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An exploration of an architectural style
Your architectural design firm, Craftsman Design, has been asked to submit a proposal for a new community. The target buyers will be families of modest means.
As an example of well-designed homes for middle class buyers, he suggests your junior design team explore the Usonian style, which he mentions is connected with architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Your boss would like you to submit a one to two page report or presentation of your (or your team’s) study of this Usonian style before the senior design group. A works cited page in proper MLA citation format is required to accompany the report.
Working individually or as a team, research the Usonian Architectural Style, using Gloucester County College Library’s collection (books, periodicals, and online databases) and sources from the Web. Look at the materials listed under 'Resources.' Feel free to ask the Reference Librarian for help. At the end of your study you will be:
- Familiar with Usonian design and its unique features
- Knowledgeable about using the tools for research including: Web catalogs, periodical databases, and Internet search tools
- Skilled at summarizing your research into a presentation or a report
- Preparing a works cited page in proper MLA citation format
Your presentation or report should address the following:
I. Clearly define the term, Usonian style or Usonian design and indicate if possible:
a. The term's origins, when it was first used, and by whom
b. If the term is always used in connection with Frank Lloyd Wright
II. Include three graphics which can be from the Internet, photocopied from books, or rendered by any on your team. One graphic should be an architectural plan. Include proper citation to author of the designs and the source, and an annotation or description of the graphic. Use correct documentation for citing sources in the text.
III. Mention
a. Two existing examples of the Usonian style, city and state, and the year built. Examples can be from books, the Web, or journal articles.
b. Note any important or unique elements you would include in the new community design. What do you like about the design?
IV. Based on your or your team’s research, did you discover related architectural styles? Just note them with a brief description. These do not have to be by Frank Lloyd Wright.
V. In addition to the above items, your or the team's report should include a bibliography in proper MLA citation format of at least:
a. Two books
b. Two journal articles
c. Three or more web sites
(The works can be from 'Resources'.)
A. Use LOGIN for books
I. Click here for information on LOGIN
II. Click here to search LOGIN
B. Use EBSCO databases to find periodical articles. Access EBSCO databases through the Portal.
C. Use ProQuest Newspapers through VALE (Virtual Academic Library Environment of New Jersey) for newspaper articles. Access VALE databases through the Portal.
D. Click here for information about the World Wide Web
Origin of the term Usonia/Usonian:
(click on 'usonia' in the left frame)
Hoppen, Donald W. The Seven Ages of Frank Lloyd Wright: the Creative Process. Mineola, NY: Dover Publications, 1998, p.75.
Brown, Lesley. The New Shorter Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1993.
Website
Wright on the Web. Links to Collections, Directories & Miscellaneous Resources
Book Resources:
McCarter, Robert. Frank Lloyd Wright. London: Phaidon Press, 1999, chapter 12, p.240-
Sergeant, John. Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian Houses: the case for organic architecture. New York: Whitney Library of Design, 1984.
Periodical article:
Adelson, Fred B. "On the Trail of Frank Lloyd Wright." New York Times. 14 October 2001 : NJ.12+. ProQuest Newspapers. VALE. Gloucester County Coll. Lib., Sewell. 16 Nov. 2001 <http://www.valenj.org>.
Quotations:
Virtual tour:
Pope-Leighey House
Mount Vernon, VA
Designed in 1939
- http://www.delmars.com/flwtrip/pope1a.htm
- http://www.adsw.org/event/1997/PopeLeighey/outsideRender4-m.jpg
If your team is compiling a report of your findings, it will be handed into the senior design architect (your instructor). If your team is giving a presentation, it will be given to the class at a scheduled time. Both require a printed, annotated bibliography to be handed in.
"Every great architect is--necessarily--a great poet. He must be a great original interpreter of his time, his day, his age." Frank Lloyd Wright
By completing this Webquest, you will learn about the Usonian style of architecture and Frank Lloyd Wright. In addition, you will gain valuable experience searching for information using our Web catalog, periodical databases from EBSCOhost and VALE, and the Web itself.
Any feedback or comments regarding this Webquest, please contact: Chris Herz
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Rev. 10/07