The Robie House, Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie Style Masterpiece YouTube 720p

Summary

In 1893, Frank Lloyd Wright established his architectural practice in Oak Park, pioneering the Prairie style, America's first original architectural style. Inspired by the Midwest's expansive landscape, the style featured gently sloping roofs, low proportions, and open plans. Wright's innovative designs, like the Robie House completed in 1910, epitomized the Prairie style with its horizontal emphasis, harmonious materials, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The Robie House, recognized as one of the 10 most significant structures of the 20th century, showcases Wright's visionary approach to architecture, influencing generations and redefining American residential design.

Takeaways

• 🏠 Frank Lloyd Wright founded his architectural practice in Oak Park in 1893 and pioneered the Prairie style of architecture during the first decade of the 20th century.
• 🌱 The Prairie style was inspired by the expansive landscape of America's Midwest and was the first truly American architectural style.
• 🛠 Wright's Prairie style houses were characterized by gently sloping roofs, low proportions, quiet skylines, and open plans that allowed rooms to flow into each other.
• 👤 Wright sought clients with unspoiled instincts and ideals, like the ambitious businessman Fredrick Robie, who wanted a house with lots of light and open spaces.
• 🏡 The Robie House, completed in 1910, is considered the consummate expression of Wright's Prairie style, integrating site, structure, interior, exterior, furniture, ornament, and architecture.
• 🏗 The Robie House showcased innovative materials and design, emphasizing horizontal lines and a dynamic configuration of sliding planes.
• 🎨 Wright achieved a remarkable balance of tone and color in the Robie House, using materials like iron flight brick and limestone to create harmony with the surrounding environment.
• 🌅 The interior of the Robie House features a light-filled open plan that is considered a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture and design.
• 🌿 The design of the Robie House blurred the boundaries between interior space and nature, with broad balconies and terraces that allowed the interior and exterior to flow together.
• 📚 In 1911, Wright's work was introduced to Europe through the Wasmuth Portfolio, influencing a new generation of architects.
• 🏛 The Robie House is recognized as one of the defining moments of Wright's career and was named one of the 10 most significant structures of the 20th century by the American Institute of Architects in 1991.

Q & A

When did Frank Lloyd Wright establish his architectural practice?

Frank Lloyd Wright founded his architectural practice in 1893.

In which location did Wright start his practice?

He started his practice in Oak Park, a quiet semi-rural suburb of Chicago.

What architectural style did Frank Lloyd Wright pioneer in the first decade of the 20th century?

Frank Lloyd Wright pioneered the Prairie Style, an architectural approach inspired by the expansive landscape of America's Midwest.

What was unique about the Prairie Style in terms of American architecture?

The Prairie Style was the first truly American architectural style, representing a dramatic shift from traditional houses and reflecting American values.

What were the key features of the Prairie Style houses designed by Wright?

Prairie Style houses were characterized by gently sloping roofs, low proportions, quiet skylines, heavyset chimneys, sheltering overhangs, low terraces, and outreaching walls.

Who was the client for the Robie House, and what was his background?

The client for the Robie House was Frederick Robie, an ambitious young businessman who worked in his father's Excelsior supply company and had a rebellious spirit.

What specific requirements did Frederick Robie have for his house that influenced Wright's design?

Frederick Robie wanted a house with lots of natural light, the ability to look out without being seen, and rooms that were not confining.

When was the Robie House completed, and how does it represent Wright's Prairie Style?

The Robie House was completed in 1910 and represents the consummate expression of Wright's Prairie Style, with its horizontal emphasis, integrated design, and innovative use of materials.

How did Wright achieve a balance of tone and color in the Robie House?

Wright achieved a balance of tone and color by using materials such as brick and limestone that harmonized with the leaded glass windows, creating a dynamic horizontality throughout the design.

What was the significance of the Robie House in terms of its interior design?

The interior of the Robie House featured a light-filled open plan that was breathtaking in its simplicity, with leaded glass windows flooding the interior with light and patterns that echoed the building's form.

How did the Robie House influence the perception of residential architecture?

