organic architecture and Frank Lloyd Wright

“So here I stand before you preaching organic architecture: declaring organic architecture to be the modern ideal and the teaching so much needed if we are to see the whole of life, and to now serve the whole of life, holding no ‘traditions’ essential to the great TRADITION. Nor cherishing any preconceived form fixing upon us either past, present or future, but—instead—exalting the simple laws of common sense—or of super-sense if you prefer—determining form by way of the nature of materials...”
— Frank Lloyd Wright, An Organic Architecture, 1939

During my staying in Amherst this summer, I was surprised by how much attention people put into "organic, green, recycle" in this town and the Pineer Valley area. The recycle of beer bottles, the farmer's market every weekend...Many local farmer's stores have signs of "organic food" and they inspired me to think about what exactly is "organic"? and...maybe...Can architecture be organic as well?

As soon as I typed "organic architecture" into google, I found out that Frank Lloyd Wright introduced the word ‘organic’ into his philosophy of architecture as early as 1908. To him, organic architecture is a way in design to integrate nature's principle into the form and function of buildings.

During the whole history of architecture, people constantly use nature as an inspiration of form, decoration or materials. I have just discussed in our modern architecture class that some of the decoration of the Elffel Tower are literally in the shape of plants. However, Wright is saying that: let's use nature more than it's literally meaning, but try to chieve this harmony between human habitation and the natural world. 


Frank Lloyd Wright applied this principle of organic architecture through many of his designs. My favorite one is definately the "falling water".

Falling water is a residence Frank Lloyd Wright designed for the Kaufman family in Pennsylvania.The house sits directly above a waterfall in the woods, surrounded by rocks.

The cantilever form of the house makes it look like the house grew from the nature. The family could go on to the terraces and be exteior and interior at the same time. Local rocks were used as material for some part of the design. Wright allowed a boulder from the site to form the fire place, thus blends rock, fire and water together.

One thing I really liked about the design of falling water is Wright's design details the relationship between the house and the waterfall. He didn't just make it that people could see the waterfall from inside all the time. The waterfall is under the house so people actually have to walk out a few steps to enjoy the full view of it. This small detial makes people appreciate the waterfall much more.

Frank Lloyd Wright's organic architecture principle still influences many designers today. In fact, I believe that intergrating nature and architecture together is the best form of design we ever need in this world!

picture sources:
google image search