Frank Lloyd-Wright and His Creative Process

Frank Lloyd Wright is a well-known architect associated with organic architecture, which promotes a symbiotic relationship between the home, including its inhabitants, and the natural world. Organic architecture aimed to balance the use of home and the natural space so as to unify all aspects of the design.

Organic architecture as it was defined by the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959):

"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.

Wright emphasized organic architecture as the term for his work while his inspiration was drawn from the building, natural world around it, and the client. Wright designed buildings that would work with and relate to the natural world so much as to unify the two. Similarly, he would consider the needs of the inhabitants in relation to these things for further unification. For example, domestic life changed at the 20th century with more work left to the mother rather than hired help. So, Wright responded by creating homes with more open floor plans in order to accommodate the mother’s need to be in multiple places at the same time.

Wright’s process related back to organic architecture, inspired by the relation of the design to the environment. He was very concerned with his designs unifying with the natural world around them. Wright used shapes and forms he found in plant nature to further the unification. Similarly, he looked to mimic the natural colors and patterns of plants. The cohesive bond between the natural world and his designs is very innovative for his time. His concern with design functionality for the inhabitants furthered his process. He would innovate new ways to make the relationship between all three elements of organic design thrive, reworking them to function in greater harmony.

Many people accredit his inspiration to these aspects outside of himself as an artist. Similar credit is awarded to his collaboration with many young architects and Louis Sullivan. Wright himself maintained that his mother’s gift of Froebel Gifts to educate him served as one of the strongest influences. With these inspirations controlling his process, Frank Lloyd Wright managed to lead an industry in many innovative designs for years to come.

Image borrowed from:

http://www.atticmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/hist-homes-10-fallingwater.jpg