The Prairie School design, which emerged in the late 19th-century in the United States, sought to integrate architecture with the surrounding landscape and create a sense of harmony and connectivity. Lighting played a crucial role in achieving these objectives and was considered an important element in the overall design.
One of the key aspects of Prairie School design was the emphasis on horizontal lines and open floor plans, which aimed to blur the boundary between the interior and exterior spaces. This was achieved through the use of large windows and extensive glazing that allowed natural light to flood into the interior spaces. The ample use of windows, often in horizontal bands, helped to establish a strong visual and physical connection between the indoors and outdoors. The windows were often positioned strategically to capture specific views of the surroundings, such as the sprawling prairies, gardens, or other natural features.
Along with natural lighting, artificial lighting was also carefully considered in Prairie School design. The introduction of electric lighting during this period allowed architects to experiment with new ways of illuminating spaces. They sought to create a balanced and warm atmosphere by using a combination of different lighting sources, such as pendant lights, sconces, and lamps. The lighting fixtures were often designed to be integrated into the overall architectural composition and featured simple, geometric forms that matched the overall aesthetic of Prairie School design.
Moreover, the placement of lighting fixtures in Prairie School design was carefully thought out to reinforce the horizontal lines and emphasize the geometry of the architecture. Light fixtures were often installed in a linear manner to echo the horizontal emphasis of the design style. Additionally, the lighting created patterns and shadows that accentuated the architectural details and emphasized the craft and materiality of the buildings.
In summary, lighting in Prairie School design played a crucial role in defining the relationship between the interior and exterior spaces, creating a sense of harmony and blurring the boundaries between the two. It not only facilitated the integration of architecture with the surrounding landscape but also helped to emphasize the horizontal lines, geometry, and craft of the design.
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