The Robie House changed the perception of residential architecture by introducing new ideas and norms, making what was once unusual become the norm in American architecture.

What recognition did the Robie House receive from the American Institute of Architects?

In 1991, the Robie House was recognized by the American Institute of Architects as one of the 10 most significant structures of the 20th century.

What was the impact of Frank Lloyd Wright's work on European architecture?

Wright's work, including the Robie House, was introduced to Europe through the Wasmuth Portfolio of 1911, which influenced a new generation of architects.

What were some of the other notable works by Frank Lloyd Wright after the Robie House?

After the Robie House, Frank Lloyd Wright went on to create masterpieces such as Fallingwater in 1939 and the Guggenheim Museum completed in 1959.

Outlines

00:00

🏠 The Birth of Prairie Style Architecture

In 1893, Frank Lloyd Wright established his architectural practice in Oak Park, a semi-rural suburb of Chicago. During the early 20th century, Wright pioneered the Prairie Style, America's first truly original architectural style inspired by the Midwest's expansive landscape. This style was a significant departure from traditional designs, characterized by gently sloping roofs, low proportions, and open floor plans that allowed rooms to flow into one another. Wright sought to create a style that reflected American values, rather than mimicking those of other countries. The Prairie Style was exemplified by the Robie House, designed for the ambitious businessman Fredrick Robie. Robie, a forward-thinking client, desired a house with ample natural light, minimal confinement, and a design that was both innovative and private. Completed in 1910, the Robie House is considered the epitome of Wright's Prairie Style, with its horizontal emphasis, expressive materials, and integration of interior and exterior spaces.

05:01

🌟 The Legacy of the Robie House and Wright's Influence

The Robie House, with its light-filled open plan and innovative design, stands as a testament to Frank Lloyd Wright's transformative impact on architecture. The house features a single room that serves as both a living and dining space, separated only by a central chimney. Leaded glass doors and windows flood the interior with light, creating a dynamic interplay of transparency and enclosure. Wright's work on the Robie House and the subsequent publication of his portfolio in 1911 introduced his architectural philosophy to Europe and influenced a new generation of architects. After the Robie House, Wright moved his practice to Wisconsin and continued to evolve his concept of organic architecture, leading to iconic works such as Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum. The Robie House is recognized as one of the most significant structures of the 20th century by the American Institute of Architects and remains an integral part of America's cultural heritage, embodying Wright's vision for a new American architecture.

Keywords

💡Frank Lloyd Wright

Frank Lloyd Wright is a renowned American architect, known for his innovative and influential designs. In the context of this video, he is the central figure who pioneered the Prairie School of architecture, which is a key theme. The script discusses his dissatisfaction with existing architectural styles that did not reflect American values, leading him to create a uniquely American style.

💡Architectural Practice

An architectural practice refers to the professional services provided by an architect. In the script, it is mentioned that Frank Lloyd Wright founded his architectural practice in Oak Park, which was the base from which he developed his new architectural style and designed significant buildings like the Robie House.

💡Prairie Style

The Prairie Style is an architectural design movement that originated in the Midwestern United States, characterized by its horizontal lines, flat roofs, and integration with the landscape. It is a central concept in the video, as it represents the first truly American architectural style that Wright pioneered, inspired by the expansive landscape of the Midwest.

💡American Century

The term 'American Century' refers to the period during the 20th century when the United States emerged as a global superpower. The video script uses this term to highlight the significance of the Prairie Style as the first architectural style that emerged during this period, symbolizing a new era in American architecture.

💡Robie House

The Robie House is a specific architectural work by Frank Lloyd Wright, completed in 1910. It is highlighted in the script as the consummate expression of Wright's Prairie Style. The house is noted for its innovative design, horizontal emphasis, and integration of interior and exterior spaces, making it a key example of Wright's architectural philosophy.

💡Horizontality

Horizontality refers to the emphasis on horizontal lines and forms in architecture, which is a defining feature of the Prairie Style. The script describes how Wright's buildings, including the Robie House, use horizontal elements to create a sense of spreading out, mimicking the expansive landscape of the Midwest prairie.

