ALL THINGS ARCHITECTURE SERIES

In 1914, Frank Lloyd Wright suffered a horrible tragedy when his lover was murdered. By 1915, Wright was on his way to California to escape his grief. While in Los Angeles he would evolve his style to try and create a California-specific style based on Mayan architecture. It would mark an interesting path of exploration for him that would influence him for the rest of his career.

In the late 1960s, Sears was the largest retailer in America. Their forward-looking attitude brought about rapid expansion and an optimistic view of the future. To demonstrate their innovative spirit, they commissioned structural engineer Dr. Fazlur Kahn and architect Bruce Graham from SOM to design a modern skyscraper. The story of how Fazlur and Bruce came up with the design for the iconic Sears Tower is that of legend. Join me for that fascinating story, including how a pack of cigarettes inspired the design of one of the most iconic and innovative skyscrapers in the world.

Exploring the mystery of the Winchester Mystery House. A lavish Victorian mansion with a twist. You see, inside, lies a peculiar labyrinth of rooms and corridors. Inside, visitors will find windows opening onto walls, windows in the floor, and stairs to nowhere. Who would build such a place and why? The answer to such queries can be found within its walls. 

Discover the history and plan for Walt Disney's ambitious plan for a city of the future–EPCOT.

One conversation and one house would change architecture forever, and help create Frank Gehry's signature style.

Architects William Van Alen and H. Craig Severance once had the perfect partnership, but their partnership turned into a bitter rivalry. The results of which would spark a race to construct the tallest buildings in the world. Their efforts forever changed the New York City skyline.