Fallingwater Case Study

     Fallingwater was built by Frank Lyod Wright. This home, built in 1939, is considered a national historic landmark. It is located near the Pittsburgh area and has become a popular destination for visitors. The building cost was $155,000, which equals $ 3 million in today's money. I chose to conduct a case study on this building because it is very famous, and even people unfamiliar with architecture may have seen a picture or recognized it. It has been said that Wright and Albert Enstin were friends, and he frequented this home while it was being built. 

     Wright believed that people should stay as close to nature as possible, which is why the building was constructed over a waterway rather than below it. The home had to be built into the rock to ease the tension and weight on the bottom floor, due to the building's construction. The tower and chimney support each floor with steel horizontal and vertical beams. The foundations of the tower are made of rock, which provides a vertical backbone for the building. Each floor is smaller than the one below it, which makes the weight more evenly distributed and safer. This home was incredibly daring for its time and had many conflicts between Wright and the client, Kaufmann. Without informing Wright, Kaufmann went to the contractors and told them to build steel beams to make the building "safer." Wright took offence to this action and even threatened to back out of the project. 

    The floor plan has a very natural and flowing feel from floor to floor. Wright wanted there to always be a connection to nature and incorporated floor-to-ceiling windows to enhance this connection. It was designed with organic architecture in mind, a style created by Wright and often used in his other designs. Organic architecture mimics the shapes of nature and exists in harmony with the landscape. 

    In conclusion, this building is a testament to time and an architectural icon, showcasing the challenges and setbacks that may arise in design, as well as how architecture can be a powerful statement. This national historic landmark is a timeless piece of art, inspiring many people, especially architects who respect and value the true art of the craft. 





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