💡Frederick Robie

Frederick Robie was a client of Frank Lloyd Wright who commissioned the Robie House. The script describes him as an ambitious young businessman with a desire for a modern and innovative home. His collaboration with Wright resulted in a house that exemplified the Prairie Style and became a milestone in American residential architecture.

💡Organic Architecture

Organic architecture is a philosophy of design that emphasizes the harmony between the built environment and its natural surroundings. In the script, it is mentioned that after the Prairie Style, Wright continued to explore this concept, which is integral to his broader architectural vision and his later works such as Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum.

💡American Institute of Architects

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is a professional organization for architects in the United States. The script notes that the AIA recognized the Robie House as one of the 10 most significant structures of the 20th century, underscoring its importance in American architectural history.

💡Cultural Heritage

Cultural heritage refers to the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations. The video script mentions that the Robie House stands as an important part of America's cultural heritage, reflecting Wright's vision for a new American architecture.

💡Masterpieces of Modern Architecture

The term 'masterpieces of modern architecture' refers to buildings that are considered outstanding examples of innovative and influential design in the field of architecture. The script cites Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum as examples of such works by Wright, which, like the Robie House, have had a significant impact on the development of modern architecture.

Highlights

In 1893, Frank Lloyd Wright founded his architectural practice in Oak Park, a quiet semi-rural suburb of Chicago.

Wright pioneered the Prairie Style, the first truly American architectural style, inspired by the Midwest landscape.

The Prairie Style represented a shift from traditional houses, with features like gently sloping roofs and low proportions.

Wright's designs included open plans with rooms that flowed into each other, embodying the expansive nature of the Midwest prairie.

Frederick Robie, a young businessman, became Wright's client seeking a house with unique features and lots of natural light.

Robie wanted a house that allowed him to observe his neighborhood without being seen, with unconfining rooms.

Wright's design for Robie was completed in 1910, showcasing the Prairie Style with its horizontal emphasis and integrated elements.

The Robie House is considered the most innovative and forward-thinking of Wright's Prairie houses.

Materials in the Robie House, such as brick and limestone, were used to create a dynamic horizontality and anchor the building.

Wright achieved a balance of tone and color, with materials and design elements harmonizing to create a cohesive look.

The interior of the Robie House features a light-filled open plan that is considered a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture.

Leaded glass windows with intricate patterns flood the interior with light, echoing the building's plan and form.

Wright blurred the boundaries between interior space and nature, creating a dynamic balance between transparency and enclosure.

The Robie House was the last of Wright's true Prairie houses before he moved on to other architectural concepts.

Wright's work, including the Robie House, influenced a new generation of architects through the Wasmuth Portfolio of 1911.

The Robie House is recognized as one of the 10 most significant structures of the 20th century by the American Institute of Architects.

Today, the Robie House stands as an important part of America's cultural heritage, showcasing Wright's vision for a new American architecture.

