Prairie School architecture sought to create a sense of harmony between the built environment and the natural world through several key design principles and elements:
1. Horizontal emphasis: Prairie School buildings typically featured horizontal lines that mirrored the expansive and flat landscape of the Midwestern prairie. This horizontal emphasis helped integrate the structures into the natural surroundings and visually connected the building to the land.
2. Low-pitched roofs: The roofs of Prairie School buildings were typically low-pitched, extending horizontally to blend with the natural horizontality of the prairie. These roofs often featured overhanging eaves that shielded the interior from excessive sunlight, mimicking the shades provided by trees.
3. Open floor plans: Prairie School architecture emphasized open floor plans, eliminating the traditional compartmentalization of rooms. This open layout allowed for a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, blurring the boundaries between the built environment and nature.
4. Integration of natural materials: Prairie School architects often incorporated natural materials such as stone, wood, and brick into their designs. This use of organic materials helped the buildings blend with their natural surroundings and establish a visual connection with the environment.
5. Relationship with the landscape: Prairie School buildings were designed to take advantage of the surrounding landscape. Large windows, often in horizontal bands, were incorporated to capture views of the prairies, gardens, or lakes, bringing the natural beauty indoors and creating a harmonious connection with the outside.
6. Incorporation of gardens: Prairie School architects integrated gardens and landscaping into their designs, often using them as transitional elements between the built structure and the surrounding natural environment. These gardens were often designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, further enhancing the connection between the built environment and nature.
Overall, Prairie School architecture sought to create a balance between the architectural form and the natural world, conveying a sense of unity and harmony with the surrounding landscape.
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