Architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright "Johnson Wax Administrative Building"

Summary

The Johnson Wax building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a masterpiece of modern architecture that combines innovation, technical mastery, and aesthetics. Completed in 1938, it was a symbol of the company’s power and ambition. Wright's design featured groundbreaking elements like mushroom-shaped columns, a vast open office space, and translucent Pyrex tubes. Despite initial doubts and rising costs, the building became an iconic representation of the future of workplace design. It embodied the ideals of family, work, and modernity, cementing Wright’s legacy and revitalizing both his career and the Johnson company.

Takeaways

• 😀 Frank Lloyd Wright's Johnson Wax Building in Wisconsin is considered one of his greatest architectural masterpieces, blending innovation and organic design.
• 😀 The building features 60 reinforced concrete columns that taper and spread out at their tops, creating a technical feat that initially seemed impossible.
• 😀 The legend of Wright's engineering prowess was cemented when the columns were tested to hold more than the required weight, reaching 60 tons before they collapsed.
• 😀 Wright designed the building to symbolize the Johnson company, incorporating the concept of 'family' and cutting off external views to create a unique interior environment.
• 😀 The office space within the building was revolutionary, with 200 employees working in a vast, open space without partitions or traditional divisions.
• 😀 The building was designed to be a 'fortress,' with minimal external openings and a secretive main entrance, emphasizing the company's self-contained nature.
• 😀 Wright integrated natural elements into the design, such as using hollow, mushroom-shaped columns and ensuring the building was well-lit and 'breathing' like a living organism.
• 😀 Pyrex tubes were used for the building's facades, adding a unique design element while offering light without transparency, a pioneering move in architectural materials.
• 😀 The building's design was not just about aesthetics but also efficiency, with a significant increase in employee productivity attributed to the environment Wright created.
• 😀 Though the building faced technical and financial difficulties, it ultimately became a symbol of modernity and innovation, influencing both architecture and the Johnson company’s corporate identity.

Q & A

What was the unique design feature of the columns in the Johnson Wax Building?

The columns in the Johnson Wax Building were hollow, reinforced concrete pillars shaped like mushrooms. These columns supported the roof and created an open, airy office space, with their enlarged tops forming the ceiling and roof structure.

What was Frank Lloyd Wright’s approach to office space design in the Johnson Wax Building?

Wright designed the building with a completely open-plan office, eliminating partitions and creating a large, uninterrupted central space where up to 200 employees could work side by side. The design aimed to foster collaboration and equality among employees.

How did Wright incorporate natural light into the design of the building?

Wright used **Pyrex tubes** embedded in the walls and ceiling to allow natural light into the building while maintaining privacy. These tubes provided a diffused, soft light throughout the office space, creating a comfortable and well-lit environment.

What was the significance of the lack of windows in the Johnson Wax Building?

The lack of windows was a deliberate design choice to shift the focus away from the exterior and create an inward-facing environment where the building itself became the key visual element. The design encouraged interaction among employees rather than looking outward.

What challenges did Frank Lloyd Wright face during the construction of the Johnson Wax Building?

Wright faced several challenges during construction, including engineering skepticism regarding the structural integrity of his mushroom columns, cost overruns, and delays. The project eventually cost four times its original estimate, and the engineers had to contend with Wright's frequent design changes and improvisations.

How did Hib Johnson contribute to the realization of Wright's design despite these challenges?

Hib Johnson, the company chairman, believed in Wright’s vision despite the challenges. He continued to support the project financially, even as costs escalated, because he saw the building as a long-term investment that would reflect the company’s modern, forward-thinking identity.

What impact did the design of the Johnson Wax Building have on employee productivity?

The design of the Johnson Wax Building led to a **25% increase in employee productivity**. The open-plan office and innovative design elements created a more efficient and pleasant work environment, which boosted overall company performance.

What architectural principle did Frank Lloyd Wright advocate for in the design of the Johnson Wax Building?

Frank Lloyd Wright’s design of the Johnson Wax Building was an example of **organic architecture**, where the building’s form, materials, and design elements were harmoniously integrated to create a structure that felt alive and in harmony with its environment.

Why was the Johnson Wax Building considered a symbol of American industrial progress?

The building symbolized American industrial progress because it showcased innovation and modernity in design. Its streamlined forms, use of new materials like Pyrex, and efficient open office space embodied the optimism and forward-thinking spirit of the time.

What were some of the other unique features of the Johnson Wax Building besides the columns and open space?

Other unique features of the building included its **mushroom columns**, innovative use of **Pyrex tubes** for diffused lighting, a fully integrated design of architecture and furniture, and a **sound-absorbing cork ceiling** to reduce noise. The building also included an **auditorium**, cafeteria, and meeting spaces for employees.