Overview
A Prairie House represents a distinctive architectural style that emerged in the early twentieth century. This design shifts away from traditional concepts of a house—commonly seen as a box subdivided into smaller rooms—to a more open and blended living space. The architectural movement is notably attributed to Frank Lloyd Wright, who sought to create homes that blended seamlessly with the natural landscape.
Key Features
- Long, Low Roofline: Designed to stay close to the ground, reflecting the horizontal lines of the Midwest prairies.
- Continuous Rows of Windows: Promotes a sense of openness and connectivity with the outdoors.
- Unornamented Exterior: Emphasis on simplicity and functionality, avoiding excessive decor.
Examples
- Robie House in Chicago, Illinois: Completed in 1910 by Frank Lloyd Wright, this is one of the most renowned examples of Prairie-style architecture.
- Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin: Wright’s own home and studio, which embodies the Prairie House principles.
- Dana-Thomas House in Springfield, Illinois: This home features extensive horizontal lines and integrated furnishings, showcasing Wright’s design ethos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What distinguishes a Prairie House from other architectural styles?
A: Prairie Houses are characterized by their long, low horizontal lines, continuous rows of windows, and minimal ornamentation, focusing on blending the structure with the natural landscape.
Q: Who is credited with developing the Prairie House architectural style?
A: Frank Lloyd Wright is largely credited with the development of the Prairie House style, which aimed to create harmony between human habitation and the environment.
Q: Why are Prairie Houses designed with a continuous row of windows?
A: The continuous rows of windows promote natural light and provide expansive views of the surrounding landscape, imparting a sense of openness.
Related Terms
- Organic Architecture: A philosophy of architecture that promotes harmony between human habitation and the natural world.
- Frank Lloyd Wright: A renowned American architect who is considered one of the founding fathers of modern architecture.
- Horizontal Lines: A design principle used in Prairie Houses to emphasize continuity and connection with the landscape.
Online Resources
- Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation: Offers detailed information on Wright’s works and architectural philosophy.
- The Prairie Style of Chicago Architecture: An extensive guide on Prairie-style architecture in Chicago.
- Wright’s Masterpieces – Architectural Digest: Gallery of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most iconic projects.
References
- Hofmann, Donald. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House: The Building and Its History. Dover Publications, 1984.
- Meehan, Patrick J. Frank Lloyd Wright Remembered. Overlook Duckworth, 1999.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Prairie Style: Houses and Gardens by Frank Lloyd Wright and the Prairie School” by Lisa Germany
- “Frank Lloyd Wright: The Masterworks” by David Larkin and Bruce Brooks Pfeiffer
- “In the Nature of Materials: The Buildings of Frank Lloyd Wright 1887-1941” by Henry-Russell Hitchcock
Real Estate Basics: Prairie House Fundamentals Quiz
### Who is mainly credited with the development of the Prairie House architectural style?
- [x] Frank Lloyd Wright
- [ ] Le Corbusier
- [ ] Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
- [ ] Phillip Johnson
> **Explanation:** Frank Lloyd Wright is widely recognized for pioneering the Prairie House architectural style.
### What is a distinctive feature of Prairie House windows?
- [ ] Stained glass
- [x] Continuous rows
- [ ] Bay windows
- [ ] Skylights
> **Explanation:** Continuous rows of windows are a hallmark of Prairie Houses, emphasizing horizontal lines and openness.
### How does the design of Prairie Houses relate to the landscape?
- [x] They are meant to blend with the natural landscape.
- [ ] They are built with high towers to offer panoramic views.
- [ ] They use reflective materials to mirror nature.
- [ ] They are elevated on stilts to avoid ground contact.
> **Explanation:** Prairie Houses are designed with low rooflines and horizontal emphasis to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
### Which architectural concept emphasizes harmony between human habitation and the natural world, akin to Prairie Houses?
- [ ] Gothic Revival
- [ ] Neoclassical
- [ ] Beaux-Arts
- [x] Organic Architecture
> **Explanation:** Organic architecture aims to create harmony between human living spaces and the natural environment, much like the principles of Prairie House design.
### What kind of roofline is typical of a Prairie House?
- [ ] Steeply pitched roof
- [x] Long and low roofline
- [ ] Mansard roof
- [ ] Gabled roof
> **Explanation:** A long and low roofline is emblematic of Prairie House design, following the horizontal aesthetic.
### Why is the exterior of a Prairie House unornamented?
- [ ] To save costs
- [x] To focus on simplicity and functionality
- [ ] Government regulations
- [ ] Influence of industrial architecture
> **Explanation:** Prairie Houses emphasize simplicity and functionality, hence the lack of excessive ornamentation.
### What shape does a Prairie House resemble instead of the traditional boxy structure?
- [ ] Modular pods
- [ ] Circular form
- [x] Horizontal planes
- [ ] Vertical columns
> **Explanation:** Prairie Houses eschew traditional boxy structures for horizontal planes that emphasize extended, flowing lines.
### What aspect of Prairie Houses draws attention from conventional domiciles, designed "as a box subdivided into smaller boxes"?
- [ ] Colored tiles
- [ ] Large footprints
- [ ] Detached architecture
- [x] Open and blended living spaces
> **Explanation:** Prairie House design moves away from the traditional concept of compartmentalized rooms towards open and continuous living spaces.
### What does the horizontal design of Prairie Houses often reflect?
- [ ] Urban skyline
- [ ] Mountain ranges
- [x] Midwest prairies
- [ ] Coastal lines
> **Explanation:** The horizontal design of Prairie Houses reflects the expansive and flat plains of the Midwest prairies.
### Which famous Prairie House was completed in 1910 in Chicago and is one of the most notable examples of this style?
- [x] Robie House
- [ ] Fallingwater
- [ ] Villa Savoye
- [ ] Casa Milà
> **Explanation:** Robie House in Chicago, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1910, stands as a quintessential example of Prairie-style architecture.
