Organic Architecture Theory

The American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) developed the theory
in his writings An Organic Architecture, 1939.

"FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION"   
A phrase coined by architect Louis Sullivan, an early mentor of Frank Lloyd Wright.
This principle states that the function, or utility, of a building should govern its design.

Organic Architecture Follows 3 main Principles:

1. Architecture is appropriate to time 
A building should belong to the era in which it is created.

2. Architecture is appropriate to place
A building should be in harmony with its natural environment,
wherever possible taking best advantage of the natural features of the landscape.

3. Architecture is appropriate to man 
A building's first mission is to serve people,with the human as the unit of measure

note: Organic Architecture does not have a fixed style!
It is based on a philosophy, not a canon of rules.

Respects the nature of materials
Use the inherent properties of building materials:
wood or stone (or glass or steel) is not disguised as something else

Integrates a building with its site
“A house should be of the hill, not on it”

Uses natural colors, landscape elements and open space
"Go into the woods and field for color schemes”

Functions like a cohesive organism
Each part of the design relates to the whole,
with a natural integration of exterior & interior spaces

Inspired by nature
Resembles a living organism in organization or development

Falling WaterBear Run, Pennsylvania1934-1948Frank Lloyd Wright see more photographs of Falling Water @ greatbuildings.com

©Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Honestly expresses the function of the building Respects the nature of materials Integrates a building with its site  Uses natural colors, landscape elements and open space Exterior & interior functions like a cohesive organism

More about the Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright Frank Lloyd Wright: Designs for An American Landscape, 1922-1932 Original sketches and models from an exhibit kept online by the Library of Congress The Life & Work of Frank Lloyd Wright including photographs, drawings and video The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust view the Flash biography: click "about Frank Lloyd Wright" Links to Websites about 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 More About Organic Architecture The International Web Portal of Organic Architecture ADAO, Amici Dell'Architettura Organica, in Italian & English Great Buildings Online: Some Organic Architecture photos & timelines Taliesen, The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture Founded by Frank Lloyd Wright and continuing the practice of Organic Arhcitecture