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Prepare to be mesmerized as you embark on a thrilling journey through the iconic Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright! With over 7 million visitors, this architectural masterpiece has enthralled countless architecture enthusiasts and students, offering a rewarding case study. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of this site, where nature and design collide in perfect harmony. Recently visited and thoroughly enjoyed, it continues to capture awe, igniting the passion of every architecture enthusiast lucky enough to experience its breathtaking allure. Read on as we unveil fascinating historical facts, glimpse the awe-inspiring exterior, and discover the profound architectural design style introduced by the late Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Commissioning History of the Fallingwater
Edgar J. Kaufmann, a successful businessman, and his wife, Liliane, commissioned Fallingwater. They were wealthy patrons of the arts and admired Wright’s unique, organic architectural style. They wanted a weekend retreat near their family’s property. Enthralled by Wright’s vision, Fallingwater emerged, seamlessly integrated into nature’s embrace. Designed with a harmonious blend of materials, starting with locally sourced sandstone that reinforces its structure and seamlessly merges with the natural environment.
Reinforced concrete empowers daring cantilevered terraces and striking overhangs that define the building’s iconic silhouette. The extensive use of glass creates a breathtaking connection between the interior spaces and the exterior surroundings, offering captivating views of waterfalls and the lush forest beyond. The home program consisted of three bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, and a kitchen, with many cantilever terraces on each floor providing an integrated outdoor-indoor experience. The guest house was built a few feet away years later, offering more space for visitors.
Kaufman’s Love for Hospitality and Design
The Kaufmanns’ passion for hospitality and design showed through Liliane’s adept hosting skills, combined food, ambiance, and discourse seamlessly. Their homes mirrored their worldly perspective, showcasing art, decor, and textiles from diverse cultures, spanning traditional crafts to modern design. The tour guide explained how Liliane accommodated each guest who visited the weekend home. Fun fact- Each guest enjoyed unique meals on every visit, meticulously recorded to ensure no repetition. Liliane’s favorite was cutting fresh flowers from her garden on the grounds. Even today, those intricate features endure at Fallingwater, particularly in the floral arrangements. A carefree assembly of a single species, thoughtfully positioned in an elegantly designed vase, continues to captivate.
9 New Architecture Principles- Organic Architecture
We can only appreciate this architectural marvel by exploring the architectural style and design philosophy. Frank Lloyd Wright refined the principles of organic architecture. Trained by modernist architects who championed numerous declarations, he embodied the ideal that buildings have an inherent connection with their surroundings and era. Structures mirror their context and time, intimately interwoven with specific moments and locations, never resulting from imposed stylistic conformity. Wright employed nine specific principles of organic architecture. Let’s discuss them below.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Philosophy- Organic Architecture
No house should ever be on a hill or on anything. It should be of the hill. Belonging to it. Hill and house should live together each the happier for the other.
Frank Lloyd Wright
- Human Scale and Landscape Relationship: Consider the scale of human beings in the surrounding landscape. Architecture should harmonize harmoniously with its environment, connecting people to nature.
- Innovative Materials: Embrace new materials like glass and steel to achieve architecture that explores new spatial possibilities. These materials can enable more open and expansive designs.
- Spatial Architecture: Utilize materials like glass and steel to create open, well-lit spaces and offer a sense of expansiveness. This approach contrasts with traditional enclosed and compartmentalized designs.
- Architectural Character: Emphasize the unique character of each building rather than adhering to predetermined styles. Allow the building’s purpose, function, and site to guide its design.
- Unity with Nature: Integrate architecture seamlessly with nature, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Functional Expression: Prioritize the functionality and purpose of a building in its design, allowing its form to naturally emerge from its intended use.
- Honest Use of Materials: Use materials in authentic forms, celebrating their inherent qualities rather than disguising them.
- Individuality over Style: Focus on the uniqueness and essence of each architectural creation rather than conforming to popular styles or trends.
- Human Experience: Design spaces that enhance the human experience and well-being, reflecting an understanding of how people interact with their environment.
To conclude:
Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece, Fallingwater, has left an indelible mark on modern architecture. It inspires architects to harmonize structures with their surroundings, experiment with materials, and create bold, open-plan living spaces. Fallingwater’s iconic status and designation as a National Historic Landmark reinforce its cultural significance and role as a touchstone for architectural education. Beyond its captivating aesthetics, Fallingwater’s influence embodies modern architectural principles, making it a timeless emblem of architectural innovation and sustainable design.
Quick Architectural Building Facts
| Project commission & completion date: | The main house was designed in 1935 and completed in 1937. |
| Project Budget: | The budget Started at $35,000, and the final cost of constructing Fallingwater ended up being around $155,000 when it was completed in 1937. Today, the price equality is close to 3.3 million as of 2022. |
| Architect: | Frank Llyod Wright |
| Design Materials & Construction: | Reinforced concrete, locally sourced sandstone, and intricately designed glass windows with custom-built furniture made with North Carolina black walnut veneer. |
| Building Site location: | Reinforced concrete, locally sourced sandstone. |
| Project Size: | 5,100 acres of natural land, streams, and trails known as the Bear Run. |
| Architectural Style: | Organic Architecture |
| Visit the Fallingwater | Click here for more information. |
| Guest House and service wing | The guest house was later added and completed in 1939. The access is behind the main house through a canopied walkway. |
| Primary Purpose | A weekend house for the Kaufman family. |
| Moma Architectural Model | View a rendered Architectural model of the Fallingwater made by Model makers: Paul Bonfilio, Joseph Zelvin, Lawrence List, Edith Randel |
| Photographs Credit | Cristele Pierre, Kirk Thorton |
To Bring This Adventure to an End…
My visit to Fallingwater was an unforgettable experience that ignited a profound appreciation for the artistry of Frank Lloyd Wright and a deeper connection with the wonders of nature. As I stepped into the enchanting realm of Fallingwater, my breath caught at the sight of its ethereal beauty. Nature and architecture embraced perfectly, creating a symphony of awe-inspiring design. The cascading waterfall beneath seemed to breathe life into the very essence of the structure. Inside, the seamless connection with the outdoors was mesmerizing. Wright’s genius shone through in every detail – the custom-designed furnishings, the play of light and shadows, and the inviting spaces meant for hospitality. It was as if the house was alive, whispering stories of the past and inspiring future visions.
Plan Your Visit at the Fallingwater
You can make reservations online or by calling 724-329-8501. Click the link for pricing information. The Fallingwater keeps the gate open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but please note that they are closed on Wednesdays. If you plan to visit during peak seasons (July, August, October), they recommend reserving your spot 4-6 weeks in advance. Be sure to allow extra travel time since the surrounding roads are mainly rural, and some might be under construction. Families with children under 6 can explore Fallingwater through options like Family Field Trips, Guided Grounds Walking Tours, or Grounds Passes. Download their visitor guide in advance to assist with on-site navigation. I hope you enjoy your visit!
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Le Chateau De Pierre is an Architecture and Interior Design Journal dedicated to sharing and exploring tips for emerging professionals and educating readers about great architecture and building design concepts. Our publication is designed to inspire and inform both new and experienced Interior designers, architects, and those interested in the field of architecture.
