Frank Lloyd Wright Form Follows Function Quote
Frank Lloyd Wright was an American architect, interior designer, writer, and educator. He was one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, designing over 1,000 structures during his career. Wright's philosophy of "organic architecture" was inspired by nature, and he believed that buildings should be harmonious with their surroundings. One of his most famous quotes is "Form follows function," which has become a guiding principle for architects and designers around the world.
The Meaning of "Form Follows Function"
The phrase "form follows function" means that the design of a building or object should be based on its intended purpose. In other words, the form of a building should be a direct result of its function. This concept is often attributed to Wright, although he was not the first to express it. The phrase is thought to have originated with Louis Sullivan, Wright's mentor and the founder of the Chicago School of Architecture.
For Wright, "form follows function" was not just a design principle, but a way of life. He believed that buildings should be designed to enhance the lives of their occupants, and that architecture should be integrated with nature. Wright's designs often incorporated natural materials, such as wood and stone, and he used open floor plans and large windows to bring the outdoors inside.
The Origins of "Form Follows Function"
The phrase "form follows function" is often associated with Wright, but it was actually coined by his mentor, Louis Sullivan. Sullivan was a prominent architect in the late 19th century, and he believed that buildings should be honest in their design. In his famous essay "The Tall Office Building Artistically Considered," Sullivan wrote, "It is the pervading law of all things organic and inorganic, of all things physical and metaphysical, of all things human and all things superhuman, of all true manifestations of the head, of the heart, of the soul, that the life is recognizable in its expression, that form ever follows function. This is the law."
Sullivan's philosophy was based on the idea that buildings should be designed from the inside out, with the function of the building dictating its form. Wright adopted this philosophy and made it a central tenet of his own work.
Examples of "Form Follows Function" in Wright's Work
Wright's designs are known for their use of natural materials and their integration with nature. He believed that buildings should be designed to enhance the lives of their occupants, and that the form of a building should be a direct result of its function. Some of Wright's most famous works, such as the Robie House in Chicago and Fallingwater in Pennsylvania, exemplify the principle of "form follows function."
The Robie House, built in 1910, is a prime example of Wright's use of natural materials and his integration of nature into his designs. The house is made of brick, wood, and plaster, and it features large windows that bring the outdoors inside. The design of the house is based on the functional needs of its occupants, with the living spaces on the second floor to take advantage of the views and the bedrooms on the third floor for privacy.
Fallingwater, built in 1935, is perhaps Wright's most famous work. The house is built over a waterfall, and its design is based on the natural surroundings. The house features large windows that provide views of the waterfall and the surrounding forest, and it is built of local sandstone to blend in with the landscape. The design of the house is based on the functional needs of its occupants, with the living spaces on the main floor and the bedrooms on the lower level for privacy.
Conclusion
Frank Lloyd Wright's philosophy of "organic architecture" and his belief that "form follows function" have had a profound influence on architecture and design. His designs are known for their use of natural materials, their integration with nature, and their emphasis on the functional needs of their occupants. Wright's legacy continues to inspire architects and designers around the world, and his influence can be seen in buildings and objects of all kinds.