After passing the research center we come to the covered garage outside of the main building.  Here we get our first look at the unusual dendriform columns that Wright uses to support the roof of the structure.  These columns were the subject of much contention during the construction of the building.  The State building inspectors believed that these columns were insufficient to support the load they would be required to carry; Wright then proposed a demonstration.  A column was set up on the construction site, then loads of bricks, sandbags, and other items were loaded on top.  When a load of 12 tons was placed upon the columns and they still held the inspectors were satisfied, but Wright insisted that the demonstation proceed.  Finally after 60 tons were loaded the columns collapsed as a result of the load being placed unevenly.

We can also see above some of the custom made brick that Wright specified for the Johnson Wax Administration building.  More than 200 sizes and shapes of bricks were required to form the angles and curves used in Wright's design.