The Prairie School architects believed in the idea of "truth to construction," which focused on showcasing the building's structural elements and materials in an honest and expressive manner. They believed that a building's design should reflect its purpose, materials, and construction techniques, rather than disguising or concealing them.
To achieve this, Prairie School architects incorporated several key principles into their designs:
1. Open floor plans: They utilized open floor plans to highlight the structural elements such as load-bearing columns, beams, and supports. These elements were often left exposed and expressed prominently throughout the building.
2. Broad horizontal lines: They emphasized broad horizontal lines in their designs, echoing the surrounding landscape. These lines highlighted the building's structural form and conveyed a sense of harmony with the natural environment.
3. Cantilevers: Prairie School architects employed cantilevers to extend horizontal planes beyond the vertical supports, allowing the building's structure to be visible and celebrated externally. This technique showcased the structural integrity and balanced proportions of the design.
4. Use of natural materials: They favored the use of natural materials such as stone, brick, wood, and glass. These materials were left exposed and often showcased in their raw state, emphasizing their inherent qualities and textures.
5. Ornamentation inspired by nature: Prairie School architects borrowed motifs from nature, designing decorative elements such as geometric patterns, plant motifs, and stylized patterns. These motifs were integrated into the structure or used as surface ornamentation, further emphasizing the connection between the building and its surroundings.
By applying these principles, Prairie School architects ensured that the essence of the building's construction and materials played a central role in the design. The result was a harmonious integration of structure and aesthetics, showcasing the integrity and beauty of the building's elements.
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