Taliesin West - Frank Lloyd Wright Designed Buildings on Waymarking.com

The seed that grew into Taliesin West began not as a grand scheme, but a simple need. Frank Lloyd Wright and his apprentices had traveled a long distance from his Taliesin school in Spring Green, Wisconsin to build a resort hotel in Chandler, Arizona. Because they were far from home, they set up camp on a stretch of the Sonoran Desert near the construction site.

This early encampment contained little more than temporary shelters made of wood and canvas. However, Frank Lloyd Wright was inspired by the dramatic, rugged landscape. He envisioned an elaborate complex of buildings which would embody his concept of organic architecture -- architecture which evolves from and blends with the environment.

In 1937, the desert school known as Taliesin West was launched. Following in the tradition of Taliesin in Wisconsin, Wright's apprentices would study, work and live in shelters they crafted using materials native to the land.

Lugging stone and sand, the students constructed "desert rubblestone" buildings which seemed to grow from the earth. Wood and steel beams supported translucent canvas roofs. Natural stone combined with glass and plastic to create surprising shapes and textures. Interior space flowed naturally into the open desert.

For awhile, Taliesin West was a retreat from the harsh Wisconsin winters. Eventually, air conditioning was added and students stayed through the fall and spring.

At Taliesin West, the desert is never still. Over the years, Wright and his students made many changes, and the school continues to evolve. Today, the 600 acre complex includes a drafting studio, Wright's former architectural office and living quarters, a dining room and kitchen, several theaters, housing for apprentices and staff, a student workshop, and expansive grounds with pools, terraces and gardens. Experimental structures built by apprentice architects dot the landscape.

According to the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Taliesin West is one of 17 buildings in the United States which exemplifies Wright's contribution to American architecture.


Taliesin West today houses The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation (fundraising), The Frank Lloyd Wright Memorial Foundation (archives), and The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. The Taliesin Association of Artists, a group of architects dedicated to the spirit of the founder, is also onsite at Taliesin West.

There is a broad array of public tours depending on the season and the time available for your visit. Recommended reading includes "Taliesin and Taliesin West" by Kathryn Smith and "Tales of Taliesin" by Cornelia Brierly.

Year Completed: 1937-1959 and beyond Commissioned By: Frank Lloyd Wright Nearest City or Town: Scottsdale, AZ Public/Private: Public Tours Available?: yes Website: [Web Link]

Visit Instructions:
There are no specific visit requirements, however telling about your visit is strongly encouraged. Additional photos of the building or house to add to the gallery are also nice, but not required. Pictures with a GPS or you in them is highly discouraged.

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Date Logged Log User Rating   04/19/2024 WicketMike visited it 06/10/2022 Forrest Clan visited it 01/29/2022 Rock Chalk visited it 02/27/2017 jdrob30 visited it 02/25/2015 40 visited it 12/19/2014 kingbee visited it 02/11/2014 merlot visited it 10/31/2013 tugies visited it 08/11/2013 Poehunters visited it 08/11/2013 philbeer visited it 06/07/2013 ILuvAZ visited it 05/20/2012 Go Boilers! visited it 03/22/2012 IMWhere? visited it 10/01/2011 roadrunners visited it 02/17/2011 The_Simpsons visited it 08/05/2009 ljyeager visited it 07/16/2009 adgorn visited it 04/04/2009 rosefair visited it 04/04/2009 shannapug visited it 03/17/2009 Rayman visited it 03/16/2007 run26.2 visited it 10/20/2006 desert georangers visited it 04/25/2006 daniel_boone visited it 02/14/2006 GeoGrands visited it 01/24/2004 Tiger-n-wyld visited it

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