Sam Angell

View Original

Fallingwater - frank lloyd wright

Undoubtably, one of my favourite pieces of architecture is that of Frank Lloyd Wright entitled, Fallingwater. Located in Bear Run, Pensilvania, this architectural design is embedded into the waterfall.

The building, was partially built over a waterfall, in which it was given its name - Fallingwater. Originally designed as a weekend home for the Kaufmann's, it has since been turned into a museum for the the public. The building is listed among Smithsonian's "Life List of 28places to visit before you die", I certainly agree with this statement. Nothing compares in regards to healthy architecture and sustainable design much like that of Fallingwater, something Wright was known for imitating. The plans were drawn up in 2 hours, the distance for the Kaufmann's to drive from Milwaukee to Taliesin (about 190km). It was designed on top of the waterfall in order to capture the magnitude of Kaufmann's favourite aspect of Bear Run. 

It should be commended by Wright that he did in fact alter history through his organic design, something that very few architects have been able to capture in the modern world. The smooth, concreted angles of the walls and path contrast so naturally with the walls of textured stone. In addition with the green shrubbery, he had a way of blending harsh and soft tonnes, and textures together in a pure act of architectural magic. This is the level of sustainability that I hope to encompass. Imagine how stunning our natural and man-made environment would be if we focused more on these design elements. I think it would definitely alter the perception most people have on buildings in turn destroying the natural world. I believe that this encompasses how all architects should use the natural environment. It should be a goal that we don't tear down the natural instead use it. Perhaps without that destructive side, the world would be less industrialised yet still further than we could possibly imagine.