Graycliff: Wright on the Lake

Transcription

1 Session ID: TH-0510 This presentation is protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, display and use of the presentation without written permission of the speaker is prohibited. 1

2 This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to constitute approval, of any method, product, service, enterprise, sponsorship or endorsement by any organization planning and/or sponsoring Main Streets. t The statements t t expressed dby speakers, panelists, and other participants reflect their own views and not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the AIA, AIANYS, AIA components, or those of their respective officers, directors, members, employees or any other organization associated with them and involved in the planning and production of this program. Questions related to specific products and services may be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation. Learning Objectives Learning Objective 1: Provide a clear understanding of what defines a cultural landscape and the elements of the Graycliff CLR. Learning Objective 2: Demonstrate how intangible cultural values are reflected in tangible, designed landscapes to include the influence of owners Darwin and Isabelle Martin and their design professionals, Frank Lloyd Wright and Ellen Biddle Shipman. Learning Objective 3: Define the methodology used to identify and understand historic significance, character, and character-defining features to appropriately guide future stewardship and thereby choose a sound future direction for the Graycliff landscape. Learning Objective 4: Interpret the findings and broader concepts within the Graycliff CLR project so that participants can apply them to their own project work. 2

3 Graycliff Conservancy Mission The Graycliff Conservancy, Inc. is a not-forprofit organization dedicated to restoring and preserving the Frank Lloyd Wrightdesigned Graycliff Estate as a publicly accessible landmark. 3

4 History of the Graycliff Estate 1926: Frank Lloyd Wright commissioned to design summer cottage for Isabelle and Darwin Martin : Construction : Martin family in residence C. 1950: Purchased from Martin Family by Piarist Fathers 1997: Purchased from Piarist Fathers by newly formed Graycliff Conservancy, Inc. The Graycliff Estate: A Complex Whole Three Buildings Set within 8.4 Acres of Landscape Isabelle R. Martin House Foster House Heat Hut On a bluff overlooking Lake Erie 4

5 Graycliff Cultural Landscape Through Time Martin/Wright Landscape 1926 to 1928 Martin/Wright/Shipman i 1929 to 1931 Martin/Foster 1932 to 1950 Piarist Fathers 1951 to 1997 Graycliff Conservancy, 1997 to Present Wright Design for Graycliff,

6 Frank Lloyd Wright s Landscape Design: Graycliff Frank Lloyd Wright ( ) Distinguishing himself from other architects, The idea that the house was a frame, the lower story of which was transparent, for the distant view of a large body of water, establishes Graycliff among Wright s most important integrations of architecture and landscape. Kathryn Smith Wright saw the entire site as a visual field where the gardens and landscape were treated with as much importance and purpose as the building itself. -- Kathryn Smith Rejection of historical garden models from England, Italy, etc in favor of the treatment of plans as abstract sculptural forms that continued architectural forms and intentions into the landscape Treatment of the garden as a spatial composition rather than as a composition of decorative surface patterns The use of water features such as pools, fountains and cascades to introduce movement and reflection The use of Japanese principals of landscape gardening. Frank Lloyd Wright s Landscape Design: the influence of Japan Conceiving of the landscape garden around his buildings as ideal natural scenery Wright in Japan, first in 1905; then from Integrating the building[s] into the external world by extending the gardens into the surrounding environment through the use of shakkei or borrowed scenery Introducing water features to link the site with the external world Conceiving the entire visual field as the precinct of the site 6

7 Shipman Planting Design, Ellen Biddle Shipman, greatest garden maker in America, 1920s , Shipman develops landscape plans 1931, culmination of Wright and Shipman designs, Martin influence Ellen Biddle Shipman, 1930s Planting 7

8 Graycliff, Post Depression, A Retreat 1931 to 1942, Great Depression and WWII 1935 Darwin D. Martin dies Removal of Wright elements & landscape change Piarist Era Graycliff, 1950s -1990s 1943 Isabelle Martin dies 1950s, Piarist Fathers Residential & school use Many additions and changes in landscape 8

9 Graycliff Conservancy Era, 1997-Present Graycliff Conservancy ownership Remnants of Wright & Shipman landscapes Removals of non-historic building structures Restoration of historic building exteriors & structural repairs Losses to landscape zones, features & character Public tours and access Piarist Building Additions Removed 9

10 Restoration of Building Exteriors Completed What is a Cultural Landscape Report? Research & Analysis Based Document Yields a comprehensive understanding of the landscape through time Identifies significant landscape character and features Analyzes change over time Establishes preservation goals Provides interpretive content Guides management and treatment Provides plan for phased implementation Aids in project support & funding 10

