An interpretation of organic architecture with reference to Frank Lloyd Wright

Abstract

I developed an interest in the subject of this report after becoming familiar with some of the architecture of Wright, Gaudi, and Goff. These architects are commonly grouped under the title of organic. So what does organic mean here? During the four years I have been at the Wellington School of Architecture I have never managed to obtain a definition that fitted varied references and associations that I have come across. This essay attempts to give a definition of organic architecture, focusing on Frank Lloyd Wright who is generally considered to be an organic architect. The report consists of three parts, the first of which outlines organic theory in general, starting with a broad philosophical interpretation and narrowing down to organic theory as it relates to architecture. The second part of the report concentrates on Frank Lloyd Wright, his ideas and theories. Case studies are made of six of his house designs to illustrate the development of his architectural theory and how it relates to the buildings he produced. The third and final section of this report attempts to place Wright into the general definition of organic architecture established in part one.