Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Wright's wrong
FL Wright enjoyed flaunting his wealth, but I wonder if he realized what he was doing in this case.
He bought a '41 Lincoln and had it customized. All wrong.
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In houses Wright's theme was constant. Cantilevers and clerestories. Flat roof, strong horizontal lines, NO arches or circles, lots of windows, open spaces, open furniture.
The Lincoln Zephyr was radical, but it was radically OPPOSITE to Wright's radicality. The Zephyr pulled all the 'popouts' of previous cars into a smooth egglike oval. Wright's custom trick added even more eggs; worse, they were clumsily dissonant eggs.
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What would a proper Wrightian vehicle look like?
Instant answer: Streetcars. This 'Narragansett' open car piloted by Polistra is just Wright. Flat roof, cantilevers, clerestories. open sides, open furniture.
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What was the first automobile to move toward Wright? The Ford Ranch Wagon.
By 1960 most cars had some Wright. Flat roof, long overhangs, lots of strong horizontal lines, minimal pillars. The Corvair even had a flat cantilevered engine.
He bought a '41 Lincoln and had it customized. All wrong.
= = = = =
In houses Wright's theme was constant. Cantilevers and clerestories. Flat roof, strong horizontal lines, NO arches or circles, lots of windows, open spaces, open furniture.
The Lincoln Zephyr was radical, but it was radically OPPOSITE to Wright's radicality. The Zephyr pulled all the 'popouts' of previous cars into a smooth egglike oval. Wright's custom trick added even more eggs; worse, they were clumsily dissonant eggs.
= = = = =
What would a proper Wrightian vehicle look like?
Instant answer: Streetcars. This 'Narragansett' open car piloted by Polistra is just Wright. Flat roof, cantilevers, clerestories. open sides, open furniture.
= = = = =
What was the first automobile to move toward Wright? The Ford Ranch Wagon.
By 1960 most cars had some Wright. Flat roof, long overhangs, lots of strong horizontal lines, minimal pillars. The Corvair even had a flat cantilevered engine.
Labels: Asked and answered
¶ 5:15 PM
