Wright, George S.

Architect George S. Wright graduated from Harvard and served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He designed a number of significant buildings in the Southwest. While a few are located in Texas and Nevada, the majority are located in New Mexico. Some of his best known buildings can be found at the Albuquerque Zoo, the University of New Mexico Law School and St. Anthony's Church in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. One example is the Giraffe House at the Albuquerque Zoo, a favorite for adults and children alike. Its construction allows visitors to climb high enough to make eye contact with resident giraffes. For many projects, Wright collaborated with architect and friend Francis Stanley. During the 1960s, Wright served as an Adjunct Professor of Architecture at University of New Mexico. Also, during this time period, Wright became passionate about the urban renewal movement. For a 1964 article in the New Mexico Architecture Journal "Urban Renewal-Which Direction?-," Wright comments: If urban renewal-of which so much is heard-is to make a valid contribution, then the direction it takes must be a strong, positive one of lasting value to all. In simple terms, the issue should be reduced to what should be the basic usefulness of the heart of the city. The word usefulness is interpreted in the sense of use for all. If it is not of such use, then there is use only for a few. The latter case results in the decay and ultimate death of the heart of the city.

From 1976 until 1987, George S. Wright served as Dean of the University of Texas, Arlington School of Architecture. Dean Wright was viewed as a distinguished educator, who made many contributions to the success of the program. Wright established the Architecture Library as a separate collection within the UT Arlington Library System and constructed a separate facility for the School of Architecture. Upon his retirement, the University honored his accomplishments by designating him Dean Emeritus. Wright's other achievements include establishing the distinguished visiting architect program at UTA, attracting significant architectural exhibitions that featured works of Palladio, Corbusier, Aalto, and Meier, and creating the UTA architect of the year award to honor area architects. Wright was a member of TSA, and the Dallas and Fort Worth chapters of the AIA, and was elected to the College of Fellows of the A.I.A in 1984. On January 19, 1987, Wright died after a long illness in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

From the description of George S. Wright architectural drawings and plans, 1949-1973. (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 232669096

Architect George S. Wright graduated from Harvard and served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He designed a number of significant buildings in the Southwest. While a few are located in Texas and Nevada, the majority are located in New Mexico. Some of his best known buildings can be found at the Albuquerque Zoo, the University of New Mexico Law School and St. Anthony’s Church in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. One example is the Giraffe House at the Albuquerque Zoo, a favorite for adults and children alike. Its construction allows visitors to climb high enough to make eye contact with resident giraffes. For many projects, Wright collaborated with architect and friend Francis Stanley. During the 1960s, Wright served as an Adjunct Professor of Architecture at University of New Mexico. Also, during this time period, Wright became passionate about the urban renewal movement. For a 1964 article in the New Mexico Architecture Journal “Urban Renewal-Which Direction?-," Wright comments:

If urban renewal-of which so much is heard-is to make a valid contribution, then the direction it takes must be a strong, positive one of lasting value to all. In simple terms, the issue should be reduced to what should be the basic usefulness of the heart of the city. The word usefulness is interpreted in the sense of use for all. If it is not of such use, then there is use only for a few. The latter case results in the decay and ultimate death of the heart of the city.

From 1976 until 1987, George S. Wright served as Dean of the University of Texas, Arlington School of Architecture. Dean Wright was viewed as a distinguished educator, who made many contributions to the success of the program. Wright established the Architecture Library as a separate collection within the UT Arlington Library System and constructed a separate facility for the School of Architecture. Upon his retirement, the University honored his accomplishments by designating him Dean Emeritus. Wright’s other achievements include establishing the distinguished visiting architect program at UTA, attracting significant architectural exhibitions that featured works of Palladio, Corbusier, Aalto, and Meier, and creating the UTA architect of the year award to honor area architects. Wright was a member of TSA, and the Dallas and Fort Worth chapters of the AIA, and was elected to the College of Fellows of the A.I.A in 1984. On January 19, 2007, Wright died after a long illness in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

From the guide to the George S. Wright Architectural Drawings and Plans, 1949-1973, (University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research)