Cut and Assemble Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House

Book excerpt: Designed in 1908 as a suburban residence for a Chicago businessman, the Robie House embodied the full spirit of Frank Lloyd Wright’s pioneering "prairie school" of design. Today, this masterpiece of modern architecture remains a classic example of the builder’s ideas and ideals. Long, low, streamlined and exemplary of the prairie’s spaciousness, the Robie House profoundly influenced the course of American architecture — so much so that a model of Wright’s innovative structure has long been on display at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan. Now model builders as well as lovers of fine architecture can construct an accurate three-dimensional model of the Robie House, and thereby discover for themselves the harmonious interrelationships of parts and numerous other design details that make this home a world-famous architectural masterpiece. Printed in full color on sturdy card stock, the model comes complete with step-by-step instructions and exploded diagrams. A series of multi-level horizontal planes includes balconies, platforms, a porch and entrance court, while easy-to-follow directions clearly explain how to cut, fold and glue walls, doorways, windows, roof and other features. Students of architecture, miniaturists and paper engineers will delight in recreating an outstanding example of American residential architecture, which, in Wright’s own words, has become "a source of worldwide inspiration."