WILLIAM JOSEPH SCHWARZ
Interviewed by Marilyn Geary
March 19, 2004
 William J. Schwarz at his studio, March 19, 2004. |
William Schwarz has enjoyed a nearly life-long professional involvement with the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and has been engaged for over 39 years with all aspects of the phased construction of the Wright-designed Marin County Civic Center. As a member of the Taliesin Fellowship in the 1960s, he participated in the preparation of architectural working drawings for the Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium and other Marin County Civic Center buildings.
When he joined Aaron Green’s firm in 1969, he continued to work on the Marin County Civic Center, providing architectural services for its construction. In 1972, Mr. Schwarz was designated by Aaron Green as Green’s replacement to serve as Associate Architect for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation on the Marin County Civic Center. He also established an independent architectural practice and served as an Associate Architect for Taliesin Architects. In 1990 he worked with Mr. Green to develop the hilltop concept plan for the new Marin County Jail. In addition, he served as project architect with Mr. Green in the design and construction of libraries, churches, justice facilities and private residences. In the excerpts that follow, Mr. Schwarz discusses Frank Lloyd Wright’s design principles and how they apply to the Marin County Civic Center and fairgrounds. CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO ASK MR. SCHWARZ A QUESTION  1. What was Frank Lloyd Wright’s approach to a building site; and, in particular, to the site for the Marin County Civic Center? 2. What did Mr. Wright want the people of Marin to experience when they went to the Civic Center? 3. Could you tell us how Aaron Green first met Frank Lloyd Wright? |
COPYRIGHT 2003, Anne T. Kent California Room, Marin County Free Library
