PRAIRIE STYLE

ARCHITECTURE
Prairie style architecture is recognized by its:
Integration w/ the surrounding landscape
Horizontal lines
Flat/hipped roofs w/ broad eaves
Windows assembled in horizontal bands
Solid construction
Restraint in the use of decoration
1-2 stories
Principles and
Elements Used
 Integration w/ surrounding landscape
Flat/hipped roof w/ broad eaves

Horizontal lines
Windows assembled in horizontal bands
 Solid construction

Restraint in the use of decoration

1-2 stories
 HISTORY
Said to be the first original American architecture style
Largely attributed to Frank Lloyd Wright, one of Americas most famous and innovative architects, whose
goal was to create organic architecture
- he believed that houses had to be an integration of structural and aesthetic beauty and, overall, a
sensitivity to human life
Its distinguishing features include strong horizontal lines and natural interaction with the landscape.
However, it was the interior reorganization that really set the style apart
-unlike the Victorian style that had small, compartmentalized rooms, the Prairie style opened up interior
spaces by producing a more natural current between rooms
this was achieved by removing doors and walls, and increasing the line of sight from one room to the
other
The Prairie style also incorporated the natural environment by making the access to porches and patios
easier, and the use of various windows allowed cross-ventilation and abundant light, which were thought
to be essential to health and well-being
 FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT
Born on June 8, 1867 in Richland Center, Wisconsin
Fell in love with the Wisconsin landscape as a child
Went to the University of Wisconsin to study civil engineering
Worked for the dean of the engineering department and assisted the famous architect
Joseph Silsbee with the construction of the Unity Chapel to help pay off his tuition and
support his family
The experience convinced him that he wanted to be an architect, so he dropped out of
college to pursue architecture in Chicago
Worked for the acclaimed American architect Louis Sullivan until 1893
Founded his own firm and established the Prairie Style, which strove for an organic
architecture in the design of buildings and houses
SOURCES
http://www.oldhouseweb.com/architecture-
and-design/prairie-style-house-1900-1920.shtml
http://www.antiquehomestyle.com/styles/prairi
e-school.htm
https://www.biography.com/people/frank-
lloyd-wright-9537511