Transcripts

in 1893 Frank Lloyd Wright founded his

architectural practice in oak park

quiet semi-rural Chicago suburb it was

at his oak park studio during the first

decade of the 20th century the dright

pioneered a bold new approach to

domestic architecture the prairie style

inspired by the expansive landscape of

America's Midwest the prairie style was

the first truly American architectural

style of what has been called the

American Century for rights the houses

he witnessed around him derived as they

were from the styles of other countries

and other cultures could not possibly

reflect American values a masterful

architectural designer right developed a

unique vocabulary of space form and

patent it represented a dramatic shift

in design from the traditional houses of

the day rights Prairie buildings defined

by gently sloping roofs low proportions

quiet skylines suppressed heavyset

chimneys shelter and overhangs low

terraces and outreaching walls

sequestering private gardens heralded a

new era in architecture just imagine the

Midwest prairie flat expansive spreading

out in all directions imagine a house

doing the same thing that's the prairie

style characteristically they'll have

sloping rocks broad eaves ribbons of

windows open plans of rooms that flow

into each other rights visionary

buildings required a particular type of

clients described in his own words as

American men of business with unspoiled

instincts and ideals he found the

perfect client in the ambitious young

businessman Fredrik 0v Frederick Roby

was a brash young man who worked in his

dad's business the Excelsior supply

company Roby was kind of the rebellious

young son kind of a tough guy a little

bit of an attitude he wanted to try new

things he designed his own low-slung car

that you look at

it was like a sports car before there

were sports cars he marries gonna raise

a family time to have a house he

actually wanted a Frank Lloyd Wright

house before he even knew who Frank

Lloyd Wright was because he was the guy

of ideas he said he needed lots of light

he didn't like artificial light he went

to be able to look out around his

neighborhood but he didn't want to be

seen and observed at the same time he

wanted rooms that weren't confining so

he would tell this to people and they'd

say to him huh you are one of those

right houses first he didn't know what

they were talking about but even when

people meant that right house is

something kind of little off and unusual

I think that made it appealed arobie

even more right got the job Roby got

exactly the kind of house that he wanted

completed in 1910 the house right design

for Roby is the consummate expression of

his prairie style the house is conceived

as an integral whole site and structure

interior and exterior furniture ornament

and architecture each element is

connected unrelentingly horizontal in

its elevation and a dynamic

configuration of sliding planes in its

plan the Robie house is the most

innovative and forward-thinking of all

rights prairie houses the materials are

very expressive in the Robie house just

think of a house spreading out the line

of horizontal if you think of houses

before they were often big vertical

boxes with the windows just being holes

cut into the wall this house spreads out

everything about it says horizontal on

the exterior bands of brick and

limestone anchor the building to the

earth while overhanging eaves and

dramatic cantilever drudes shelter the

residents the dramatic horizontality of

the house is reinforced at every level

of the design from the iconic roofline

to the very bricks and mortar of the

building itself through his use of

materials right achieves a remarkable

balance of tone and color as iron flight

brick harmonizes with the area

leaded glass of the windows that

encircle the building broad balconies

and terraces cause interior and exterior

space to flow together while urns and

planters at every level were intended to

bloom with the seasons the expansive

living space at the heart of the home is

one of the great masterpieces of 20th

century architecture and design the

light-filled open plan is breathtaking

in its simplicity a single room

comprising a living and dining space

divided only by a central chimney doors

and windows of leaded glass line the

room flooding the interior with light

iridescent colored and clear glass

composed in patterns of platen diamond

shapes and diagonal geometries revoked

floral forms while subtly echoing the

plan and form of the building in his

design of the Robie house right achieves

a dynamic balance between transparency

and enclosure blurring the boundaries

between interior space and the world of

nature beyond it's interesting to think

of what residential architecture would

look like had Frank Lloyd Wright never

existed he changed everything and he

changed it very quickly what he was able

to create and the ideas that he was able

to spread with his buildings became the

norm rather than something that was

unusual in October of 1909 with

construction underway at the Robie house

right left America for Europe to work on

the publication of a substantial

monograph of his buildings and projects

the result was the Vaz mattt portfolio

of 1911 which introduced rights work to

Europe and influenced a new generation

of architects the Robie house would be

the last of rights true prairie houses

on his return from Europe right would

re-establish his architectural practice

in Wisconsin while he continued to

explore the concept of organic

architecture right would seek new

influences beyond that of the Midwest

Prairie right would go on to create such

masterpieces of modern architecture as

falling water in 1939 and the Guggenheim

Museum complete

in 1959 the Robie house however remains

as one of the defining moments of the

architects career Frank Lloyd Wright

evolved the prairie house over many

years and this comes almost at the end

of the period that he was creating the

prairie house and it's almost like for

this last great gesture he did one of

his finest works Frank Lloyd Wright

himself considered this one of his

favorites people who lived in this house

remembered him suddenly showing up at

the doorstep walking through and saying

this is one of my best works and indeed

it is it shows kind of a perfection of

everything he was hoping to achieve in

1991 the house was recognized by the

american institute of architects as one

of the 10 most significant structures of

the 20th century today the Robie have

stands as an important part of America's

cultural heritage a powerful declaration

of rights uncompromising vision for a

new American architecture

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