Buffalo Roundabout

The visitors’ center at the Darwin Martin Complex is one of the most lovely and intriguing I’ve ever seen. The modernist glass box doesn’t compete with the blocky residence yet it’s a design marvel in its own right.

We really loved the giant plasma touch screens hanging on one recessed wall. These techno marvels share information not only about the house, its architect and its inhabitants, but also the built environment of Buffalo itself, with interactive maps showcasing some of the highlights. The orientation video was projected onto a transparent glass wall in front of a row of benches. Trés cool.

The Darwin Martin House is said to be to be Wright’s finest example of his Prairie-style architecture. The family’s fortunes took a hit during the Great Depression and Darwin died in 1935, leaving his wife Isabelle saddled with debt. She closed up the house—she never really liked it—and retreated to the family’s summer estate (also designed by Wright) on the Lake Erie shore.

The city took ownership over unpaid taxes and it had several other uses until falling into disrepair, as great houses sometimes do, until it was rescued by a Wright-loving foundation that is raising money and restoring it to its former glory. Unfortunately, much of the house was off limits to regular tour guests because it’s in various stages of restoration, but we got to see the first floor and the reconstructed stable that is now the gift shop. The Gardener’s Cottage (below) represents an affordable and utilitarian residence designed for the working class man.

People seem to either love or hate Frank Lloyd Wright. His tumultuous, scandal-ridden life is really quite fascinating. I think in some cases, you can’t have that much genius without some accompanying madness.

I like his architecture—the geometric shapes are pleasing to the eye; the way they work within the landscape, and the scale and design are comforting. And it’s not all just straight lines and flat planes. He leaves plenty of room for finely crafted detail.

You can read more about Darwin Martin and the house that Frank built here: http://darwinmartinhouse.org/.

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