Frank Lloyd Wright's Last Great Project Turns 50

Designed in 1959, near the end of Wright's life, the Civic Center is described by Victor Sidy, dean of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture in Arizona, as no less than "a true realization of his ideals about society."

Although some aspects of the building have not weathered well - its roof has leaked almost from the start - King describes it as "that rarest of buildings: a popular favorite that also holds lessons for architectural scholars." 

"His creation indeed is organic," says King, "sumptuous curves poured across the landscape beneath a long low sky-blue roof, yet futuristic enough that the building was used as a set in the science-fiction movies 'Gattaca' and 'THX-1138.' Above all else it is confident - embracing at once the natural setting of the tumbling hills and the imposed potential of a structure where citizens can check out a book, go on trial, get married and grab a quick lunch."