Architecture Behind Johnson Wax Building – Racine, Wisconsin: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Masterpiece

The Johnson Wax Building in Racine, Wisconsin, stands as a testament to the innovative mind of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Completed between 1936 and 1939, this architectural masterpiece revolutionized office design with its unique features.

Its most iconic elements are the “lily pad” columns that support the structure, giving it a distinctive and modern look.

Wright’s vision extended beyond these columns.

He incorporated Pyrex glass tubing into the building’s design, allowing natural light to flood the interiors.

This element not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal but also promoted a healthier work environment. More on the building’s design can be found here.

Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, the Johnson Wax Building remains a significant part of America’s architectural heritage.

Its streamlined, curving lines embody the essence of Wright’s innovative approach, setting a benchmark in modern architecture.

The building’s blend of form and function continues to attract admirers and architecture enthusiasts from around the world.

Historical Context and Significance

The Johnson Wax Building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, stands as a landmark of architectural innovation and holds historical and cultural significance.

This section explores its commissioning by S. C. Johnson & Son and its recognition as a National Historic Landmark.

Commissioning by S. C. Johnson & Son

In the late 1930s, S. C. Johnson & Son, a company renowned for its cleaning products, sought to build a new headquarters.

Herbert F. “Hib” Johnson, the head of the company, commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design this iconic structure in Racine, Wisconsin.

Wright’s innovative design aimed to create an inspiring workspace that departed from traditional office buildings.

The building features unique elements like lily-pad columns and glass tubing, showcasing Wright’s commitment to organic architecture.

The project’s goal was to reflect the company’s progressive spirit and commitment to quality.

Despite initial high costs and challenges during construction, the building came to embody a bold vision of the future, pushing the boundaries of architectural design.

Recognition as a National Historic Landmark

The Johnson Wax Building gained recognition for its architectural significance and innovative design.

In 1976, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, reinforcing its status as an important cultural and historical site.

The American Institute of Architects also acknowledged the building’s contribution to modern architecture.

Architectural Design and Innovation

Frank Lloyd Wright’s design of the Johnson Wax Building in Racine, Wisconsin, is a hallmark of innovative architecture.

The building’s unique features include the dendriform columns in the Great Workroom, the use of clerestory windows for natural light, and the distinctive structure of the Research Tower.

Dendriform Columns and Great Workroom

The Johnson Wax Building is famous for its dendriform columns in the Great Workroom.

These columns, also known as “lily pad” columns, resemble the trunks and canopies of trees. Each column expands at the top to form a wide, flat surface, creating an uninterrupted floor space below.

The columns are not just visually striking but also functional. They distribute weight effectively, which allows for a more open and flexible workspace.

The design reflects Wright’s commitment to Organic Architecture, aiming to harmonize the building with its environment and the people using it.

Wright’s choice of materials also stands out.

The columns are reinforced with concrete, providing the necessary strength while maintaining a sleek aesthetic. This combination of form and function makes the Great Workroom a standout feature.

Clerestory and Illumination

Clerestory windows play a crucial role in the illumination of the Johnson Wax Building.

These windows, positioned high on the walls, allow natural light to flood into the interior spaces.

Wright’s strategic placement of these windows reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Natural light enhances the workspace, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.

The clerestory windows are designed to diffuse light evenly, preventing harsh shadows and glare.

This not only improves the visual comfort of the employees but also supports Wright’s philosophy of integrating natural elements into architecture.

The use of natural light aligns with the principles of Streamline Moderne design, which emphasizes smooth lines and modernity.

By incorporating these windows, Wright managed to create a timeless and efficient lighting solution.

Research Tower Structure

The Research Tower is another notable aspect of the Johnson Wax Building.

Completed in 1950, this tower stands out due to its unique structural design. Wright designed the tower with a distinct cylindrical shape, featuring alternating bands of glass and brick.

The horizontal bands of glass provide ample natural light to the interior lab spaces.

This design not only ensures that the workspaces remain bright but also offers panoramic views of the surroundings.

