The horizontal emphasis in Prairie School architecture was significant for several reasons:
1. Integration with the environment: The Prairie School architects aimed to create buildings that harmonized with the natural surroundings, particularly the flat, expansive landscapes of the American Midwest. The horizontal lines of the architecture mimicked the lines found in the prairies, reflecting the sense of openness and vastness. This horizontal emphasis allowed the buildings to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, rather than imposing a vertical and dominating presence.
2. Unifying interior and exterior spaces: By placing a strong horizontal emphasis, Prairie School architecture aimed to create a seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces. The use of long, horizontal lines extended from the building's exterior into the interior, blurring the boundaries between the two. This integration helped to create a more cohesive and organic living experience, as the natural light and surroundings were brought into the interior spaces.
3. Organic expression: The horizontal emphasis in Prairie School architecture was a reflection of the movement's overall philosophy of organic architecture, which aimed to create buildings that appeared to grow naturally from their surroundings. The horizontal lines were seen as more harmonious with nature, symbolizing stability and tranquility. It was a departure from the dominant vertical and hierarchical architectural styles of the time.
4. Sense of horizontality and horizontals: The horizontal emphasis also created a sense of horizontality in the buildings themselves. Wide overhanging eaves, long bands of windows, and low-pitched roofs all contributed to this effect. This horizontality visually grounded the buildings, emphasizing a sense of stability and calm. Moreover, the use of horizontal lines also helped to create a sense of horizontals within the buildings, dividing the spaces and creating a sense of order and balance.
Overall, the horizontal emphasis in Prairie School architecture played a significant role in integrating the buildings with their environment, creating a sense of unity between the interior and exterior, expressing organic forms, and conveying a sense of stability and tranquility.
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