The Prairie School, led by Frank Lloyd Wright, revolutionized American architecture in the early 20th century. It emphasized horizontal lines, natural materials, and harmony with the landscape, creating a uniquely Midwestern style that blended buildings with their surroundings.

Key features of Prairie Style include low-pitched roofs, extended eaves, and open floor plans. Notable works like the Robie House and Unity Temple showcase these principles, while architects like Marion Mahony Griffin and Walter Burley Griffin helped spread the style's influence globally.

Key Principles of Prairie Style

Defining Characteristics of Prairie Style Architecture

• Prairie Style developed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his followers in the early 20th century (1900s-1920s)
• Emphasized horizontal lines to blend with the flat prairie landscape of the American Midwest
  • Low-pitched roofs, extended eaves, and banded windows reinforced horizontality
• Flat or hipped roofs with broad overhanging eaves provided shade and shelter
  • Hipped roofs have slopes on all four sides (pyramidal shape)
• Integration with the landscape through the use of natural materials (wood, brick, stone) and colors
  • Aimed to create harmony between the building and its environment

Distinctive Features of Prairie Style Homes

• Ribbon windows, a series of continuous horizontal windows, allowed ample natural light and views
  • Often featured art glass or leaded glass designs
• Central chimney served as a vertical anchor and focal point
  • Fireplaces often incorporated into the living space as a gathering area
• Open interior spaces with flowing floor plans that encouraged social interaction
  • Minimized use of walls to create a sense of spaciousness
  • Living and dining areas often connected, with the kitchen nearby

Notable Prairie School Works

Robie House (Chicago, Illinois)

• Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909 for Frederick C. Robie
• Epitomizes Prairie Style with its elongated form, cantilevered roofs, and art glass windows
  • Cantilevered roofs extend beyond the walls without external support
• Features a central chimney and open living spaces that flow into one another
  • Living and dining rooms connected by a continuous brick fireplace
• Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1963 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019

Unity Temple (Oak Park, Illinois)

• Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905-1908 for the Unitarian Universalist congregation
• One of the first public buildings in the Prairie Style and an early example of reinforced concrete construction
  • Concrete allowed for the creation of open, flexible spaces and geometric forms
• Features a cubic exterior with a flat roof and overhanging eaves
  • Interior characterized by interconnected spaces and skylights that filter natural light
• Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019

Influential Prairie School Architects

Marion Mahony Griffin

• One of the first licensed female architects in the United States
• Worked closely with Frank Lloyd Wright from 1895 to 1909
  • Contributed to the development of the Prairie Style through her drafting, design, and rendering skills
• Known for her intricate and poetic architectural renderings, often featuring natural elements
  • Her drawings helped popularize the Prairie Style and Wright's work

Walter Burley Griffin

• Husband and professional partner of Marion Mahony Griffin
• Worked in Frank Lloyd Wright's studio from 1901 to 1906
  • Influenced by Wright's organic architecture principles and the Prairie Style
• Collaborated with Marion on numerous projects, including the winning design for the Australian capital city of Canberra in 1912
  • Canberra plan incorporated Prairie School principles, such as integration with the landscape and geometric forms
• Continued to promote Prairie School ideals in their later works in Australia and India