The horizontal lines in a Prairie School Mansion house have several significances:
1. Integration with the Natural Landscape: The horizontal lines in Prairie School architecture are a reflection of the prairies of the Midwest, where these houses were primarily built. The low, elongated design of the horizontal lines helps the house blend with the flatness of the prairie landscape, creating a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the natural surroundings.
2. Emphasis on Horizontality: Prairie School architecture, pioneered by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, sought to break away from the verticality of traditional architectural styles prevalent at the time. The horizontal lines in Prairie School Mansion houses emphasize a sense of horizontality. This design principle aims to create a sense of calm, relaxation, and expansiveness within the living spaces, as the horizontal lines visually extend the house into the horizon.
3. Unity with the Environment: The horizontal lines in Prairie School architecture aim to establish a connection between the house and its surrounding environment. Wright believed in the concept of "organic architecture," where the built structure blends seamlessly with its surroundings and appears as a natural extension of the landscape. The horizontal lines, along with the use of natural materials like stone and wood, help achieve this unity and reinforce the idea of a harmonious relationship between the house and its environment.
4. Expression of Modernity: The horizontal lines in Prairie School Mansion houses also represent a departure from traditional architectural styles and a move towards a more modern aesthetic. The Prairie School movement emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to the rapid industrialization and urbanization of America. The horizontal lines symbolize a shift towards a new architectural language that rejected ornamentation and embraced simplicity, functionalism, and a connection with nature.
Overall, the horizontal lines in a Prairie School Mansion house are significant as they blend the house with the natural landscape, create a sense of horizontality and unity, and express a modern design approach.
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