Unity Temple, Chicago
Unity Temple is made of poured concrete, which was a groundbreaking
idea in 1905. Photo by Ken.
A house designed by Wright in Oak Park. Photo: Yo Hibino.
Unconvential exterior of Unity Temple. Photo: Yo Hibino.
Exterior. Photo: Yo Hibino.
Closer look at the distinctive pillars. Photo: Teresa Hsu.
Unity Temple entrance. Photo: Teresa Hsu.
Unity Temple interior. Photo: RaYuela.
View of the intimate interior from the gallery. Photo: Yo Hibino.
Interior windows. Photo: Teresa Hsu.
The Unity Temple in Chicago is a Unitarian Universalist church designed by celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright, a member of the congregation who lived nearby.
Dedicated in 1909, the Unity Temple is one of 17 of Wright's structures to earn special recognition from the American Institute of Architects as representative of his contribution to American culture.
History
Wright had lived in the village of Oak Park for over 15 years when he designed Unity Temple. At the turn of the century, Oak Park was a community of about 12,500 residents situated along the streetcar lines just west of Chicago.
The up-and-coming community had recently won political independence from its neighbors and was a welcoming audience for innovative, daring architecture. Wright had established his home and studio in Oak Park, just a few blocks from Unity Temple, and many of his early works were created here.
When the church Wright attended burned down after a lightning strike in 1905, Wright was asked to design a replacement. The project was not without its challenges: Wright had a small budget of just $40,000 and a noisy corner lot to work with.
But the gifted architect rose to the occasion, and the unique new church was dedicated in 1909. Wright was very proud of his creation, and said of it later:
"Unity Temple makes an entirely new architecture—and is the first expression of it. That is my contribution to modern architecture. And that, to me, is modern architecture."
"Unity Temple is where you will find the first real expression of my idea that the space within the building is the reality of the building."
The U.S. Department of the Interior designation Unity Temple a National Historic Landmark in 1971. Most published works on the genesis of modern art and architecture acknowledge the seminal position of the church at the beginning of modern architecture. Unity Temple is the last remaining public building of Wright's "golden period," the era in which he founded the Prairie School of architectural design.
A century later, Unity Temple still feels groundbreaking. It attracts more than 25,000 visitors a year, almost half of whom come from outside the United States. It is also still in regular use for church services, community events and concerts.
One drawback to Wright's bold new use of poured concrete has been its poor aging. The church has suffered from significant structural deterioration since the 1970s, and has been frequently repaired and restored to maintain safety.
A major restoration project is currently underway, with the goal of completion by the building's 100th anniversary in 2009. In addition to preserving Wright's masterful work, the Restoration Fund plans to install a heating system based on renewable geothermal energy — yet another groundbreaking step for this cutting edge place of worship.
What to See
Frank Lloyd Wright's building broke all the rules of traditional American religious architecture. Using poured concrete with metal reinforcements, Wright created a building that on the outside seems as forbidding as a mausoleum but inside contains all the elements of the Prairie School that has made Wright's name immortal.
Following the example of H. H. Richardson, Wright placed the building's main entrance on the side, behind an enclosure -- a feature often employed in his houses as well -- to create a sense of privacy and intimacy.
Wright felt that many of the conventions of church architecture were overpowering, and he wanted Unity Temple to be "democratic." Despite this vision, the ultimate effect of Unity Temple is grand and imperial. But with its unpredictable geometric arrangements and its decor reminiscent of Native American art, the interior is warm and beautiful.
Wright was a hands-on architect: he knew the materials he chose to use as intimately as the artisans who carried out his plans. He added pigment to the plaster (rather than the paint) to achieve a pale, natural effect. His use of wood for trim and other decorative touches is still exciting to behold; his sensitivity to grain, tone, and placement was akin to that of an exceptionally gifted woodworker. His almost-minimalist use of form is what still sets him apart as a relevant and brilliant artist.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Unity Temple |
| Type of site: | Unitarian Universalist Church |
| Dates: | 1909 |
| Architect: | Frank Lloyd Wright |
| Address: | 875 Lake St, Chicago |
| Phone: | 708/383-8873 |
| Website: | http://unitytemple-utrf.org |
| Hours: | Mar-Nov Mon-Fri 10:30am-4:30pm, Sat-Sun 1-4pm; Dec-Feb daily 1-4pm. Closed during some church events - call in advance |
| Cost: | Self-guided tours $8 adults, $6 seniors, children 5-12, and students. Price includes 45-min. guided tour (Sat-Sun on the hour 1-3pm) |
| Time: | Allow a half-hour. |
Travel Resources
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Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Unity Temple. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Chicago Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Sources
- Unity Temple Restoration Fund - official website
- Frommer's Chicago 2006
More Information
- Architectural Model of Unity Temple - Center for Religious Architecture
- Frank Lloyd Wright - Encyclopedia Britannica
