Wright's lost office reborn: a step back in time to san francisco
A remarkably preserved field office once used by Frank Lloyd Wright has emerged from decades of obscurity, offering a rare glimpse into the architect’s working methods and creative process. Visitors can now immerse themselves in the space as it appeared in the 1950s, thanks to a meticulous reconstruction at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania.
A journey through wright’s workspace
The office, originally designed in 1951 by Wright and his associate Aaron Green in San Francisco, had spent three decades languishing in storage. ‘It’s had a rather convoluted journey to Erie,’ explains Caleb Pifer, president and CEO of the Hagen History Center. ‘But thankfully, we managed to save it.’
The team painstakingly rebuilt the structure, board by board, mirroring Wright’s original design. The space, a 3,000-square-foot immersive center, is a testament to the dedication required to restore such a significant piece of architectural history. ‘It’s largely self-supporting,’ notes Mark Schmitz, a trustee of Taliesin Preservation, ‘sitting on the original floor plan without needing structural support.’
But the reconstruction goes far beyond mere replication. The center employs advanced technology to create a truly authentic experience. Visitors encounter a video of ‘Wright’ – an actor meticulously portraying the architect – addressing them as a client, discussing his principles of organic Architecture and his relationship with nature. Proximity sensors trigger reactions from the actor, adding an element of interactive engagement.
‘We wanted to humanize the man,’ says Pifer. ‘If you don’t understand Wright, his story, his theories, and the nuances of organic Architecture, can you truly appreciate the design?’ Beyond the actor, the exhibit is replete with details: the shuffle of San Francisco outside the windows, the ringing of phones, and the echoes of apprentices and clients. Interactive elements, including art glass design and Froebel block play, further deepen the connection to Wright’s thinking.
A legacy preserved
The Hagen History Center’s restoration isn’t just about preserving a building; it’s about safeguarding a legacy. From the smallest doghouse designed by Wright to his monumental Marin County Civic Center, the field office embodies the breadth of his work. ‘You see the gamut of his work in his later life,’ Schmitz adds. The exhibit opens Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m., costing $14 per person.
Ultimately, this isn’t just a museum; it’s a portal to understanding one of Architecture’s most influential figures. It’s an opportunity to witness, firsthand, how a singular vision can shape the built environment – and to appreciate the enduring relevance of Frank Lloyd Wright’s ideas.