Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Grady Gammage Auditorium


Grady Gammage Auditorium is located on the campus of Arizona State University and is a building well known to anyone who studies architecture.  It is a Frank Lloyd Wright design that he originally envisioned to be built in Baghdad, Iraq.  It surely wouldn't be standing today if it had been built there.  In 1957, the president of ASU, Grady Gammage had a mission to create a distinct university auditorium.  He contacted his close friend, architect Frank Lloyd Wright who revised his Baghdad plans to accommodate a perfect spot on the ASU campus.  Neither Gammage or Wright lived to see the building built.  Both died in 1959.  Construction began in 1962 with Grady Gammage, Jr. turning the first shovel.  The design was described as having outstretched arms welcoming all to ASU.


The light fixtures I featured yesterday line the flying buttresses on either side of the auditorium.  They light the walkways that lead to the upper levels of the auditorium.

16 comments:

Thérèse said...

I had no idea of the origins of this well known building. Beauty combined with history, dance and plays. Thks.

Kate said...

Monday Mystery solved! Frank Lloyd Wright was definitely a genius. Although I like this design, esp. where it sits with its "outstretched arms," it makes me think uncomfortably about our sports dome in Minneapolis. I'll have to shake that image from my mind!

brattcat said...

a beautiful building in a jewel like setting.

Unknown said...

This is amazing and the shots are just great! Very interesting information too.

Teresa said...

As I was just reading the latest Phoenix mag, I didn't know that Frank Lloyd Wright died that long ago and I certainly didn't know he was that old (91!).

This is a really interesting building. I would like to do more research on him and his architecture.

Teresa said...

P.S. Looks like a carousel without the horses!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Very unusual building Sharon and quite a story behind it. I really like the design of the lighting over the walkway, so unique.

Judy said...

I should have recognized that light. I have seen this building so many times. I guess I was thinking of Phoenix, not Tempe.
Beautiful shots of the place!

Magpie said...

Such interesting history of the building. Glad it's here.

Catalyst said...

My guess was a wild one as I hadn't seen the building in decades.

Anonymous said...

Ahhh...I have been there once to see Peter, Paul and Mary - many moons ago.

RedPat said...

I don't think I have ever seen a pic of that building! I do like those light fixtures.

Regina K said...

I did not know this building, love Frank Lloyd Wright and that does make it a well known building.

Jack said...

Now, this is an unusual building. I sure would not have identified it as a Wright building. It is quite different from all others I have seen.

Randy said...

One of my favorite buildings.

Karl said...

A very beautiful building, Sharon, interesting story too.