The humble building block. For centuries, this iconic shape has helped humans reach fantastic architectural heights, understand the crystalline structures of our minerals on earth, and take us to the great beyond with advancements in materials technology. In childhood, toy blocks foster many fine motor and relational skills, two of the most crucial facets of growing up. This shape stands the test of time, some variation of which forming all of our homes and workplaces. Here, we see these instances of blocks in childhood and architecture in adulthood combined to produce Blockitecture® Frank Lloyd Wright – Usonian by James Paulius for Areaware. This playful rendition of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, classically low to match the surrounding American landscape, is a perfect balance of tinker and toy.

The science on blocks is clear – early adoption of spatial reasoning skills is a solid predictor of working in STEM, building skills essential to most, if not all positions within the field. The delicate balance of materiality and form within the context of site was essential to Frank Lloyd Wright’s design philosophy. Taking inspiration directly from the renowned architect’s signature style, “organic architecture,” the blocks are set around a hexagonal axis. They feature distinct dimensions and colored sides that set a specific block apart from the rest. All in pleasing, natural hues, the palette blends with the light shade of the New Zealand pine. Water-based, non-toxic paint adorns the sides of the hexagonal pieces, free to stack and nestle as you please.