The alternating brick sections add to the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.

Wright’s innovative approach extends to the tower’s internal structure.

The core of the tower houses utility elements, allowing the exterior to remain uncluttered. This clever use of space maximizes efficiency and functionality, making the Research Tower an integral part of the Johnson Wax Headquarters.

Construction and Materials

The Johnson Wax Building showcases Frank Lloyd Wright’s innovative architecture through its use of glass tubing, cantilevered mezzanines, and intricate detailing inside and out.

Innovative Use of Glass Tubing

Frank Lloyd Wright used Pyrex glass tubing to create unique lighting and window solutions in the Johnson Wax Building.

Thousands of glass tubes were assembled to allow natural light to filter into the workspace.

This glass tubing provided a diffused glow, enhancing the building’s atmosphere.

It was also used in the skylights and some walls, making the structure feel open and airy.

The tubes were both practical and aesthetic, providing insulation against the Wisconsin weather while maintaining Wright’s commitment to design and function.

Cantilevered Mezzanines and Furnishings

The mezzanines in the Johnson Wax Building were designed to be cantilevered, creating a sense of space and flexibility.

Rather than using traditional supports, the mezzanines appear to float, supported by hidden steel beams. This design allowed for open, unobstructed areas, which were intended to foster collaboration.

To complement this, furnishings by Steelcase were custom-made to fit the building’s design.

These pieces were sleek, modern, and aligned with the building’s aesthetic, offering both form and function.

Exterior and Interior Detailing

The exterior of the building features red brick, laid in a distinctive pattern, further highlighting Wright’s attention to detail.

The interior detailing is equally impressive, with custom-made furniture and built-in features that blend seamlessly with the architecture.

Wright also designed the famous “lily pad” columns, which expand outward at the top, mimicking the organic forms found in nature.

These columns were not just decorative but also integral to the structural integrity of the Great Workroom.

The combination of these elements creates a cohesive and breathtaking space, embodying Wright’s vision of unifying architecture and nature.

Cultural and Architectural Influence

The Johnson Wax Building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, has a significant impact on modern architecture and reflects Wright’s unique design principles. Its influence extends beyond its own walls to other notable works by Wright and modern architectural practices.

Impact on Modern Architecture

Frank Lloyd Wright’s design for the Johnson Wax Building introduced innovative architectural elements that have inspired countless architects.

The “lily pad” columns and open-plan office were groundbreaking at the time.

These columns, resembling the shape of a forest canopy, provided both aesthetic value and structural integrity.

Wright’s use of natural light and open spaces influenced the design of modern office buildings.

The building’s streamlined aesthetic and functionality align with the principles of Modern Architecture, emphasizing form and simplicity.

Materials like Pyrex tubing and curvilinear forms in the Johnson Wax Building also inspired other structures.

For example, Wright’s Guggenheim Museum in New York exhibits a similar penchant for fluid, organic forms, making Wright a pivotal figure in shaping contemporary architectural design.

Comparative Analysis with Other Wright Works

When comparing the Johnson Wax Building to Wright’s other works, several similarities and differences emerge.

Like the Unity Temple and the Larkin Administration Building, the Johnson Wax Building emphasizes functionality and innovation.

The Unity Temple’s use of concrete for both structure and design is mirrored in the practical yet artistic approach seen in the Johnson Wax Building. Similarly, both the Larkin Building and the Johnson Wax Building were designed as corporate headquarters, blending form with function.

In contrast, Wright’s Price Tower in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, deviates by introducing vertical elements absent in the Johnson Wax Building.

Wright’s Oak Park Home and Studio highlights residential design elements, which are not present in the industrial-focused Johnson Wax Building.

Furthermore, the SC Johnson Research Tower, adjacent to the Johnson Wax Building, extends Wright’s principles with its vertical integration and emphasis on light and space.

This comparative analysis shows how Wright adapted his core ideas to various contexts and needs, reinforcing his influence on multiple architectural styles and functions.