Ep 6. Frank Lloyd Wright: Part 2

Frank Lloyd Wright: Part 2 is the sixth and final episode of season 1 of Ken Burns: American Lives. This episode is a continuation of the previous one and chronicles the life of Frank Lloyd Wright after his triumphant return to America from Europe in 1911.

The episode begins with Wright designing Taliesin, his iconic home and studio in Wisconsin, which would serve as a showcase for his organic architecture philosophy. The episode explores his personal life, including the turbulent relationship with his wife and multiple affairs, as well as his professional struggles and triumphs.

One of Wright's major professional achievements during this period was the design of the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. The episode showcases the challenges he faced in designing a building that could withstand earthquakes, as well as his innovative design solutions that incorporated traditional Japanese elements.

The episode also delves into Wright's personal tragedy: the murder of his lover and her children at Taliesin by one of his employees. The incident had a profound impact on Wright, and he viewed it as a sign of his own mortality. The episode explores how this event influenced his subsequent work and led to a period of artistic experimentation and renewal.

Despite these personal and professional challenges, Wright continued to design iconic buildings in the United States, including Fallingwater, a house built over a waterfall in Pennsylvania. The episode showcases the unique challenges he faced in designing the house, including working around the natural elements and dealing with a demanding client.

The episode concludes with Wright's final years, as he continued to work on new designs and publications, even as his health began to decline. The episode explores his legacy, both as an architect and as a cultural icon, and the enduring influence of his ideas and designs on American architecture.

Overall, Frank Lloyd Wright: Part 2 is a poignant and insightful exploration of one of America's greatest architects. The episode showcases Wright's personal and professional struggles, as well as his triumphs and his enduring legacy. It is a fitting conclusion to an excellent first season of Ken Burns: American Lives.