Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959), is one of the most famous architects of all time. Wright is often called the “father” of organic architecture because of his pioneering and defining the concept. Wright was the architect of more than 1000 structures throughout his career. Many of these buildings are historical icons.
Wright was most well-known for his contributions to furniture design. Many of Wright’s designs were inspired by the mission and craftsman movement in the early 1900’s. They featured the same vertical rectangular cuts that are common in furniture from that time. Wright’s designs went beyond those of American Craftsman and incorporated his unique style into tables, chairs, and other furniture.
Wright’s furniture designs evolved from being distinctly craftsman to what would become mid-century contemporary.
Organic Architecture: Design in Harmony With Nature
“So here you see me preaching organic architecture: declaring that organic architecture is the modern ideal and teaching so much necessary if we are going to see the whole life.” Frank Lloyd Wright, An Organic Architecture (1939).
Organic architecture is a design method that seeks to balance man-made structures and the natural world. The trajectory of design history was greatly affected by the organic architecture philosophy. To Frank Lloyd Wright, embracing organic architecture meant:
- Taking into account the natural landscape. This is a stark contrast to the way most construction projects are conducted today.
- This blurs the line between interior and exterior. Many times this is done by using earthy colors, natural materials, motifs from nature, large windows, and other window-sized elements.
- Every element is carefully thought out and purposeful. It’s important to consider how it affects the design’s overall form and function. This philosophy is believed to foster and sustain a harmony that mirrors the natural world.
Learn more about Organic Architecture.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Renowned Designs
Fallingwater, Unity Temple and Taliesin are just a few of Wright’s best-known buildings. The High Back Dining Chair and Barrel Chair, Prairie Style Chair and the Cyprus Round Back Chair are his most well-known furniture designs.
Fallingwater
Many Frank Lloyd Wright’s projects feature organic architecture, but the most prominent example is Fallingwater. Wright designed this house in rural Pennsylvania for the Kaufmann family. Fallingwater was not declared a National Historic Landmark until 1966, seven years after Wright’s passing.
You can purchase tickets to Fallingwater from March through December. You can also purchase tour packages that include brunch and a forest-to-table dinner if you want something more.
Taliesin
Taliesin is often called Frank Lloyd Wright’s “autobiography of wood and stone” and is an 800-acre Wisconsin property on which Wright designed and constructed several buildings. Wright’s studio, house, school and farm were located in Taliesin.
Learn more about Taliesin.
Frank LLoyd and the Legacy of Frank Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright’s work has had a significant impact on interior design and architecture. Many other architects and designers have been influenced by his design philosophy, which he called “organic architecture.” Wright was a driving force behind the shift to greener, more sustainable buildings.
One notable study was that of David Pearson, an architect who would distill Wright’s vision for organic architecture into a set guidelines he called the ” Gaia Charter.” In the late 1900s, Pearson proposed a Gaia Charter which outlines a set guiding principles to this movement. Pearson describes a school that focuses on designing for harmony and peace with the planet, for peace for the spirit and for health for the body.
Wright’s contributions extend beyond his designs. They also include his vision and the influence he had on other designers. F. L. Wright is credited leading the world to more sustainable buildings and homes.
