4.1 Wright's design philosophy and organic architecture
3 min read•august 5, 2024
Frank Lloyd Wright's design philosophy revolutionized architecture, blending buildings with nature. His organic approach emphasized harmony between structures and their surroundings, using and open floor plans to create seamless indoor-outdoor connections.
Wright's "" principle shaped his iconic works like and homes. These designs showcased his commitment to simplicity, unity, and practicality, while still achieving stunning aesthetic results that continue to inspire architects today.
Design Principles
Organic Architecture and Harmony with Nature
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Top images from around the web for Organic Architecture and Harmony with Nature
Fallingwater House - Frank Lloyd Wright (1937) | Flickr - Photo Sharing! View original
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Fallingwater House - Frank Lloyd Wright (1937) | Pablo Sanchez | Flickr View original
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Fallingwater House - Frank Lloyd Wright (1937) | Pablo Sanchez Martin | Flickr View original
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- emphasizes designing structures that are in harmony with humanity and the natural environment
- Buildings should be designed to fit seamlessly into their surroundings, blending with the landscape rather than dominating it
- Use of natural materials (wood, stone) and colors helps integrate the structure with its environment
- Incorporates elements of the site, such as the contours of the land, native vegetation, and views, into the design (Fallingwater)
Form Follows Function and Unity of Design
- The principle that the shape and layout of a building should be primarily based upon its intended function or purpose
- Rejects the idea of ornamental or decorative elements that serve no practical purpose
- Strives for a cohesive design where all elements, from the overall structure to the smallest details, work together harmoniously
- Emphasizes simplicity, clarity, and efficiency in design, eliminating anything superfluous
- Leads to a unified aesthetic where every aspect of the building contributes to its overall function and beauty ()
Architectural Elements
Open Floor Plans and Horizontal Emphasis
- Open floor plans create a sense of spaciousness and flow by minimizing the use of interior walls and partitions
- Encourages a more informal and flexible use of space, allowing for multiple functions within a single area
- Enhances the connection between interior spaces and the outdoors, often through the use of large windows and glass doors
- is achieved through the use of long, low rooflines, wide terraces, and bands of windows
- Helps to integrate the building with the landscape and creates a sense of stability and groundedness (Prairie style homes)
Integrated Furnishings and Natural Materials
- Custom-designed furniture and built-in elements (shelving, seating) are often integrated into the structure of the building
- Ensures a cohesive and harmonious interior design that complements the architecture
- Use of natural materials, such as wood, stone, and brick, throughout the interior and exterior of the building
- Celebrates the inherent beauty and texture of these materials, often leaving them exposed and unadorned
- Creates a warm, organic, and inviting atmosphere that connects the occupants with nature ()
Notable Works
Fallingwater
- Designed in 1935 for the Kaufmann family in rural Pennsylvania
- Exemplifies Wright's concept of organic architecture, with the building seemingly growing out of the rocky landscape
- Cantilevered terraces extend over a waterfall, blurring the line between the man-made structure and the natural environment
- Incorporates natural materials (sandstone, reinforced concrete) and earthy colors to integrate with the surroundings
- and large windows create a strong connection between the interior and the outdoors
Usonian Homes
- A series of small, affordable homes designed by Wright in the 1930s and 1940s
- Aimed to provide well-designed, functional housing for middle-class American families
- Characterized by simple, geometric forms, flat or low-pitched roofs, and an emphasis on horizontal lines
- Often featured open floor plans, clerestory windows, and carports instead of garages
- Used natural materials (wood, brick) and incorporated passive solar design principles for energy efficiency (Jacobs House)
Key Terms to Review (19)
Arts and Crafts Movement: The Arts and Crafts Movement was a design and social movement that emerged in the late 19th century, promoting handcrafted goods and the importance of traditional craftsmanship. This movement emphasized a return to artisanal techniques and materials, countering the mass production of the Industrial Revolution. It laid the groundwork for later design philosophies and influenced various architectural styles, including Art Nouveau and organic architecture, as well as modernist ideas.
Biophilic design: Biophilic design is an innovative approach in architecture and urban planning that seeks to connect people with nature through the incorporation of natural elements into built environments. This design philosophy promotes well-being by integrating features such as natural light, greenery, water elements, and organic shapes, ultimately fostering a deeper relationship between occupants and their surroundings. It reflects a growing recognition of the importance of nature in our daily lives, especially in urban settings where access to green spaces can be limited.
Cantilever: A cantilever is a structural element that is anchored at one end while the other end extends freely without support. This design allows for overhangs and creates dramatic spaces in architecture, promoting an innovative and bold aesthetic. Cantilevers exemplify key characteristics of Modern Architecture, emphasizing functionality, clean lines, and integration with the environment, while also reflecting the principles of organic architecture as seen in the works of notable designers.
