Prairie School architects, led by Frank Lloyd Wright, incorporated the idea of multi-functional spaces into their designs by breaking away from the traditional compartmentalization of rooms and instead creating open-plan layouts. They sought to create a sense of unity and connectivity between different areas of a building.
One way they achieved this was by eliminating the use of walls or partitions to separate rooms. Instead, they used low furniture pieces, such as cabinets, bookshelves, or screens, to define different spaces within an open floor plan. This allowed for the seamless flow of movement and visual connections between areas, promoting a sense of spaciousness and flexibility.
Prairie School architects also employed design elements like built-in storage units and furniture to serve multiple purposes. For example, a built-in seating area might have hidden storage underneath, or a desk could have integrated bookshelves. These features allowed spaces to serve dual or even multiple functions simultaneously, maximizing the utility of each area.
Additionally, the architects incorporated large windows and glass walls into their designs to connect interior spaces with the surrounding environment. This allowed natural light to penetrate deep into the building, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. By integrating nature into the building and vice versa, they created a harmonious relationship between the different functions of a space.
In summary, Prairie School architects achieved multi-functional spaces by embracing open-plan layouts, using low furniture to define areas, incorporating built-in storage and furniture with dual purposes, and blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces through the use of large windows and glass walls.
Publication date: