The beauty of nature is a fundamental inspiration for designers, for new forms and ideas. At any given location, the aspects of the local environment act to inspire the architect in their design of a given structure. Thus, the external structure and facade ideally reflect the natural environment, so the interior space follows suit thereby creating a cohesive, harmonious space.
A great contemporary example of this is the way Frank Lloyd Wright used nature to inform the design of his interior spaces, thereby exemplifying his principles of organic architecture. We can understand how his work portrayed this through his use of the site to design the exterior space, bringing the exterior inward to define the interior space, editing out the unnecessary for a minimalistic and natural approach to design, and considering which common design elements he would use to achieve all this.
- Exterior Space and Nature
It is seen in Wright’s Fallingwater house how he aimed to make the interior of the space continuous with the exterior. He had the vision of the exploding box, breaking the traditional box-like structure of residential architecture so that it was more cohesive with natural environment. The story that this house tells is how sound, that of the running water, can become part of the visual experience.
- Interior Space
Wright’s design principles contrasted the traditional box-like building where everything is contained and exploded form into the space. He endeavored to create a complete harmony of the structure with its surroundings. This endeavor included the placement of the structure, the building materials, and the various aspects of interior design: furniture, lighting, rugs, art, etc.
- Editing Out the Unnecessary
An important principle of his design was the elimination of the insignificant. When a proper balance of eliminating unnecessary aspects and including desired aspects is achieved it yields simplicity and tranquility. A great example of this is the Hollyhock house. The client’s favorite flower was the Hollyhock plant; thus, Wright incorporated the flower design throughout the house. He had a fascination with Oriental philosophies of nature and feng shui, implementing natural elements of earth, fire, light, and water into his designs.
- Common Elements Used in His Design
He commonly utilized large fireplaces and chimneys made of natural materials such as brick and stone to bring the feeling of the exterior space into the home. He regularly implemented tall, glass windows and materials which reflected the local environment.
