Johnson Wax Headquarters, Racine: Wright's Great Workroom
The Johnson Wax Administration Building in Racine, Wisconsin, was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1939. Its Great Workroom, a single open hall held up by slim, tree-like columns, is one of the best-known open-plan offices ever built.
Key facts
| Address | 1525 Howe Street, Racine, Wisconsin, US |
|---|---|
| Architects | Frank Lloyd Wright, with William Wesley Peters |
| Built | 1936 to 1939; staff moved in at the end of March 1939 |
| Great Workroom | About 130 x 210 ft (40 x 64 m) |
| Columns | 60 "dendriform" columns, 20 ft apart, only 9 in across at the base |
| Load test | A test column in 1937 carried 60 short tons before showing strain |
| Windows | About 43 miles of Pyrex glass tubes, made by Corning |
| Desks | About 200 desk spaces; a typical desk was 84 x 32 in |
| Research Tower | 15 storeys, built 1947 to 1950 |
| Status | National Historic Landmark since January 1976 |
Figures as reported in the Wikipedia article on the Johnson Wax Headquarters, which cites historical studies of the building.
How the design works
- One big room. The Great Workroom has no inside walls. People work together in one bright hall, long before "open plan" became common.
- Light from above. Daylight enters between the column tops and through bands of glass tubes, so the room is evenly lit without views to the street.
- Furniture designed with the building. Wright designed about 40 types of furniture for the building, including desks and chairs, made by Steelcase.
What a smaller office can borrow
- Even, high light. Light from above or from high windows avoids glare on desks. See our lighting guide.
- Furniture that matches the room. A consistent desk size and finish makes even a small office feel planned. See our furniture size guide.
- Generous desks. Wright's typical desk at 84 x 32 in was larger than today's 60 x 30 in standard. Ask whether your team needs more surface, not less.
Visiting
SC Johnson offers public tours of the campus on set days. Check its current tour information and book ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the Johnson Wax building?
Frank Lloyd Wright, with William Wesley Peters.
When was the Johnson Wax Administration Building built?
Between 1936 and 1939. Staff moved in at the end of March 1939.
What is the Great Workroom?
The main open office hall, about 130 x 210 ft, with 60 slim tree-like columns holding up the roof.
Can you tour the Johnson Wax headquarters?
Yes. SC Johnson runs public tours on set days; booking is needed.
