"Florida Southern College is a signature point in the visioning of American education. Now, Frank Lloyd Wright's genius is documented, revealing how he translated nature's 'occult symmetry' into organic architecture reflecting democratic ideals. Wright belongs to the pantheon of similar utopian aspirants--Flagler, Fischer, Merrick, Nolan, Disney--who came to Florida to express visions of modern life."--Bruce Stephenson, author of Visions of Eden
"Dale Gyure has crafted the first thoughtful examination of Frank Lloyd Wright's Child of the Sun campus. This book serves as a benchmark for future studies of Mr. Wright at Florida Southern College."--Randall M. MacDonald, coauthor of The Buildings of Frank Lloyd Wright at Florida Southern College
Florida Southern College in Lakeland boasts the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world. With eleven buildings planned and designed by Wright, the campus forms a rich tableau for examining the architect's philosophy and design practice.
In this fully illustrated volume, Dale Allen Gyure tells the engaging story of the ambitious project from beginning to end. The college's dynamic president, Ludd M. Spivey, wanted the grounds and buildings redesigned to embody a modern and distinctly American expression of Protestant theology. Informed by Spivey's vision, his own early educational experience, and his architectural philosophy, Wright conceived the "Child of the Sun" complex.
Much like Thomas Jefferson's famous plan for the University of Virginia, the academic village that Wright designed for Florida Southern College expresses a dramatic and personal statement about education in a democratic society. Little studied to date, this significant campus and its history are finally given the attention they deserve in this fascinating volume.
About the Author: Dale Allen Gyure, an expert in educational architecture, is associate professor of architecture at Lawrence Technological University.
