Fallingwater

Definition

Fallingwater is a renowned house designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935, celebrated for its harmonious integration with the natural landscape of Bear Run, Pennsylvania. This architectural masterpiece exemplifies the principles of organic architecture, where the structure melds seamlessly with its surroundings, becoming an iconic representation of Midwestern and Prairie architecture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fallingwater was commissioned by Edgar J. Kaufmann, a department store owner, who wanted a weekend home that would connect with the natural landscape.
2. The house is built over a waterfall, using cantilevered terraces that extend outwards, creating a dramatic visual impact and sound of rushing water.
3. Wright used local stone and concrete to construct Fallingwater, emphasizing his belief in using materials that reflect the environment around the building.
4. The design includes large windows that provide stunning views of the forested landscape, reinforcing the connection between the indoors and outdoors.
5. Fallingwater is recognized as one of the greatest architectural triumphs of the 20th century and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.

Review Questions

• How does Fallingwater exemplify the principles of organic architecture, and what features contribute to this integration with nature?
  • Fallingwater exemplifies organic architecture through its harmonious relationship with its natural surroundings. Key features contributing to this integration include the use of cantilevered terraces that extend over the waterfall, allowing the house to blend into the landscape. Additionally, large windows create a visual connection with nature, while materials like local stone reinforce the building's presence within its environment. Wright's intent was to create a space that felt as if it grew from the site itself.
• Discuss how Fallingwater reflects characteristics of Prairie School architecture and how it differs from traditional architectural styles.
  • Fallingwater reflects Prairie School architecture through its horizontal lines, low profile, and emphasis on integrating with the landscape. Unlike traditional styles that often impose structures upon their sites, Fallingwater flows with its environment. The extensive use of natural materials like stone and wood echoes the Prairie School's commitment to creating buildings that resonate with their setting. This contrasts with more vertical or ornate architectural styles that separate buildings from their surroundings.
• Evaluate the significance of Fallingwater within Frank Lloyd Wright's body of work and its impact on modern American architecture.
  • Fallingwater holds immense significance within Wright's oeuvre as it represents his pinnacle achievement in organic architecture. Its innovative design techniques and deep connection to nature influenced not only contemporary architects but also future generations. This house set a precedent for modern American architecture by demonstrating how buildings can enhance rather than detract from their surroundings. The principles seen in Fallingwater continue to inform sustainable design practices today, underscoring Wright's lasting legacy in architecture.

Related terms

Organic Architecture: A philosophy of architecture that promotes harmony between human habitation and the natural world through design principles that integrate buildings into their environment.

Prairie School: An architectural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the Midwest, characterized by horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs, and extensive use of natural materials.

Usonian: A term coined by Wright to describe his vision for affordable and functional homes that were designed for the American middle class, emphasizing simplicity and integration with nature.