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Thesis Maxwell

Thesis: Gregory Maxwell

This thesis evaluates rehabilitative design through a case study design project that addresses both contemporary preservation principles as well as environmental design tenets so that designers may better consider the integration of sustainability within contemporary preservation practice. The proposed project is the rehabilitation of one area of the Midway Barn at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin, located in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Research in the areas of architectural history, technology, sustainability, and design inform an iterative process that analyzes the site, climate, building, materials, systems, significance and character-defining elements. This serves as an analytical framework within which to consider the contemporary design. A final analysis of the proposal presents the lessons from the iterative research, analysis, and design process and identifies how this research may apply to other rehabilitation projects for the benefit of practicing design professionals.

This historic photo dating from around 1950-1959 shows the Midway Barn in its most complete form looking north west from the fields to the east. Courtesty of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Archives.

The Midway Barn as it is today, looking west from above. The Steer Shed roof is missing leaving the piers exposed to the elements and the composed image of the barn is not as Wright designed it. Courtesy of the Center for Architectural Conservation, Weitz

A schematic section through the Steer Shed proposes a new roof that helps remake the space part of the interpretive experience for visitors while restoring the formal composition that Wright designed. The restored roof is disconnected from the existing ba

The design proposal includes recommendations to restore three formal elements of the Midway Barn that have been lost: the long low Steer Shed roof, the Cow Barn roof extension to the twin silos, and the semicircular Machine Shed.

The schematic plan for the lower level includes interpretive space, presentation space, service space, and restrooms for visitors. Interior circulation requirements and the existing conditions inside the barn present a challenge to the layout and configur

Description: The upper level was the Cow Barn and now houses the agricultural interpretation space and a café.

Description: A rendered perspective looking north west shows the full image of the barn with the restored roof how the long low roof planes blend into the slope of the hill as Wright had intended.