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.
I had no idea of the origins of this well known building. Beauty combined with history, dance and plays. Thks.
ReplyDeleteMonday 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!
ReplyDeletea beautiful building in a jewel like setting.
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing and the shots are just great! Very interesting information too.
ReplyDeleteAs 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!).
ReplyDeleteThis is a really interesting building. I would like to do more research on him and his architecture.
P.S. Looks like a carousel without the horses!
ReplyDeleteVery unusual building Sharon and quite a story behind it. I really like the design of the lighting over the walkway, so unique.
ReplyDeleteI should have recognized that light. I have seen this building so many times. I guess I was thinking of Phoenix, not Tempe.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots of the place!
Such interesting history of the building. Glad it's here.
ReplyDeleteMy guess was a wild one as I hadn't seen the building in decades.
ReplyDeleteAhhh...I have been there once to see Peter, Paul and Mary - many moons ago.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have ever seen a pic of that building! I do like those light fixtures.
ReplyDeleteI did not know this building, love Frank Lloyd Wright and that does make it a well known building.
ReplyDeleteNow, 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.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite buildings.
ReplyDeleteA very beautiful building, Sharon, interesting story too.
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