16. Wright and Prairie School

Question 1

What was the major difference in the way Wright designed the interiors of his houses versus those of his institutional buildings during his Prairie House period?

Answer 1

Institutional: deny visual contact with the ground, direct eye vertically to sky
Houses: open out into horizontal expanse of exterior

Question 2

Define inglenook.

What was the symbolism intended by Wright when he used it?

Answer 2

hearth/fireplace

symbol of family, anchors composition and denies axis

Question 3

The only two non-residential buildings designed by Wright during his Prairie School phase that were constructed were:

Answer 3

1. Larkin Building

2. Unity Temple

Question 4

Sketch the site plan and pedestrian approach of the Robie House.

Answer 4

.

Question 5

Sketch the movement sequence from entry to sanctuary to Fellowship Hall in Unity Temple.

Answer 5

.

Question 6

Describe why and how Wright used ornamental banding in his interiors.

Answer 6

trim would turn corner and make it continuous instead of stopping it, emphasize horizontal and space rather than planes of wall

Question 7

What was Wright’s view of contemporary technology with respect to his designs?

Answer 7

in favor of and up to date with technology, but saw no reason to derive aesthetic of building solely from it

Question 8

The type of geometric organization used in the plans of Wright’s prairie houses is known as the ___________.

Answer 8

Tartan grid

Question 9

List three influences on the development of Wright’s design process that occurred prior to the start of his Prairie houses:

Answer 9

1. Froebel Blocks
2. Sullivan’s philosophy
3. Wisconsin prairie

Question 10

Draw and explain Wright’s detailing of the brick in the Robie House.

Answer 10

.

Question 11

List two details that Wright used to impart a horizontal accent to the exteriors of his Prairie Houses:

Answer 11

1. match color of vertical grout with brick

2. vertical grout flush with brick, horizontal grout set back

Question 12

Diagram (major spaces only) the plan of the Larkin building.

Answer 12

.

Question 13

The term used to describe the geometry of the plans Wright’s Prairie Houses is ___________/

Answer 13

pinwheel

Question 14

Sketch the floor plan of Unity Temple.

Answer 14

.

Question 15

List three characteristics of Wright’s Prairie Houses:

Answer 15

1. horizontal layering
2. central hearth/inglenook
3. non-axial plan

Question 16

Sketch a vertical transverse cross-section of the central office space in the Larkin Building.

Answer 16

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