SAMARA: the Realization of A Usonian Dream June 11, 2010

The exhibit is a collection of works (e.g., furniture, architectural plans, dinnerware) by Frank Lloyd Wright from the SAMARA home in Lafayette, Indiana that Wright designed for Dr. John Christian. Christian still occupies and maintains the house in strict accordance to Wright's wishes. Wright developed a series of Usonian homes in 1936 during the Great Depression to control costs by leaving out attics, basements and ornamentation. Usonia is Wright's abbreviation for United States of North America. Wright's usonian architecture offered a distinctly American style affordable for "common people." The homes were small, one-story structures made of brick, wood and other natural material and set on concrete slabs with piping for radiant heat. Features included low roofs, open living areas, and car ports. Despite Wright's aspirations toward simplicity and economy, Usonian houses often exceeded budgeted costs.