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[Modernism Week 2025] John Lautner and Frank Lloyd Wright: The Inspirations of Desert Architecture

  • The Lautner Compound 67710 San Antonio Street Desert Hot Springs, California 92240 United States (map)

Join us for an exclusive presentation by renowned photographer and educator Andrew Pielage as he explores the personal connection between two of architecture’s most visionary figures: John Lautner and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Discover how Wright, the master of organic architecture, mentored a young Lautner, whose bold, futuristic designs would go on to reshape modern architecture. This captivating session delves into the shared ideals and inspirations that defined their groundbreaking work—highlighting the influence of Wright’s desert laboratory at Taliesin West on Lautner’s visionary ideas for a master-planned community in Desert Hot Springs, California.

In 1947, Hollywood movie mogul Lucien Hubbard commissioned John Lautner to create a master-planned community of multiple Lautner Living Units, a swimming pool clubhouse with an expansive pool and multiple plunge pools, and commercial spaces. Unfortunately, only the 4 prototype Lautner Living Units remained standing and were impeccably restored starting in 2008 and brought back to life by the current owners in 2012. Their resurrection of the development is now known as The Lautner Compound.

Through Pielage’s lens, you’ll explore the seamless harmony between architecture and nature that both architects championed while examining how Lautner’s fearless approach pushed Wright’s original concepts to new frontiers.

In addition, Pielage will share his journey photographing all 532 remaining Wright-designed buildings worldwide. This unique project offers an unparalleled opportunity to compare and contrast the distinctive design philosophies of Wright and Lautner.

Andrew Pielage, a self-taught photographer and owner of the Brill Gallery & Studio in Phoenix, Arizona, has over 30 years of experience photographing landscapes and over a decade dedicated to capturing Wright’s iconic structures. He is the principal photographer for two Wright books published by Rizzoli: 50 Lessons to Learn from Frank Lloyd Wright and Taliesin West: At Home with Frank Lloyd Wright. Pielage also leads photography workshops at several Wright sites nationwide, including Taliesin, Taliesin West, Fallingwater and the Phyllis and Kenneth Laurent Residence.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see Wright and Lautner’s legacies through the eyes of one of the foremost photographers of Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture. In addition to the lecture, guests can tour "The Lautner", which is comprised of 4 incredible "Lautner Living Units". This is your chance to immerse yourself in John Lautner’s spectacular and visionary architecture.

www.thelautnercompound.com

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January 24

Weekend Photography Workshop – Taliesin West Desert Living: Intermediate and Advanced Level

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February 21

Weekend Photography Workshop – Taliesin West Desert Living: Intermediate and Advanced Level [SOLD OUT]