He was considered one of the most influential architects in modern history and in 1955, Frank Lloyd Wright was in San Diego to discuss the prospect of building a civic auditorium. In this rare interview with Harold Keen, they discuss a number of topics including culture, San Diego, downtown areas around the country, and suburban houses clustered together. In conclusion Wright says, 'we've inherited the greatest, most beautiful piece of ground in the world, what are we doing with it?" While Keen thanks him, he gets up and walks away and says "you're entirely welcome." The auditorium was never built. Interviewer is Harold Keen: Interviewer: Mr. Wright, I understand that you feel we are lacking in culture and beauty in this country. Would you care to comment on that? Frank Lloyd Wright: Well, it’s amazing, but yes—we’re a civilization without a culture. And I think it’s quite time we began to build one, because a civilization doesn’t last very long without it. We’re likely to be the shortest-lived civilization in history unless we develop a culture of our own. It’s not enough to borrow from others. We’ve made many attempts, many imitations, but we still don’t have one that’s truly our own. Interviewer: Isn’t it a good sign, here in San Diego, that we’re trying to create cultural infrastructure—like a civic auditorium? Wright: That’s exactly why I’m here—trying to help. But the project has bogged down, not for lack of public support, but because we can’t agree on where to build it. The realtors and vested interests are all pulling in different directions. That kind of thing has ruined nearly everything in America. And it will keep ruining things as long as the citizens allow it. Interviewer: What can citizens do in a situation like that? Is there a real chance for people to express their opinions and see them acted on? Wright: If not, then what kind of democracy is this? But yes, the people can speak up—and they must. Isn’t that what’s happening now? Haven’t the citizens entered into discussion, voiced their views, and tried to make themselves heard on the location of the auditorium? Interviewer: Do you think public buildings like this should be grouped together in a central civic center? Wright: No—decentralization is the way forward if we’re going to survive as a civilization. Just look at what happened in Los Angeles. The so-called “lords of the city” tried to keep everything downtown—and they failed. And they’ll fail anywhere else they try that. It’s against the laws of progress and of humanity. Interviewer: Let me ask you something a bit broader: who is San Diego? Wright: Well, we’d say it’s the people. Interviewer: In a democracy, yes—it should be the people. Wright: Then shouldn’t it actually be the people? Isn’t it time we make sure of that? Interviewer: We’re not trying to make people conform. We’re trying to give them information—let them make up their own minds. Wright: And it sounds like the people have made up their minds—they want a civic theater. Interviewer: Yes, now the question is how to get it built. Wright: Through the ballot box, I imagine. That’s how it happened in Madison. The politicians didn’t want the civic center I designed, but the people did—and they voted it in. Probably the same thing will need to happen here in San Diego. The people will have to decide where it goes. Interviewer: Eventually, we believe it will come down to a public vote. Wright: And I hope it doesn’t end up downtown. Interviewer: You feel it shouldn’t be in the downtown area? Wright: No—it’s a sign of the times. The law of change is against placing things downtown. It no longer makes sense for anything. Downtown is practically finished. The sooner we realize that—and start taking advantage of our natural birthright—the better off we’ll be. Interviewer: What are your views on how much space we should have for homes? Wright: Homes are cramped by the altar of the lot line. People cut a little piece of land into smaller and smaller pieces. It’s disgraceful—little hovels crowded together, everyone peering into each other’s windows, hearing everything that goes on. And all while we have so much land available—free land all over the country. We haven’t even begun to use it. We’ve inherited the most beautiful land in the world. And what are we doing with it? Interviewer: Thank you very much, Mr. Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright: You're Welcome.