SC Johnson Headquarters, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Racine, Wisconsin, showcases innovative architectural techniques. The administration building’s Great Workroom is supported by slender, tree-like columns, enabling expansive glass walls that flood the space with natural light. Despite initial skepticism from the Wisconsin Industrial Commission, Wright demonstrated the columns’ strength by piling 60 tons of sandbags on one, leading to approval and the building’s completion in 1939. The headquarters also includes a unique walkway, custom-designed furniture, and artistic glass elements, with ongoing restoration efforts preserving its historical integrity.
The Great Workroom
Frank Lloyd Wright, renowned for his iconic residential designs like Fallingwater and the Robie House, also left a significant mark on commercial architecture. His work for the SC Johnson Wax company headquarters in Racine, Wisconsin, has impacted more lives daily than any of his other masterpieces.
The building’s standout feature is the celebrated Great Workroom within the administration building. This half-acre open space is defined by nearly 60 dendriform columns, each 21 feet tall, resembling tree trunks. These columns, often referred to as lily pads, support the roof, allowing for walls partially made of glass tubes, which maximize natural light during the day.
As part of CBS Road Trip 2013, Daniel Terdiman explored Wright’s architectural ingenuity, particularly how he managed to accomplish what many believed to be structurally impossible.
Overcoming Skepticism
Despite SC Johnson’s enthusiasm for Wright’s vision, the Wisconsin Industrial Commission initially rejected the design. The commission doubted the ability of the slender, 21-foot columns, with a base diameter of just nine inches, to support the building’s roof. Their skepticism led to a denial of construction approval.
Decades after the building’s completion, one might wonder how Wright persuaded the commission. The solution: He had workers stack 60 tons of sandbags on a single column, far exceeding the 12 tons required by his design. This dramatic demonstration, captured in a 1937 photograph, convinced the commission to reverse its decision within 24 hours, cementing the building’s place in American architectural history.
Natural Light Integration
Wright’s column design eliminated the need for structural supports along the walls, which allowed for extended sections of glass tubing high on the walls. This feature enabled natural light to penetrate deep into the building.
Walkway to R&D Building
The SC Johnson headquarters also features a walkway connecting the 1939 administration building to the research and development building, which opened in 1950 as Wright’s second major project for the company.
Sitting Area and Lily Pad Columns
The administration building includes surprising elements, such as a second-floor seating area that extends over the main floor, situated beneath one of the distinctive lily pad columns.
View from Above
A view of the Great Workroom from the building’s second level highlights the expansive open space.
Artistic Glass
Wright’s use of art glass is well-documented in his residential projects, where it allows natural light while maintaining privacy. At the SC Johnson headquarters, he employed a similar technique using glass tubes, which both illuminate the interior and obscure views from outside.
Lightwell and Columns
An oval-shaped passageway within the administration building is punctuated only by Wright’s signature columns.
Spiral Staircase
The building’s restrooms are located beneath the Great Workroom, accessible via a spiral staircase.
Elevator Cage
For those who prefer not to use the stairs, Wright designed an elevator cage for the administration building.
Elevator Interior
A glimpse inside the Wright-designed elevator cage at the SC Johnson headquarters in Racine.
Tubular Skylight
The ceiling design includes a skylight with interconnected glass tubes that allow natural light to flow into the building.
Wright’s Desk Design
Employees still use desks designed by Wright, which feature three levels and reflect his famous linear aesthetic.
Swing Drawer
A drawer within the desk swings out, providing easy access to its contents.
Three-Legged Chair
Wright originally designed three-legged chairs for the staff, but after stability issues, a four-legged version was introduced.
Lighting Features
While the Great Workroom benefits from natural light during the day, artificial lighting is necessary at night.
R&D Building Restoration
The R&D building, now under restoration, has suffered wear over the years, particularly on its brick facade and glass tubing. The ongoing work aims to return the building to its original state.
Restoration Progress
A section of the R&D building shows the progress of the restoration, with some tubing replaced and other areas awaiting installation, offering a temporary view that will disappear once the work is completed.
Mounting Glass Tubes
Restoring the building’s glass tubing involves securing them onto specially designed gaskets along the building’s exterior.
Cleaning the Gaskets
Original gaskets are removed for cleaning and will be remounted for the new tubing.
Curved Tubes Cleaning
Curved glass tubes, unique to the building’s corners, are being carefully cleaned for reuse. Stacks of these tubes await cleaning.
Labeling for Reassembly
Cleaned and labeled curved tubes are prepared for precise reinstallation.
Gallery
Location
Address: 1525 Howe St, Racine, WI 53403, United States
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
