“ The mother art is . Without an architecture of our own we have no soul of our own civilization.” -Frank How did establish a new canon of American architecture? Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) •Considered an architectural/artistic genius and THE best architect of last 125 years •Designed over 800 buildings •Known for ‘Prairie Style’ (really a movement!) architecture that influenced an entire group of architects •Believed in “architecture of democracy” •Created an “organic form of architecture”

The term "Prairie School" was coined by H. Allen Brooks, one of the first architectural historians to write extensively about these architects and their work.

The Prairie school shared an embrace of handcrafting and craftsmanship as a reaction against the new assembly line, mass production manufacturing techniques, which they felt created inferior products and dehumanized workers.

However, Wright believed that the use of the machine would help to create innovative architecture for all. From your architectural samples, what may we deduce about the elements of Wright’s work? Prairie School • Use of horizontal lines (thought to evoke native prairie landscape) • Based on geometric forms . Flat or hipped roofs with broad overhanging eaves . “Environmentally” set: elevations, overhangs oriented for ventilation . Windows grouped in horizontal bands called ribbon fenestration that used shifting light . Window to wall ratio affected exterior & interior . Overhangs & bays reach out to embrace . Integration with the landscape…Wright designed inside going out . Solid construction & indigenous materials (brick, wood, terracotta, stucco…natural materials) . Open continuous plan & spaces; use of dissolving walls, but connected spaces

Prairie School

•Designed & used “glass screens” that echoed natural forms

•Created Usonian homes for the “masses” Frank Lloyd Wright, Darwin D. Martin House, 1904. Frank Lloyd Wright, , 1906.

Frank Lloyd Wright, , Oak Park, Ill., 1905-08 Frank Lloyd Wright, Johnson Wax Building, Racine , 1936-39. Frank Lloyd Wright

Taliesin East, Spring Green, Wisconsin, 1911. West, Scottsdale Arizona, 1937. Frank Lloyd Wright, , , Ca., 1924. Go to youtube.com: (etereastudios). A film by Christobal Vila.

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT, Kaufmann House (Fallingwater), Bear Run, Pennsylvania, 1936–1939.

Frank Lloyd Wright, Guggenheim Museum, 1937.

Wright Ta lks About His Buildings (3:26 min.) youtube.com:

In 1940, Mies van der Rohe wrote:

“The dynamic impulse of Wright’s work invigorated a a whole generation. His influence was strongly felt even when it was not visible.”

Prairie School Architecture Summary:

Frank Lloyd Wright was once described as “…the best architect since Michelangelo.” On hearing this, Wright responded that he agreed with the quote except for the last two words.

Agree or disagree with the quote. Give 3 examples to support your response.

Activities:

1. Choose one room in your house. Snap a picture & mount it on a board no larger than 11” x 14”. Using Wright’s principles, how would you change it (indicate neatly on board)?

2. Choose one period of art history and a piece of architecture from that period. Deconstruct the architectural piece using Wright’s principles (what would Wright do to change it?) You may choose to write or depict your response.

3. New Rochelle has its own architectural history. With a partner take a walking tour. Choose 3-5 homes/buildings and snap a picture of each. Create a chart in which you demonstrate how are they similar to Wright’s principles of architecture (Be specific & give 3 features from each).

4. Reflection: Choose 3-5 features of Wright’s principles of architecture. What do you like or dislike about these features? Why?