Thursday, September 18, 2014 continued
What better way to cap off our Wisconsin visit with Tom and Mary than with a good feed.
our travel diary for family and friends (formerly known as lloydnalex’s travel blog) (you may forward our blog to close friends but thank you for not re-posting our photos or words)
Thursday, September 18, 2014 continued
What better way to cap off our Wisconsin visit with Tom and Mary than with a good feed.
Thursday, September 18, 2014 continued
The First Unitarian Meeting Hall of Madison is another "must see" Frank Lloyd Wright icon. Commissioned by the First Unitarian Society in 1946, construction began in 1949 and was completed in 1951.
The Auditorium begins under a lowered ceiling which sweeps dramatically upward to an inspiring light-filled prow of wood and glass behind the rostrum.
The ceiling's graceful curves suggest, in Wright's words, "the wings of a bird in flight" and belie the flat plane of the copper roof above it.
The seating is designed to allow people to face each other as well as the minister. The cushioned double and single benches can be rearranged or removed for varied activities such as dinners, concerts or performances.
So, what do Unitarians believe? According to their web site;
"First Unitarian Society is a community where curious seekers gather to explore spiritual, ethical and social issues in an accepting and nurturing environment. Unitarian Universalism supports the freedom of conscience of each individual as together we seek to be a force for good in the world."
In other words, whatever they want to believe.
I believe they have a very stunning set of old and new architecture.
Thursday, September 18, 2014 continued
Ok, it's another Wright building but there is a twist. A convention center on the shores of Lake Monona in Madison, Wisconsin.
Although Frank Lloyd Wright's original 1938 design for this building was rejected by the county board, he continued to seek support for the plan (and alter its design) until his death in 1959. In 1990, Madison Mayor resurrected Wright's proposal. In 1997, nearly sixty years after Wright's original inception, Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center opened its doors.
Entry hall.
Theatre.
Wright made several alterations to the design of Monona Terrace during his lifetime. Although the exterior design is Wright's, the interior as executed was designed by former Wright apprentice Anthony Puttnam of Taliesin Associated Architects.