Skylights played a crucial role in bringing natural light into Prairie School houses. Designed by architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, the Prairie School style of architecture aimed to create a seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces. Since the houses were characterized by low-pitched roofs, horizontal lines, and open floor plans, skylights were used to channel daylight deep into the interior spaces.
Skylights were strategically placed on the roof to capture the maximum amount of sunlight and direct it downwards. They were often incorporated in rooms such as living areas, hallways, and stairwells, where there might not be many windows or direct access to natural light. In this way, skylights helped to illuminate the interior spaces and create a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.
Additionally, the placement and design of skylights in Prairie School houses were carefully considered to control the quality and direction of light. Wright, for instance, used skylights with horizontal bands of glass to diffuse the light and create a softer, more natural lighting effect. This approach aimed to avoid harsh glare and shadows, ensuring a more pleasing and evenly distributed light throughout the day.
Overall, skylights were essential design elements in Prairie School houses, serving as key sources of natural light and helping to articulate the architectural ideals of the style.
Publication date: