The Wright Stuff: How Many Californian Cribs Did This Architect Dude Design?
Frank Lloyd Wright, the name practically screams iconic architecture. From his sprawling prairie houses to the Guggenheim Museum's head-scratching swirl, the man left his mark on the world. But did you know he also had a thing for the Golden State? That's right, California dreamin' wasn't just for the Beach Boys! Wright designed a whole bunch of buildings in the sunshine state, and we're here to dig into how many houses he actually whipped up.
Buckle Up, Buttercup, It's More Than You Think!
Now, you might be picturing a neat little number, a couple dozen Wright-designed abodes dotting the California landscape. But those expecting a quaint answer are in for a surprise. Get this: Wright designed over 100 structures in California! That's right, over a hundred! We're talking houses, commercial buildings, churches – the man was on a roll out west.
From Beach Bungalows to Desert Dwellings
Imagine cruisin' down the California coast and BAM! You stumble upon a Wright-designed beach house all cantilevered out over the Pacific. Or maybe you're trekking through the desert and spot a rugged, Wright-created dwelling made from local stone. The variety is part of what makes Wright's Californian influence so darn interesting.
The Plot Thickens: Not All Dreams Became Reality
Now, here's the thing. While Wright designed over 100 structures, not all of them actually got built. There are a few reasons for this. Maybe the client blinked at the price tag (Wright wasn't exactly known for bargain-basement architecture). Or perhaps some of his designs were just a tad too, well, Wright-y for the local building codes. Whatever the reason, some of his Californian dreams remained just that – dreams.
So, How Many Wright Houses Can You Actually Visit?
Alright, alright, enough with the suspense. If you're itching to see a real-life Wright creation in California, you're in luck. There are still around 26 buildings standing that were designed by the man himself. These range from the iconic Hollyhock House in Los Angeles (seriously, that place is a must-see for architecture buffs) to various private residences scattered throughout the state.
So, there you have it! The next time you're cruising California, keep your eyes peeled for a Wright creation. You might just stumble upon a hidden gem designed by the master himself. And who knows, maybe you'll even get some serious design inspiration for your own Cali crib (though, budgeting for a Wright-worthy masterpiece might be a different story entirely).