Californian textile block

From 1917 to 1924 Frank Lloyd Wright spent much of his time in California, and there created a small number of buildings that remain classics of American architecture. Using a groundbreaking building process, which he called his "textile block system" these buildings were constructed with precast concrete blocks, molded with decoration on both sides and inset with glass to allow light to filter through in interesting patterns. The prototype was one of Wright's most famous buildings, "Hollyhock House," influenced by ancient Mayan design and built for heiress Aline Barnsdall in the Hollywood Hills. In these colorful pages, visit the Hollyhock along with some of Wright's most distinctive textile block structures, including the Ennis, Millard, Freeman, and Storer houses, as well as the controversial Arizona Biltmore Hotel. Rich illustrations and an insightful text showcase an American original at his creative best.