Hollyhock House Plan Donald Gardner

Hollyhock House Plan Donald Gardner: An Architectural Masterpiece

Hollyhock House, designed by renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright for Aline Barnsdall in 1917, stands as an architectural marvel in the vibrant neighborhood of East Hollywood, Los Angeles. This iconic residence is celebrated for its unique design and its significant contribution to the development of modern architecture.

Gardner's Hollyhock House plan, also known as the "Aline Barnsdall Residence Plan," is a detailed blueprint of the original design. It showcases Wright's innovative use of geometry, materials, and space, revealing the intricate details of the house's layout and construction.

Architectural Features

The Gardner plan highlights the following architectural features of Hollyhock House:

Geometric Patterns: The house is characterized by its distinct geometric forms, including rectangular and trapezoidal shapes. These shapes are evident in the floor plan, exterior walls, and decorative elements.
Textile Block Construction: The exterior walls of Hollyhock House are clad in handmade textile blocks, designed by Wright to resemble hollyhocks, Barnsdall's favorite flower. These blocks create a unique texture and lend a decorative touch to the facade.
Open Floor Plan: The main floor of the house features an open and spacious floor plan, with the living room, dining room, and kitchen seamlessly flowing into each other. This design promotes a sense of openness and allows for easy movement between spaces.
Central Courtyard: At the heart of the house lies a central courtyard, surrounded by a covered walkway. This courtyard provides natural light and ventilation to the interior spaces, creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere.
Staircase Tower: A prominent staircase tower rises from the ground floor to the second floor, serving as a sculptural element. The tower is decorated with intricate tilework and features a spiral staircase leading to the upper levels.

Historical Significance

The Gardner plan not only provides insights into the architectural design of Hollyhock House but also its historical significance. The house was commissioned by Aline Barnsdall, a prominent arts patron and socialite, who envisioned it as a cultural center for the community. However, due to financial constraints, the house was never fully completed, and Barnsdall eventually donated it to the city of Los Angeles.

Today, Hollyhock House is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and is owned and operated by the city of Los Angeles. It is open to the public for tours and events, showcasing the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright and the architectural heritage of Los Angeles.

Conclusion

The Hollyhock House Plan Donald Gardner provides a comprehensive understanding of the design and construction of this architectural masterpiece. It reveals Wright's innovative use of geometric patterns, textile block construction, and open floor plans. This plan serves not only as a blueprint for the original design but also as a historical document that sheds light on the significance of Hollyhock House in the development of modern architecture.