11 Cultural Landscape Report 1. Conduct Historic Research, Narrative, Historic Period Plans 2. Document Existing Conditions, Augment Survey, Lidar Cliff Face Record 3. Analyze Historic Landscape Features & Character 4. Prepare Landscape Treatment Preservation & Restoration Details 5. Identify Implementation Priorities, Phasing & Costs 6. Develop Maintenance Plan with Staffing, Skills, Calendar 7. Submit Drafts, Hold Hands-on Work Sessions, Finalize Report Graycliff Landscape Units 11

12 Unity of Landscape & Architecture The environment and the building are one The grammar of the house is its manifest articulation of all its parts Integral to the site, to purpose and to owner Site, structure, furnishing - decoration too, planting as well - all these become as one in organic architecture Frank Lloyd Wright Plan,

13 Graycliff, 1928 Period Plan Initial Completion: Wright-designed Drive, Pool, Sunken Gardens, Esplanade, Tennis Court, Home Grounds Wall, Tree Plantings Wright: Primary Design Principles Views: House was designed to act as a frame to view the main feature, Lake Erie. Esplanade: Sunken Garden was intermediary between house and lake. Plant Materials: Informal tree massing, gardens as limited highlight, deference to lake scenery. Unified Composition: Landscape designed as spatial composition, not decorative surface patterns. Water Features: Water introduced, pools connect property to central natural feature, Lake Erie. Japanese Influence: Japanese principles of landscape gardening, especially borrowed scenery were employed. (Drawn from Kathryn Smith essay and Heritage Landscapes analysis.) 13

14 Frank Lloyd Wright on Site Integration Wright design as constructed Adjusted off cardinal points for light Land side entry - irregular pool, porte-cochere, turf, and drive Lake side - sunken garden with rock mosaic angles and low walls Integration of materials, landscape and architecture Local limestone Ellen Biddle Shipman Plan, 1930 Shipman working within Wright s organization, retaining drive, masonry, sunken beds, trees, adding definition of spaces, framing/screen plantings 14

15 Graycliff, 1931 Period Plan Summer 1931 Pivot Point - Wright Pool remains, Shipman plantings begin Shipman Plan for Esplanade,

16 Graycliff, 1937 Period Plan Shipman & Martin, pool removed, maturation of plantings- Home Grounds, Depression-era fruit-vegetable gardens Graycliff, 1967 Period Plan 16

17 Graycliff Conservancy Era, 1997-Present Graycliff 2008 Existing Conditions Piarist removals complete New survey & cliff face Lidar scan Building restoration progress Stair Tower, deteriorated Cliff face failed, bench fallen Trees matured - additions & losses, character change Pool rebuilt temporary with plantings Poor soil fertility, slow plant growth rates New drives, parking compromise meadow, pines 17

18 Graycliff Cliff Lidar Image by TVGA Consultants Current Use, Maintenance & Operations Graycliff Landscape Use Assessment Typical Visitor & Tour Uses Staff and Volunteers Use Issues of Accessibility & Safety Access & Parking Current Landscape Maintenance & Operations Tasks and Seasonality Staffing and Responsibilities 18

19 Graycliff Analysis Compare Period Plan 2008 Existing Conditions Character-Defining Features Overview Quantitative Summary: Codes Used - track through time Designed, Constructed, Retained, Altered, etc. Itemized by Area and Feature Prelude Preservation Treatment Historic elements, present & remnant direct care in interventions CDFs Summary - what is present and missing 19

20 Graycliff Landscape Significance Sole intersection of Wright & Shipman Important commission for Wright in difficult time, Martin as business supporter Significant mid-career design Integrated architecture and landscape with water Graycliff Landscape Treatment 2008 Existing Conditions Proposed Landscape Restoration Plan 20

21 Graycliff Landscape Restoration Proposed Landscape Restoration Plan target summer 1931 Graycliff Landscape Restoration Target landscape restoration date, 1931 Regain landscape character to works of Wright and Shipman Reinforce sense of wonder and seclusion in unique lakeside setting Evoke engaging character of property during the Martin era Recapture historic visual relationships to extent possible Apply sustainable measures, drainage management inland Enhance visitor experience- enjoyment, education, interpretation 21

22 Speakers & Contact Information Sarah LeVaun Graulty, Heritage Landscapes LLC Preservation Landscape Architects & Planners Reine Hauser, Graycliff Conservancy