Wright, Frank Lloyd (1867–1959)

Frank lloyd wright (1867–1959) was perhaps the most celebrated U.S. architect and designer, famous for his original concept of houses built in harmony with nature. In the 1930s, Wright defined his concept of “organic architecture” as a respectful interaction and simple reinterpretation of nature, instead of a mere reproduction of it. For instance, natural materials like wood or stone used in houses should look as such, without being transformed or painted. Wright often declared, “Form and function are one,” which means, for instance, that a museum should look like a museum and not like a Greek temple.

Among many notable buildings, Wright's Fallingwater in the Laurel Highlands of southwest Pennsylvania illustrates his ecological approach to architecture: In this case, a unique house built in 1939 on ...