Three Centuries of Design

I had to stop and get a closer look at this fascinating landmark known as The Frank Lloyd Wright Spire during a recent trip to Scottsdale. I toured Taliesin West a few years ago and learned the story behind this. During an interview with the Phoenix Gazette in 1957 two years before his death, Frank Lloyd Wright doodled a building design for the Arizona State Capital. A few weeks later he unveiled his pro bono design to the city of his desert-oriented hexagonal-domed complex he called the "Oasis" that would be built at Papago Park.

Wright's estimated five million dollar venture was rejected by the city, however in 2004, one of the spires meant for the complex was recreated at the corner of Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard.  I learned from the guides at Taliesin West that this constructed design made Wright the first architect to have his designs built in three centuries with the first design dating back to 1887.

The Spire looks completely differently at night with it's brilliant blue glow.  It's illumination system includes 142 , 8 foot lamps ranging in size from 30 to 96 inches.