One typically does not consider the floral designs required by Barnsdall to be a good match for the harsh lines and square angles used in house.
In order to accommodate the needs of the design and those of the owner, Wright used hollyhocks and floral designs to help soften the harsh lines created by the concrete. This allowed the work to flow, rather than to bring out the contrast created by these two opposing elements. Contrast is the key to Wright's work. However, this is difficult ground from a design perspective, as one must be careful not to make the building seem out of place in the natural landscape. Consider the following photo and the contrast between the concrete walls set against the rolling green hills in the background.
Photo Credit: Christy Rogers, 1998
This is an excellent example of how lines were used to contrast and draw attention to the natural landscape, rather than acting as a separate element. Notice how the angle of the top edge of the roof closely matches that of the hills in the background. This is a typical design feature of Wright's work and the central reason why his buildings appear to be a natural part of the landscape, rather than an imposition. Similar design elements can be seen throughout Hollyhock House and many other Frank Lloyd Wright pieces.
On the interior of the house, Wright uses light and shadow to highlight the design elements of the house.
Photo Source: Marry Sullivan, 1999.
This attention to light and detail is what gives Wright's work the dramatic overall effect for which he is famous. Wright pays attention to close-up detail, without sacrificing the overall visual effect.
The design of Hollyhock House is not without criticism. Wrights' ceilings have been called "claustrophobically low." One of the key criticisms of Hollyhock House is that is not a friendly, comfortable house. The stark lines can make is appear to be cold and stark. It is more like a museum than a house. Therefore, the final intention of the design must be questioned. It might be noted that Barnsdall only lived in the house before donating it to the City of Los Angeles for use as an art center. Hollyhock House has also been criticized for resembling a Mausoleum more than a home environment. Its walls have...
Hollyhock house inspired Post-war house design and the transition into streamlined design of the Eames Era. As architects tackle the challenges of designing buildings that combine function with the natural beauty of the surrounding environment, they can look to Hollyhock House and other works of Frank Lloyd Wright for inspiration.
Works Cited
Friends of Hollyhock House. Hollyhock House (1921). http://www.hollyhockhouse.net/hhhistory.html. Accessed December 11, 2007.
Galinsky. Hollyhock House: Los Angeles. www.galinsky.com/buildings/hollyhock/index.htm. Accessed December 11.
Lockley, W. California Romanza. Hollyhock House, Hollywood, California. Historic Buildings Survey. 2004. http://www.waltlockley.com/hollyhock/hollyhock.htm. Accessed December 11, 2007
National Historic Landmarks Program. Barnsdall Complex, Aline. http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=853494857&ResourceType=Building. Accessed December 11, 2007.
Sullivan, M. Aline Barnsdall House (Hollyhock House). http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/wrightholly/holly2.html. Accessed December 11, 2007.
Friends of Hollyhock House. Hollyhock House (1921). http://www.hollyhockhouse.net/hhhistory.html. Accessed December 11, 2007.
Ibid. par. 1
Galinsky. Hollyhock House: Los Angeles. www.galinsky.com/buildings/hollyhock/index.htm. Accessed December 11.
Sullivan, M. Aline Barnsdall House (Hollyhock House). http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/wrightholly/holly2.html. Accessed December 11, 2007.
National Historic Landmarks Program. Barnsdall Complex, Aline. http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=853494857&ResourceType=Building. Accessed December 11, 2007.
Lockley, W. California Romanza. Hollyhock House, Hollywood, California. Historic Buildings Survey. 2004. http://www.waltlockley.com/hollyhock/hollyhock.htm. Accessed December 11, 2007
Loekley, Ibid.
