Taliesin, Wisconsin, USA - Frank Lloyd Wright's estate and architectural legacy

We're visiting Taliesin, Wisconsin, USA. Taliesin was the home and studio of the world-famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959). On a guided tour of the house, we explore this architectural masterpiece. We're in Wisconsin! The gently rolling, rural landscape feels strangely familiar: it could just as easily be one of Germany's low mountain ranges. Here in the countryside, near the village of Spring Green, lies a magnet for all architecture enthusiasts: Taliesin, the estate of Frank Lloyd Wright! Frank Lloyd Wright was a pioneer of Prairie School architecture with its pronounced horizontal lines, flat roofs, and open floor plans. He coined the term "organic architecture", according to which buildings should blend harmoniously into their surroundings and grow organically from nature. Even those unfamiliar with the architect may have seen his most famous work: the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Here in rural Wisconsin, Wright didn't just build a house. He created his personal refuge and experimental space, which he shared not only with his family but also with the Taliesin Fellowship, his students, and assistants. Today, Taliesin Preservation manages the approximately 3 km² (800 acre) property with its various buildings. Different tours are offered, but these should be booked online. We are visiting the house where Frank Lloyd Wright lived and worked for almost 50 years. The name Taliesin is Welsh and means "Shining Brow." And just like an eyebrow, the over 3,400 m² (37,000 sq ft) building nestles against a hillside above the Wisconsin River; it doesn't stand atop it. What we see today is already the third version of the house. Taliesin I, built in 1911, was burned down in 1914 by an employee who also killed seven people, including Wright's then-partner. Taliesin II burned down again in 1925, this time due to a short circuit. Taliesin III, which still stands today, was constantly expanded and modified by Wright until his death in 1959. There is even another Taliesin, Taliesin West in Arizona, which Wright used during the cold winter months starting in 1938. But we are here at Taliesin East. Accompanied by our guide, we explore the work and living spaces. The use of local materials, such as yellow limestone, light-colored plaster, and wood, makes the building feel very inviting and welcoming. East Asian art from Wright's extensive collection is found throughout. The furniture perfectly complements the architecture. Narrow hallways open into spacious, light-filled rooms. Frank Lloyd Wright rejected monumental architecture; he wanted to tailor the spaces to human proportions. In some places, low ceilings were intended to create a sense of intimacy, which is particularly evident in the bedrooms. The architect based the human proportions on his own height of approximately 1.70 m (5'7"). Taller visitors have a problem in the house; they constantly have to duck and watch their heads to avoid bumping into things. It's remarkable that Wright chose this architectural and psychological strategy nonetheless! Today, Taliesin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It embodies the moment when American architecture found its own identity, independent of European models. Our tour lasted about 1.5 hours, was highly interesting, and definitely worth the detour! For more information, please turn on the video subtitles! If you enjoyed it, please like and subscribe to the channel so you don't miss anything. The complete channel playlist for our trip to the USA can be found here:    • USA Roadtrip   Visit in May 2024 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:35 Driving through Wisconsin 01:48 Taliesin Visitor Center 02:22 Frank Lloyd Wright's House 05:46 Garden 06:39 Outro