Land acknowledgement is important because we must honor the land that we are on, the people the land was stolen from, and work for restoration and giving the land back. Sustainability is so much more than "saving the earth". Sustainability includes creating a sustainable future for everyone, especially those are marginalized by colonialism and white supremacy. We must follow the lead of indigenous people because they understand best how to care for the land and live a life in a way that honors it.
Frank Lloyd Wright was also heavily influenced by indigenous iconography. Particularly the petroglyphs that were on the land where he built Taliesin West. Particularly the square symbol in which he saw two hands holding each other and that inspired the logo for his foundation, to represent community, respect, teamwork and fellowship.
Frank Lloyd Wright was also heavily influenced by indigenous iconography. Particularly the petroglyphs that were on the land where he built Taliesin West. Particularly the square symbol in which he saw two hands holding each other and that inspired the logo for his foundation, to represent community, respect, teamwork and fellowship.
This quote shows how important it was to Frank Lloyd Wright to take into account the environment his buildings were placed, and to make the architecture sing with the natural world instead of work against it. He built pools in front of the open windows, to cool the breeze before it hit the buildings, he finds shapes in a natural aspect (triangle from the ocotillo plant) and is inspired by its geometry, and colors to compliment the native flora and fauna.
Here is my mood board, including blueprints, window glass design, ocotillo, images of rooms and architectural features, and a vintage photograph of frank working with his apprentices.
My color board comes from Fashion Snoops and WGSN A/W 2022/23 color forecasts, the exact hue being slightly altered to match exact colors as those used at Taliesin West.
Key Features of Taliesin Wests Architecture
- triangular shapes- inspired by the ocotillo cactus
- low long stairs- so visitors felt like they were gliding up and down to different levels
- non continuous lines- inspired by the angles of the mountains
- pools- for easy access to kitchen for fire safety, as well as air conditioning on hot days when the breeze blows up the foothills.
- Big windows- put in later after being convinced by his wife, originally open to the elements
- Canvas roofs- roofs that came down and were stored during the winter months when not inhabited
- Custom furniture- Frank Lloyd wright made furniture so guests would see the room from the perspective he wanted when they sat.
- Indigenous Iconography- there is no doubt that Frank Lloyd right took inspiration for most of his work (not just Taliesin West) from the indigenous people of the surrounding area. From his logo, the colors he chose, to his own design theory and practice there are obvious ties to indigenous design and theory.
My first knit is an intarsia, with a print of Frank Lloyd Wrights foundation logo, inspired by the petroglyphs found on the land Taliesin West is built on.
Second knit is a disconnected rib inspired by the non-continuous lines of Taliesin West.
My third knit is an aran design inspired by the pergola over "butterfly way" a walkway lined with bougainvilleas lining the walkway to attract butterflies . The long x shape of the overhang is inspired by the Navajo symbol for butterfly.
My fourth design is a waffle knit with variegated 3ply yarn, inspired by the squares in the canvas roofs, as well as the plush square pattern of the seats in both the theater and the cabaret room.
My final design is inspired by Frank Lloyd Wrights print, textile, and stained glass work. I created a geometric fair isle design.
Here is an example of final application of these knits texture mapped.
Here is me after the tour of Taliesin West where I got my information and inspirations for this project.
I got my information on indigenous lands through the Native Land app.
I got my information on indigenous lands through the Native Land app.