F07

Chapter 3: Frank Lloyd Wright and the Myth of the Prairie (1890-1916)

Introduction to Wright's Early Career

  • Early reflections on architectural forms in Chicago's urban landscape, particularly the Auditorium Building from the 1890s.

  • Contrast between urban materials such as stone and industrial elements like Bessemer steel converters, versus rural aspects.

  • Wright's dual principle of design influenced by Classical, Gothic, and Oriental styles.

Notable Works and Influences

  • Frank Lloyd Wright House (1889): Originated in Oak Park, symbolizing a blend of urban and rural styles, influenced by Sullivan's work.

  • Charnley House (1892): Designed collaboratively with Sullivan, showcasing elements of both Italianate and Oriental stylings.

  • Early architectural style oscillated between classic authority and asymmetrical forms, reflecting Wright's struggles for identity in American architecture.

Transition to Prairie Style

  • Wright's Winslow House (1893): A pivotal design demonstrating an evolving egalitarian but appropriate architectural form.

    • Features:

      • Symmetrical urban facade juxtaposed with asymmetrical rural facade.

      • Integration of Japanese architectural concepts as a key influence.

      • Introduction of new window styles, moving from sash to casement, aligning with Prairie Style.

Characteristics of Prairie Style

  • Emergence of a distinct Prairie architectural identity around the late 1890s.

  • Key features include:

    • Low-pitched roofs and low profile, creating harmony with the landscape.

    • Emphasis on integrating buildings with their surroundings through methodical planning and environmental control.

    • Expansion of indoor features like the fireplace, symbolizing the core of home life.

Wright's Theoretical Developments

  • 1901 Lecture: The Art and Craft of the Machine:

    • Wright advocates for the intelligent use of machines in architecture to achieve abstraction and purification.

    • Reaction against the mechanistic destruction of architecture due to industrialization.

Rise of the Integrated Domestic Style

  • The culmination of various influences and experiences solidified with designs for the Martin House and Unity Temple (1904-1906).

  • Unique architectural system featuring:

    • Open ground plans and unified spaces reflecting the notion of community and collaboration.

    • Wright's expression of spirituality and domesticity through architecture, connecting the family hearth to public realms of work and worship.

Conflation of Art and Architecture

  • Midway Gardens (1914): An attempt to address social needs through architecture, embodying the spirit of community and culture.

  • This period marked the synthesis of Wright's design team, enhancing the aesthetic through collaborative efforts in various art forms.

Conclusion of Early Prairie Development

  • Imperial Hotel (1916-22): Representing Wright's commitment to integrating architecture with local culture and natural materials, a culmination of his earlier Prairie Style principles.

  • Eulogized by Sullivan as an embodiment of thoughtful architecture contributing to Japanese culture.

  • Wright's work reflects a transition from nascent style to maturity, paving pathways for future architectural innovations.