Modern Architectural Forms of the Mid Century (Part 1)

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This is an ongoing series of articles on the common architectural forms of Mid Century Modern.

In this part we will examine what is called “Organic” and “Prairie” style architecture. Of course, Frank Lloyd Wright, (1867 – 1959), rightly comes to mind and the influence of organic architecture is widespread in the United States. ^[1] We see in the image to the left, called Fallingwater, the epitome of organic architecture. Wright had the notion that architecture such as this must be a part of the environment which surrounds it. He believed, whenever possible, local materials should be used in construction, that the structure should “grow” out of the place that it is located.

“So here I stand before you preaching organic architecture: declaring organic architecture to be the modern ideal and the teaching so much needed if we are to see the whole of life, and to now serve the whole of life, holding no traditions essential to the great TRADITION. Nor cherishing any preconceived form fixing upon us either past, present or future, but instead exalting the simple laws of common sense or of super-sense if you prefer determining form by way of the nature of materials …”^[2]

Wright’s mentor, the architect Louis Sullivan, famously made the statement: “Form follows function.” Wright change that to: “Form and function are one.” Meaning that space is developed as part of the whole design. Wright was less concerned with architectural style than a building emerging organically from the environment. Taliesin West in Arizona (shown here) is a prime example of the organic ideal. Materials, such as the stone, were gathered from the surrounding desert.

The designs of organic architecture can appear significantly different from the International Style, also exerting tremendous influence in the US. International Style is described as a strict linear architectural expression, stripped of applied decoration, open spaces, with a light visual weight. The Organic Style is much less concerned with visual weight and the busyness of decorations. The possibility of an edifice in the International Style “organically” placed in the natural environment becomes much lower the more natural surfaces are abandoned and a strict rectilinear design adhered to. Nevertheless, both styles are preoccupied by space. In terms of Frank Lloyd Wright, space exists to fulfill his holistic, “natural” approach to architecture. His designs included furniture and fixtures, as seen in this interior of Taliesin West.

Prairie Style architecture was prolific in the US and is only mentioned because some of the features of this style influenced the upcoming Organic. The Prairie Style itself was strongly influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement. The cantilever with planes jutting out from the main structure, low roofs and open spaces, surprising invention regarding the shape of the roofs, and many other features look forward to modern architecture. The Ward Willits House (1901) serves very well as an example of the Prairie Style.

Usonian houses were an attempt to provide low-cost housing to the American masses. These houses were small single story structures set on concrete slabs, open layouts inside and with open parking instead of enclosed garages. As with many Wright projects, the houses generally cost more than anticipated and, with the Automatic Usonians which were meant to be assembled by the homeowner, most were done as the result of a contractor. Not many were constructed, just a little over one hundred, however, the Usonian houses had a profound influence on Mid Century Modern residences.

One other note about Frank Lloyd Wright, his use of sculpted cement blocks lead to a plethora of buildings all over the country using this material. So much so that sculpted cement blocks came to be a symbol of modernity.

It should be mentioned that Frank Lloyd Wright was not the only Organic Style architect. The next part will include a rundown of the architects and notable buildings as well as a look at the commercial buildings of FLW such as the Guggenheim. Then the second style associated with Mid Century Modern, the International Style will be examined.