Topic > Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright

Fallingwater, derived from the waterfall flowing under the house, located in Pennsylvania is undoubtedly one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous projects, begun in 1935 and completed in 1938 for Edgar J. Kaufmann and his family as a weekend home. Edgar was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was a businessman who owned and ran "Kaufmann's Department Store" and was a millionaire. The design places the house above a waterfall on a tributary where the client initially suggested addressing the waterfall but was clearly ignored. The house was not sited to take advantage of the view but rather to be separated from the view and landscape. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Wright could have simply designed a cabin or lodge for Edgar to become his weekend home, but instead he created a design that was radical for its day and age and was then seen as the home of the 20th century . Even today it attracts attention and thousands of people visit the house every year and it has truly set a benchmark in the world of architecture. Many architects admire Wright and the organic principles he used to create this unique design and try to incorporate them into their own designs. Frank's design seemed to emerge from the landscape as if the house were part of the waterfalls, finding the balance between nature and technology to create this organic work of art. Trees have been left planted where possible to avoid ruining the beautiful setting. The use of materials and technology has been used to connect with the surrounding environment and provide extraordinary views from inside the house and looking from outside. Wright's principles were applied to the waterfall house to create this piece of organic architecture that found a balance between nature and technology. This balance gave the illusion that the house belongs to the landscape and its context. The quality that sets Fallingwater apart from most other designs in this type of setting is the way Wright found peace with nature in his design. This sense of creating a non-selfish design that doesn't abruptly place itself in the best position to observe the beauty of nature and keep it for itself. Instead he politely introduces himself to nature and asks how he might adapt, and in doing so builds this relationship where the two can meet and understand each other. This communication allowed nature to share its key points, and with understanding the design, you can adapt and process this information to create this elegant building that integrates nature and its beauty in harmony. The principle of balancing nature and technology to create organic architecture has since influenced many designs that seek to replicate the character of the waterfall house. You will find that this principle is still used today for contemporary architecture and is a main factor in many projects, trying to make the project belong to its context. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The Gambier Island House in British Columbia, Canada, is an example of contemporary architecture that may relate to the same principle used for Fallingwater. This home was designed by OMB Architects for a young family with two children looking for a weekend retreat, very similar to Fallingwater in sense of purpose. The design places the home on the edge of a steep rock cliff overlooking the sand, offering breathtaking views of Anvil Island and beyond. This is where Wright's Waterfall House is located.