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Posted by hipstomp | 27 Aug 2007
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Comments (3)
While we've never found frequent flaws in the Fallingwater founder's designs, Boston Globe writer Ken Johnson criticizes some of the architect's beliefs currently on display in the Portland Museum of Art's "Frank Lloyd Wright and the House Beautiful" exhibit.
"...Wright thought the open plan reflected a more democratic, flexible, and modern way of life, but it can be argued that his designs reduce privacy and freedom by exposing all members of the family to relatively unimpeded surveillance and control. A family that does so much of its living in one room must be either unbelievably harmonious or very well trained by whoever holds the reins of power."
We can't say we agree with Johnson, but judge for yourself; the article and his other opinions on what Frank got wrong are here.
via boston globe
Comments
I would not say he is wrong, rather not always right. Believe it or not no two people are the same and so there is no universal solution that is perfect for everyone. That is perhaps the only way in which he was wrong.
Ken Johnson's attitudes aren't necessarily wrong, but they do reflect an interesting and significant paradigm shift. In Frank Lloyd Wright's time, there was probably little need for family members to seek refuge from one another. In Ken Johnson's time, it's only natural and he questions the motives for or need to design any other way. Neither is wrong ...for their own time. Draw what conclusions you like about each of their worlds.
What bothered me about the article was not his criticism of Wright -- I'm a fan, but I don't expect everyone else to be -- but that he worked his opinions into a review of a museum exhibition. His comments were about Wright's work in general, not the items on display. I think his review was a disservice to the readers of The Boston Globe who deserved a proper review of a major event.