Fallingwater: Fallingwater is a renowned house designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935, celebrated for its harmony with nature and innovative use of materials. This iconic structure is often considered a masterpiece of organic architecture, showcasing the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, which reflects key principles of Modern Architecture. Its design exemplifies Wright's unique philosophy and significantly impacted both the architectural community and the broader interpretations of Modernism in North America.
Form Follows Function: Form follows function is a design principle that emphasizes that the shape of a building or object should primarily relate to its intended purpose or function. This idea became a cornerstone of Modern Architecture, highlighting the belief that aesthetic beauty should derive from the functional aspects of a structure, rather than from ornamentation or superficial design elements.
Harmony with the environment: Harmony with the environment refers to the principle of designing structures and spaces that seamlessly integrate with their natural surroundings. This concept emphasizes the importance of considering ecological factors, local materials, and the existing landscape, ensuring that architecture enhances rather than disrupts its context. It aligns closely with ideals of sustainability and promotes a balanced relationship between built forms and nature.
Horizontal emphasis: Horizontal emphasis refers to a design principle that prioritizes a building's horizontal lines and shapes over vertical elements. This principle is significant in creating a sense of unity and harmony with the landscape, particularly in organic architecture, where structures are designed to blend seamlessly with their environment.
Integration with nature: Integration with nature refers to the architectural philosophy that emphasizes harmony between built environments and their natural surroundings. This concept champions the idea that structures should not only coexist with the environment but enhance and reflect it, promoting sustainability and a sense of place. It often involves the use of natural materials, designing for local climates, and considering the landscape in a way that creates a seamless connection between architecture and the natural world.
International Style: The International Style is an architectural movement that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by minimalism, functionalism, and an emphasis on the use of modern materials like glass and steel. This style became a significant part of Modern Architecture, influencing buildings worldwide with its clean lines and lack of ornamentation.
Natural materials: Natural materials are substances that are sourced directly from the earth without significant alteration or chemical processing, such as wood, stone, clay, and straw. These materials play a vital role in architecture, emphasizing harmony with the environment and promoting sustainability. They are fundamental in various architectural movements, reflecting a desire for authenticity and connection to nature.
Open Floor Plan: An open floor plan is a design concept characterized by the absence of interior walls separating common living spaces, creating a fluid and spacious environment. This approach encourages interaction and connectivity among different areas of a home or building, reflecting the ideals of modern architecture that emphasize openness and functionality.
Organic Architecture: Organic architecture is a design philosophy that emphasizes harmony between human habitation and the natural world through the use of natural materials, integration with the environment, and forms inspired by nature. This approach seeks to create structures that are in sync with their surroundings, reflecting the belief that architecture should not only accommodate human needs but also resonate with the landscape and ecosystem.
Prairie School: The Prairie School is an architectural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily in the Midwest of the United States, characterized by its emphasis on horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs, and integration with the surrounding landscape. This movement sought to create a distinctly American architectural style, moving away from European influences and focusing on the unique attributes of the American prairie landscape.
Robie House: Robie House is a seminal work of architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, completed in 1910, that exemplifies the Prairie School style. This house is known for its horizontal lines, integration with the landscape, and open floor plan, making it a key example of early modern architecture and an influential piece in the development of American architectural identity.
Site-specificity: Site-specificity refers to the idea that a design or artwork is created with a particular location in mind, ensuring that it relates to and interacts with its surrounding environment. This concept emphasizes the importance of context in architecture, where the unique characteristics of a site—such as its geography, climate, history, and culture—inform and inspire the design process, leading to a more harmonious integration with the landscape.
Taliesin West: Taliesin West is the winter home and studio of the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Built between 1937 and 1959, this architectural masterpiece embodies Wright's design philosophy of organic architecture, harmonizing with the surrounding desert landscape and utilizing local materials. It served not only as a residence but also as a school for architects and remains a pivotal part of Wright's legacy in shaping modern architecture.
Textural diversity: Textural diversity refers to the use of varying materials, finishes, and surface treatments in architectural design to create visual and tactile interest. This concept is integral to establishing harmony between a building and its natural environment, contributing to the overall aesthetic and sensory experience of space. It enhances the character of structures while allowing them to resonate with their surroundings.
The natural house: The natural house is an architectural concept introduced by Frank Lloyd Wright, emphasizing harmony between human habitation and the natural environment. This design approach seeks to integrate the structure with its surroundings, using organic materials, open floor plans, and natural light to create a seamless relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Usonian: Usonian refers to a style of architecture developed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the early 20th century, characterized by its emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and harmony with the landscape. This term is closely linked to Wright's vision of creating affordable, modest homes that reflected the American way of life and integrated seamlessly with their surroundings.