IAR 221:Modern Architecture

Falling Water

When I think of modern buildings before its time, Falling Water always comes to mind. Falling Water was built in the 1900s by Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright is famous for his modern style homes and buildings. While visiting Falling Water a week ago I was informed that the client of Wright wanted a sort of modern getaway cabin in the woods. Although Wright used materials that were very ancient the design however is not. Falling was also a building with style and substance. I feel these days you have a lot of modern aesthetically pleasing buildings with wasted space. In Falling Water no space is wasted. The bedrooms are very small because Wright felt that was just a place for rest not to hang out all day long. The living room and cantilevers have the most multifunctional space.

I feel that the reason people in the 20th century tried so hard to be modern is because they felt like designers borrowed from the past too much as many people do. Design is one of those things where it is hard to be original because a lot of things have been done before. I also feel that whoever influences you as a designer often reflects the work you do. In Wright's case he was either trying to break the rules of what he had been taught or he was influenced by his mentors. 

Picture Source

wright-house.com