In Prairie School architecture, the materials and finishes were carefully chosen to create a harmonious connection between the interior and exterior spaces. Prairie School architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright, sought to create a seamless transition between the inside and outside, blurring the boundaries between the built environment and nature.
Some of the key strategies employed to achieve this harmonious connection are:
1. Organic materials: Prairie School architects predominantly used natural materials like wood, stone, and brick. These materials were chosen for their connection to the natural environment and their ability to age gracefully, blending in with the landscape.
2. Horizontal lines and flat roofs: Prairie School architecture emphasizes horizontal lines, reflecting the expansive prairie landscapes of the Midwest. Flat roofs were employed to create a continuous plane that extended the interior spaces to the outside.
3. Integration of nature: The use of large windows, often in horizontal bands, allowed ample natural light to flood the interior spaces while providing views of the surrounding landscape. The windows were often placed at the same level as the adjoining floor, further blurring the division between inside and outside.
4. Earth tones and warm colors: The color palette chosen for the interior finishes often reflected the earthy hues found in the prairie landscape, such as warm reds, yellows, and browns. These colors created a harmonious connection between the interior and exterior spaces.
5. Textures and patterns: Prairie School architecture often incorporated geometric patterns, abstract designs, and repetitive motifs inspired by natural elements like leaves, trees, and flowers. These patterns were used in both the interior and exterior finishes to create a visual connection between the two.
Overall, Prairie School architects aimed to create a sense of unity and harmony by using materials and finishes that were grounded in nature, emphasizing horizontal lines, and integrating the surrounding environment into the design. By doing so, they sought to connect the inhabitants with the natural world and create a cohesive relationship between the interior and exterior spaces.
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