Touring the Corbin Education Center

In celebration of Frank Lloyd Wright's birthday (officially June 8th), the Corbin Education Center at Wichita State University gave tours through their wonderful building designed by the architectural master himself. My friend Gemma and I took the first tour of the day. Our tour guides, Jane and Zach, were incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the building and of Wright as well.

The first thing I noticed when we arrived at the building was how low the ceiling was at the entrance to the courtyard. Seriously low. Art would have had to duck to get through here. Gemma wondered if Wright had been a short man in his lifetime. Turns out that was indeed the case, and he designed things for himself.

After leaving the oppressive entrance, we were welcomed with the sun and a great view of the fountain. I think if we could have gotten away with it, Gemma and I would have dipped our toes in it. It looked quite inviting!

This is one of the classrooms. The windows are almost floor to ceiling and the ones that join in the corner are actually calked together. Jane mentioned that Wright did not want to mar the view to the natural landscape beyond the window with walls and such base things.

I don't know about you, but I don't think I would have been able to concentrate on lectures with the view.

A clock. A simple thing, but unique in its design.

Here  is a shot of the computer lab. Again, another place where  I wouldn't be able to get much done!

The Corbin building was dedicated in 1964. Here is a shot from above of the dedication plaque. There is my little shadow up there. Helloooo!

From the walkway in between the two sections of the building (photos further down) I was able to get a great shot of the fountain. I want this in our backyard....it would take up most of it, but whatever!

Another view from the computer lab. Those fences are placed where the elementary education facility was supposed to be built. Sadly the building was never started.

A long view of the courtyard.

This is a lecturn in the Dean's office, also designed by Wright. Much of the furniture used in the building has the onyx and oak design. This photo doesn't do it justice. These pieces are great.

Here is the walkway from one part of the building to the next. I am so glad we had fantastic weather today!

One of the tour guides is super lucky to have this view from his office...

Another example of the low ceilings Wright employed in his designs.

This is an example of Wright's use of low to high ceilings.

From part of the courtyard.

Another simple thing, bookshelves. It's the way that those bookshelves are mounted on the wall that I wanted to capture.

Look! It's WuShock!!

Again, I was so grateful for the nice weather!

I think I will be spending some lunch breaks here...there is actually seating in between the two sections of the facility where faculty and students venture. Allegedly some awesome professors will use it as a teaching space.

If you are ever in Wichita, come to Wichita State University and see the Corbin Education Building. You will love it!

If it hadn't been for this guy, I don't think I would have the appreciation for Wright's work that I do today. Thanks, Grandpa.