AIT-SAP explores the spectacular journey of Frank Lloyd Wright, father of modern architecture

To keep progressing in a field continuously, one needs to remain an eternal learner. And to remain so, one must remember and respect the teachers and founding figures of the discipline. Prof Vivek Sabharwal, Director at the Apeejay Institute of Technology – School of Architecture & Planning (AIT-SAP) did just the same very recently. An alumnus of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, Prof Sabharwal paid tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the greatest figures of modern architecture on the occasion of his 155th birth anniversary. The ceremony was organised at the AIT-SAP campus and was attended by students and teaching faculty. 

Prof Sabharwal is the first Indian architect to receive a Master’s degree in Architecture from Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture in the USA. During the session, he gave the students a glimpse into the life of Frank Lloyd Wright, who was born in 1867 in Richmond Center, Wisconsin, USA. 

Considered as the the father of modern architecture, Mr Wright had designed over 700 buildings during his illustrious career which spanned upto more than 60 years. He planned and designed some of the greatest landmarks in the world including Fallingwater House, Robie House, Johnson Wax building, Usonian Houses, the Guggenheim Museum and the Imperial Hotel, among many others.

Addressing the audience, Prof Sabherwal explained the concept of experiential education that is learning by doing, which was the foundation of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. How hands-on experience helps budding architects to understand the nature of materials and the way in which the materials found an appropriate place in architecture. He further enlightened the students by explaining Mr. Wright’s unique understanding of the concept of space, which makes him stand apart from other architects even today. 

Moreover, Prof Sabharwal mentioned that Frank Lloyd Wright often used the term “Organic Architecture” to describe his body of work.  He characterised organic architecture as architecture appropriate to time, place and man.

Some of Frank Wright’s most significant works including his two homes, Taliesin East, located in Wisconsin, and Taliesin West, located in Arizona were showcased during the session to explain his architectural philosophy to the audience.  Prof Sabharwal also elaborated on Frank Wright’s principles of organic architecture through the Fallingwater House designed in 1935. The structure is recognised worldwide as a milestone not only in Mr. Wright’s career, but also in the field of architecture.

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“Mr. Wright’s timeless legacy and perennial principles of space utilisation are a torch bearer to contemporary students of Architecture. I urge all the budding architects of today to learn from Mr. Wright’s life and works and strive for excellence at all times.” 

Prof Vivek Sabharwal, Director of Apeejay Institute of Technology – School of Architecture & Planning (AIT-SAP)