Organic Design

Some of the organic design movement’s characteristics are curves, unique forms and most importantly inspired by nature. The designs of this movement have to be in some certain way to connect with nature, architecture and interiors and be aesthetically pleasing. The first designers that pioneered this movement were Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Frank Lloyd wright. – Falling Water

This house was designed by the famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It was built for Edgar Kaufman and his family, who made use of it for about fifteen years. It was mostly influenced from the Japanese architecture. Lloyd Wright enhanced the idea of harmony connections between humanity and nature within the architecture. Not only its design makes it very unique and different but also that particular location it is situated in. It is literally situated at the peak point of the river where the water falls down, which one might understand why it’s named ‘Falling Water’. The water fall gives the structure a natural ornamentation. Also the waterfall creates an interesting natural and relaxing sound to the house which can be heard from all the rooms of the house, and for sure it is the best place to rest and relax safely within the heart of nature. Having said this, we notice how such a structure can give you a beautiful experience, but not only the structure but because of its natural surroundings.

The structure is made up of multiple rooms which some are an open living room, small kitchen, three small bedrooms, etc. which are shared between the two floors. There is also an office and a bedroom particularly of Edgar's. It has also a particular character of design also from its interior; it has low ceilings and narrow corridors which leads the eyes towards its end where they’ll end up looking outside at the natural surroundings. The exterior is also an interesting particular design, which consists of parallel lines and right angles, which are shown on its elongated cantilevered terraces. Materials that were used were concrete and steel as a support to make it stronger.  

It is also well known for its cantilevered structure and at the same time it made a huge impact because of that and it was known as the “destruction of the box”, which made Frank Lloyd Wright’s career to flourish. Somehow the interiors reminds me of the Art Deco, its because of its linearity there is throughout. 

Guggenheim

Another well-known design by Frank Lloyd Wright is this huge building, which was built into organic forms. It was built around six months after Wright died. It is made up curvatures form its exterior and interior. It actually looks like cylinders stacked on top of each other, one larger than the other. It is interesting that the interior is a continuation of what there is on the exterior. It has an interesting swirling ramp that starts from down going round and round till it reaches the top. It is very spacious and clean, structure. This structure was actually very criticized for the fact that it isn’t very functional and there were also protest against the structure, because it might not have been designed well.
Compared to the ‘Falling Water’ house, this is literally different from the aspect of angles and lines, because this is using more curves and circular form, while the other uses more linearity, angularity and precision to details.  

Guggenheim Exterior

Guggenheim Exterior

Guggenheim Interior

References:

Adelyn Perez, 2010. AD Classics: Fallingwater House / Frank Lloyd Wright [online] Available at: http://www.archdaily.com/60022/ad-classics-fallingwater-frank-lloyd-wright [Accessed 30 May 2016].

Adelyn Perez, 2010. AD Classics: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum / Frank Lloyd Wright [online] Available at: http://www.archdaily.com/60392/ad-classics-solomon-r-guggenheim-museum-frank-lloyd-wright [Accessed 30 May].

Fiell C. and Fiell P., 2015. Design of the 20th Century. Köln: Taschen.

Hauffe, T., 1998, Design A Concise History. London: Laurence King Publishing.