Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the most influential American architects who designed buildings that remain remarkable in regard to their aesthetic and functional characteristics. The aspect that elevates Wright’s works from the rest of the architects operating in the last century in the US is the focus on sustainability and an organic background to the ideas he incorporated in his designs. Wright has a specific viewpoint on the role of architecture and an innovative and nuanced perspective that he practically incorporated into his work. Namely, two of his projects, the Price Tower and the Robie House, are exemplifications of how the architect incorporated sustainability through open stapes, vertical designs, and the employment of organic features.
Frank Lloyd Wright is considered an exceptional architect due to his focus on nature in combination with man-made establishments. Namely, he is regarded as a follower of an organic architectural style. In this case, buildings are to be a part of the overall landscape and look as an addition to the overall surroundings rather than as inorganic objects that look out of place (Graff 2018). Thus, sustainability is incorporated to create a balance between how a building fits in with the overall environment and its functionality.
In regard to the Price Tower, Wright designed the vertical 19-floor building to resemble its ambiance. On the one hand, its sustainability correlates with its vertical design, which correlates with less environmental damage and more functionality, allowing for the inhabitancy of more individuals in a smaller space. On the other hand, the architect has designed the tower to resemble a tree with a central trunk and leaves as the outer wall design (Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation 2018). Thus, the building looks organic and sustainable based on its surroundings. While it is challenging to label the material used as sustainable, the historical context highlights the focus on more natural establishments that appear to be in balance with nature rather than against it.
Robbie House is not a vertical building, yet there are sustainable practices correlating with its design and functionality. Despite its horizontal features, it is an open-plan house (Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation 2017). As a result, more natural light penetrates it, minimizing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Moreover, air ventilation is increased. Thus, sustainable resources are addressed when it comes to the design of the building. Furthermore, the house incorporates similar organic features to those mentioned in regard to the Price Tower. Specifically, the house looks organic and balanced with the nature around it. The aesthetic aspect of sustainability was employed, which is why the establishment looks natural based on its surroundings. The pattern can be observed in many of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs and is somewhat of the architect’s personal style.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Price Tower and Robie House are exemplifications of how the architects of the last century incorporated sustainability in their designs. Thus, while the popularity of sustainable materials and practices was not exemplified due to the lack of information or the relatively nuanced nature of the current objectives, sustainable traits can be observed in functional and aesthetic decisions. Namely, open-plan space, vertical establishment, and an organic consideration when it comes to how the buildings are incorporated into their environments were nuanced traits. As a result, the architect, while focusing on functionality, has addressed sustainability aims.
References
Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. 2018. “Price Tower.” Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Web.
Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. 2017. “Robie House.” Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Web.
Graff, Stuart. 2018. “Organic Architecture and the Sustaining Ecosystem.” Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Web.