Modern Architecture: Frank Lloyd Wright

Frank Lloyd Wright is considered to be the pioneer of modern architecture. He created an identity for American architecture, while rejecting Neoclassical and Victorian style designs. Wright called this “organic architecture”. It is architecture that is simple, yet modern and co-exists with architecture. He provided a new perspective on architecture and “The American Style”. He was able to study the American society and its nature and accommodate it with the ideal living and commercial spaces.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s early career began in Chicago, where he moved to start looking for work in the architectural field. Due to The Great Chicago fire in 1871 that destroyed a big part of the city, demand for houses boomed, resulting in a significant

Wright was introduced to the concept of geometry at a very early age. As a toddler his mother Anna continued to look for ways to expand his creativity, that’s when she introduced young Wright to the Froebel blocks. These were extremely simple shaped blocks which belonged to Froebel’s educational program for children in kindergarten, they helped children have an understanding of spatial geometry and spaces, as well as have an understanding of the law of gravity. This had a great and lasting influence on Wrights architecture, as it helped him understand the different dimensions of spaces and visualize three dimensional spaces clearly, this understanding of spatial geometry and dimensions were visible in all his architectures. Having been influenced by nature and geometry, Wright developed an awareness for natural abstract shapes and forms. By this he was able to reduce elements into simple shapes, for example he would reduce a leaf or flower to merely a minimal geometric shape. He would then use this original pattern to create new compositions to complete a space. This type of simple yet creative thinking became the guide and source to all his architecture. He would have different elements such as floor plans, decorative arts and elevations that make up an architecture derived and generated from one design concept or theme. When put in a three dimensional perspective all these elements would blend together harmoniously

He called this “Organic Architecture”. He managed to create his own architectural language that was true to his beliefs in design. Along with his design ideology he published the essay “In the Cause of Architecture” that set guidelines and proportions that were the basis of his work. In his essay he lists a number of important points: “

1. Simplicity is the quality that defines the value of any work of art “– 1. Spaces should be limited to only what is needed. 2. Openings should be seen as part of the structure. 3. Eliminate unnecessary ornamentation and detail. 4. Build in unsightly equipment and appliances. 5. Pictures should be used only as a part of the overall scheme. 6. Build in as much furniture as possible. 7. Take into consideration the whole as an integral unit. 8. Use simple unbroken wall surfaces from the water table to the