Taliesin Fellowship and the Evolution of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture
The legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright extends far beyond his iconic buildings; it lives on through a unique approach to architectural education. Founded on the principle of Learn by Doing, the Taliesin Fellowship began as a radical departure from traditional academic instruction, emphasizing a holistic integration of the arts and practical experience.
The Founding of the Taliesin Fellowship
In 1931, Frank Lloyd Wright and his wife, Olgivanna, envisioned a school at Taliesin in Spring Green that would merge architecture with other fine arts. Their prospectus invited scholars and artists to join a program where painting, sculpture, music, drama, and dance were treated as essential divisions of architecture. The goal was for these artistic disciplines to serve as catalysts for broader learning.
However, the economic pressures of the Great Depression made the initial plan for an endowed school unattainable. Consequently, in 1932, the institution was established as an apprenticeship program. Wright was famously skeptical of conventional architecture schools, which he viewed primarily as exponents of engineering rather than true art. He viewed his students not as scholars, but as comrade apprentices who contributed to his work while learning the craft.
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Throughout the fellowship's history, these apprentices played vital roles in some of Wright's most significant projects, including the Guggenheim Museum in New York, Fallingwater, and the Johnson Wax Headquarters. This hands-on tradition continued even after formal accreditation, with apprentices contributing to the work of Taliesin Associated Architects on projects such as Monona Terrace until the legacy firm disbanded in 2003.
Transition to the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture
As professional licensing requirements evolved, the need for a degree from an accredited institution became mandatory for those wishing to sit for the Architect Registration Examination. To prevent the program from becoming obsolete, the fellowship transitioned into the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. Despite Wright's historical antipathy toward formal schooling, the program achieved full accreditation in 1986 under the leadership of Dean Tom Casey.
The school's journey toward independence began in 2014 when the Higher Learning Commission challenged its accreditation, citing the need for independent budgeting and governance separate from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. This led to a legal separation in 2017, and the institution was renamed The School of Architecture at Taliesin, though it continued to operate from the historic Taliesin and Taliesin West campuses.
The Modern Era: The School of Architecture
The early 2020s were marked by significant instability. On January 28, 2020, the school announced it would close by June 2020, citing an unsustainable business model. This decision followed failed negotiations between the school's board and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation regarding the implementation of non-accredited educational programs. At the time, the school sought to transfer its 30 enrolled students to The Design School at ASU's Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
In a surprising reversal six weeks later, the board announced that new funding had made the school financially viable. Despite the expiration of the agreement with the Foundation on July 31, 2020, the school board expressed its intent to continue operations and reopened admissions.
To maintain its accreditation and operations, the school relocated to the historic campuses of Cosanti and Arcosanti in 2020, rebranding simply as The School of Architecture. By 2023, the institution moved again to Cattle Track Arts in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1932 as an apprenticeship program (following a 1931 prospectus).
- Core Philosophy: "Learn by Doing," integrating fine arts into architectural study.
- Major Projects: Apprentices contributed to Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum.
- Accreditation: Achieved full accreditation in 1986.
- Recent Locations: Moved from Taliesin/Taliesin West to Cosanti/Arcosanti (2020), and finally to Cattle Track Arts in Scottsdale (2023).
| Period/Year | Entity Name | Primary Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1932 - 1986 | Taliesin Fellowship | Apprenticeship Program |
| 1986 - 2017 | Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture | Accredited School |
| 2017 - 2020 | The School of Architecture at Taliesin | Independent Accredited School |
| 2020 - Present | The School of Architecture | Independent Entity |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original purpose of the Taliesin Fellowship?
It was designed as a place where students could "Learn by Doing," studying architecture alongside painting, sculpture, music, drama, and dance to achieve a broader artistic education.
Why did the fellowship become an accredited school?
The transition was necessary because of changing licensing requirements that required architects to graduate from an accredited institution before taking the Architect Registration Examination.
What is the relationship between the school and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation?
The school was originally part of the Foundation but legally separated in 2017 to meet accreditation requirements for independent governance and budgeting.
Did the school actually close in 2020?
Although a closure was announced in January 2020, the board reversed the decision six weeks later after securing new funding, allowing the school to remain open.
Where is the school located now?
As of 2023, the school is located at Cattle Track Arts in Scottsdale, Arizona.