Famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright made numerous contributions to Florida throughout his illustrious career. The most impressive of them is located in Central Florida, where Wright designed the Child of the Sun buildings on the campus of Florida Southern College in Lakeland – the largest single-site collection of his work. Featured on the Travel Channel’s “10 Things You Don’t Know About” Florida episode, this campus is truly a work of art.
 
Meet the Architect

Frank Lloyd Wright, a pioneer of organic architecture, was born in Wisconsin in 1867. His career as a master architect spanned more than 70 years and has inspired architectural enthusiasts around the world. Common themes throughout his creations include the incorporation of natural elements and materials.

Quickly rising to fame in the United States at the turn of the century, Wright moved to Europe in 1909 to deepen his craft. He later returned to his home country and at the age of 67 received a telegram from FSC President Dr. Ludd Spivey asking him to build a modern campus in Lakeland.
 
Explore the Architectural Treasures

Erected in the midst of orange groves, the campus reflects obvious influences from its natural environment, with structures ranging from traditional chapel, low-level buildings to a breathtaking water dome. Some students took part in building these structures in exchange for their tuition. Construction began during World War II, when many young men were enlisted in the armed forces – meaning many of these laborers were women. Twelve out of the 18 structures were built from 1941 to 1958.

In 1992, the Child of the Sun Visitor Center opened, and today it boasts a permanent display of photographs, furniture and drawings depicting Wright’s relationship with the college. The visitor center also acts as a home for visiting exhibits on loan from various Wright sites, and fans come from as far as Japan, the United Kingdom and Canada to see one of his last masterpieces.

Campus restoration architect Jeff Baker works on upgrading the existing structures while restoring their original features to remain in line with Wright’s vision. The complex and complicated process is challenged by the fact that it’s not a museum site; every year, scores of students go about daily life amidst the campus’ architectural treasures. “One of the most beautiful things about Wright’s architecture is that what you see is what you get,” Baker says.

Take the Walking Tour

Those who fancy learning more about Wright’s legacy can drop by Florida Southern College and step into an architectural playground. Mark Tlachac, a docent at the school and lifetime Wright enthusiast, welcomes numerous visitors every year and wants everyone to know that a day there “will stir their imagination – the beauty and inventiveness of it is just incredible.”

All tours start at the visitor center and make their way in a circular route around the campus, stopping at:

Thad Buckner Building: Originally the campus library, this building now houses the visitor center and gift shop and hosts staff meetings.

Annie Pfeiffer Chapel: With no windows on the first floor and a markedly Native American influence in the interior details, this chapel – the tallest building on campus – can be seen from any part of FSC.

William H. Danforth Chapel: This small meditation chapel donated by William Danforth and completed in1955 contains the original redwood floors and boasts magnificent colored stained-glass windows.

Polk County Science Building: The school’s science building, completed last in 1958, contains the only planetarium Wright ever designed.

Lucius Pond Ordway Building: This glass pavilion designed for the arts has several wings, each with a unique purpose, and is home to the round Fletcher Theatre.

Carter, Walbridge, Hawkins Seminar Building: This series of three small seminar buildings is made out of textile blocks and features a small courtyard between each. The blocks are different colors and incorporate materials that were available on site or nearby, including sand and seashells.

Water Dome: Constructed to be a campus focal point, this water dome was built in 1948 before the capability of adding running water was available. Thanks to a 2007 grant, the dome was restored with the technology to support Wright’s original concept.  

Emile E. Watson – Benjamin Fine Administration Buildings: Sun screens over the windows of these two structures are designed in abstract hexagon forms resembling butterflies. A small courtyard between the buildings contains a striking pool.

Make Memories

For those who want to bring home memories of their time on campus, a DVD by Tlachac takes viewers on a walking tour of the campus. The video is available in the campus’ Child of the Sun Visitor Center.

FSC President Anne Kerr recognizes the significance of the campus’ architecture. Describing Wright’s work there as a “symbol of the American dream,” she says that the curriculum is based on experiential learning, as students are taught to apply what they learn to real-world issues. This philosophy is not unlike Wright’s philosophy on building. Ironically, the school doesn’t currently offer an architecture program for students, but one is in the works.

“The architecture is memorable to prospective students who visit. They remember it, and many say that it has captured their imagination,” Kerr says. “There are also many international and national visitors who come to the campus to see his work. If you are a Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiast, it is just thrilling.”

What to Do Nearby

While you will want to spend a good portion of your day touring the campus, keep in mind there are a plethora of other opportunities to soak up art and culture in Lakeland. Polk Museum of Art boasts an exciting exhibition schedule, as well as a captivating permanent collection and countless educational workshops for all ages. Nearby, visitors will find Explorations V Children's Museum, which is dedicated to fueling the imagination of children. For those interested in all things related to flight, the Sun 'n Fun fly-in aviation museum and education center offers a collection of planes and flight simulators, plus daily air shows.

All in all, a visit to Florida Southern College’s Child of the Sun buildings is worthwhile for architecture and art fans. Come and enjoy one of the finest collections of American architecture.

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