Out of all the art forms out there, architecture is one of the most challenging. Having to combine artistic design and creativity with sound scientific engineering principles can leave architects and builders at odds with each other. With modern techniques and materials this gap has narrowed greatly, but was not always possible in the past. The process from utilitarian use to aesthetically pleasing design was a slow process for much of human history. That is until one man came along and revolutionized everything: enter Frank Lloyd Wright.
In his early days much of America’s design was still pulling from European ideas and American architects were beginning to look for something new. Out of this a new group called the Prairie School rose up out of the American heartland. Wright was a key leader and innovator for this group. The school emphasized what he called “organic architecture,” that is buildings that reflect the nature and landscape around them.
In his early years he experimented with this idea and perfected it in his later. Not only would he design a building to look harmonious with the landscape, but would include local rocks, materials, motifs and geometries to make to his buildings feel like a natural part of their surroundings. More than being a part of the surroundings, he wanted his works to be an actual extension of their surroundings. He wanted them to fit in seamlessly with the world around and within it. He would tie his designs to every part of the buildings. He would work in the same geometries, moods and themes into every element from floor to ceiling, to windows, and even down to individual pieces of furniture. In particular was the prairie school train of thought that specifically used long, low, wide, flat roofs and porches to fit into the flat landscape of the American prairies.
Much of his work developed what he called the Usonian house which culminates in the Jacobs First House in Madison, WI. Not only does the house incorporate his ideas of organic design, featuring the features of the prairie design but many interior features as well. They were designed to be middle-class homes, with small kitchens that flowed easily into a dining area. The dining room then naturally flowed into the living room that was often centered around a fireplace or another such anchor. Built in, custom seating and sofa’s filled the room and bedrooms were small, thus encouraging the family to spend time together in the main rooms.
An incredibly prodigious worker he designed over 1,000 structures and actually completed 500 works, an amazing feat even by today’s standards. He also authored 20 books, wrote numerous articles and spoke extensively in Europe and America. His works also did not just include homes but offices, schools, churches, skyscrapers, hotels and even museums. He even designed specific pieces of furniture and stained glass works to go in many of his buildings.
His most famous work Fallingwater, is considered to be the height of his achievement. It is a house outside of Pittsburgh, PA that actually sits over a rock waterfall. Fallingwater has been called, “the best all-time work of American architecture.” Wright himself was recognized by the American Institute of Architects as “the greatest American architect of our time,” and this has held true even unto this day.
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