggener examines what it means for a work of architecture to be "naturally" American, and why looking at modern American styles through an intensively regional lens may be unhelpful.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service