Ralph,

Reply problems again.

To critique Wright's work constricted to chronological order is too 
limiting.  His work is more complex than that.  There are the drawings, 
the engineering, the odd interpretations of the American family, 
materials, the very large (even for an architect) spheres, and the 
absolute, unquestioning loyalty of his associates.  He is the only 
architect so well known and loved by the American public.  That's got 
to mean something, although I am uncertain as to what it means.

I like White's work, a lot.  But, times have changed, and it is more 
unexpected now to design like White than like Wright, and behaving like 
either of them is passé', if not gauche.

However, I don't want to mislead you.  I respect the work of the top 
tier of well known architects of the first three quarters or so of the 
20th century, but if I have favorites, they are a lesser known group.  
I like the work of folks who worked for city, state and federal 
government agencies, and the architects who made their living serving 
the needs of regional markets.  For me the real test of the power of an 
architectural idea is how compelling it is in the hands of men and 
women who actually earn their daily bread designing, building and 
repairing architecture.

Excuse me, I have to go collect some crumbs that have fallen through 
the floor boards.

-jc

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