An organic architecture adopts the physical and
psychological characteristics of the environment as a reference when producing
habitable spaces for human beings, so that the world is balanced between the
development of the human habitat and the natural one.
The result is a unique composition. This architectural
current was born in Europe in 1940 with the appearance of the crisis of
rationalism. Some of its bases are the predominance of utility over
ornamentation, the use of industrial resources to improve and balance the
environment and the importance of the plant.
The movement accepts many of the premises of rationalism,
such as the freedom to plan, the predominance of the useful over the merely
ornamental, the incorporation into architecture of the advances of the
industrial era, etc., but it tries to avoid some of the errors in which
rationalism falls and to bring new values to architecture.
What is Organic Architecture?
Organic architecture is a stylistic or aesthetic movement,
which in short, is an architectural concept that promotes the harmony of human
settlement with the natural organic environment. This is achieved by adapting a
design approach that takes into account the natural environment, so that
organic design and construction, furnishings and atmosphere become a much more
unified and intertwined whole composition that adapts to human amenities.
An abstract organic architecture is also part of an
expression that refers to a current of architecture resulting from the work of
the theoretical architect of the twentieth century, Frank Lloyd Wright, which
is to consider or conceive of a habitat as a living organism between nature and
the environment.
Organic and rationalist architecture is a thought that must
be taken into account in all aspects of man's life. Through the psychological
characteristics prior to the first function of the discipline as useful for the
production of living spaces by man. The concept of organicism is based on the
balance between human development and the natural world. Thus, buildings, real
estate and furnishings are part of a composition, and not as taxable resources
for landscape architecture.
History
From a more conceptual point of view, Frank Lloyd Wright's
organic architecture posited that housing influenced the lifestyle and
personality of its occupants. A healthy and ecological construction allows
people to care more about their environment. Thus a new architectural concept
was born: organic architecture.
The concept and history of organic architecture and the
repercussions of organic architecture is more of a philosophy than a true
architectural style, which was developed by the famous American architect Frank
Lloyd Wright in the first half of the 20th century, who described his naturally
integrated approach as a new architectural paradigm. Wright was an attentive
observer of the natural world, so he found inspiration in the styles and
processes of nature to build a thriving and sustainable ecosystem.
Throughout his career, Frank Lloyd Wright has constructed
nearly 400 buildings according to the principles of organic architecture. Among
his most important works are the famous Guggenheim Museum in New York, the
Price Tower in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the Marin County Community Center in
California, the Fallingwater House in Pennsylvania and the Hollyhock House in
Los Angeles.
His goal was to design habitats that would meet basic human
needs while respecting the environment and living organisms.
As a teenager, Wright worked on a farm, and over time became
so fascinated by the natural brilliance of the place, the diversity of
domesticated crops, the untouched forests and open spaces in a Wisconsin river
valley. It was then that Wright discovered what he later called "organic
architecture."
No house should ever be on a hill or on anything. It should be of the hill. Belonging to it. Hill and house should live together, each happy of the other" Frank Lloyd Wright.
What does Organic Architecture aim for?
The fundamentals of organic architecture are commonly seen
as a translation of Wright's "all-inclusive" idea of organic design.
Materials, structures, patterns and principles of order, in general, tend to be
repeated throughout the building, making them more holistic and intentional.
The manifesto of organic architecture refers not only to the
literal relationship of the building to nature, but also to the way in which
the building design is implemented to promote the unification of the building
with nature as a "unified organism."
Modern organic architecture reflects various organicist
sustaining elements, from windows and doors to floors and furniture. Each
element appears to be in relationship with the others, reflecting the symbiotic
order of nature. By blending interiors and exteriors and maintaining a
harmonious atmosphere, organic architecture strives and aims to unite human
habitation with nature.
General Principles
In organic building: It is not just a design as an
individual housing or a rigid piece of object. However, the principles of
organic construction are part of the design. Construction and nature cannot be
considered as separate elements. Nature and natural materials must be respected
(for example, wood must be wood and not some other derivative).
Organic design in architecture cannot be bad, since any
organic building is being inspired by nature and built with the principles of
organic architecture.
However, the designs of an organic architecture with curves
must be free, flexible and adaptable, so that the buildings are perfectly
integrated to their environment. That is to act in quality and elegance to the
natural elements in organic architecture.
Houses built according to the principles of organic
architecture in housing combine modernity, comfort and ecology. They are
designed to provide the best possible energy efficiency while ensuring optimal
functionality for the occupants. Natural, ecological and durable, they are
carefully insulated and protected from external aggressions (differences in
temperature, humidity, air, etc.).
In this way, they reduce energy consumption and considerably
limit CO2 emissions. A house built according to the principles of organic
architecture therefore meets ecological and environmental criteria.
In the book "The Cause of Architecture", published
in 1908, Wright highlights some important elements of organicity:
- Simplicity and restfulness are important qualities in assessing the value of architecture. Therefore, it is necessary to simplify the design of the structure and limit the number of distinct rooms, rethinking them as open spaces.
- Doors, windows and furniture should blend in with the ornamentation of the structure.
- A building should appear to come from its location and the structure should appear as if it was created by nature itself.
- The color of the fields and woods should inspire the main color of the building to express a natural aesthetic.
Main Features
It doesn't have to be necessary to use naturally sourced raw
materials in every corner of your design. It's more about the perception of how
the natural material is produced and what it represents. They are available,
convertible, sustainable and, most importantly, contain life or help it thrive.
Most of the early concepts of organic architecture and its
features used unbridled natural resources such as wood and stone. Even concrete
slabs and smooth building surfaces are broken down into smaller tiles so that
they have natural textures rather than being totally smooth.
Like the philosophy of natural fabrics and how they can be
looked for in modern material, glass can be one of the examples of organic
architecture that allows visual access to the outside and breaks the sense of a
series of closed cubes. It is also important that such glass does not divide
the texture of the material it cuts and has to slide a smooth transition
between inside and outside.
The very interesting organic architecture is based on the
principle that a habitat should bring harmony between man, nature and the
environment in which it is built. To this end, the architectural concept favors
the use of natural materials such as wood, stone, clay, earth and even foliage,
which are perfectly integrated into the environment. For example, there are
green roofs, timber frames, etc. that are strong, durable and environmentally
friendly.
Organic and geometric architecture is characterized by lines
inspired by organic shapes, such as trees, leaves, waterfalls, etc. The design
evokes natural elements, thus integrating more easily into the environment,
while remaining modern.
Mexican Organic Architecture
Mexican architect Javier Senosiain, one of the world's most
famous exponents of organic architecture in Mexico, is now known as one of the
leading proponents of "organic architecture," which promotes
harmonious spaces between human habitation and nature. The architectural style
that he plays not only encompasses the exterior areas of a building, but also
includes interior spaces, decoration, surrounding buildings and landscapes, and
even furnishings.
While some of Senosiain's projects have been inspired by the
work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Gaudí, Rudolph Steiner, nature art and other
Mexican folk art, Organic House remains his most personal project to date (as
it was built in his family's home).
The architect decided to expand and connect the first
section of his house to the second by designing a tunnel when his family became
too large to live in it. At the top of the structure is a studio with an
expansive view of Los Remedios National Park and a semi-open terrace below it,
resulting in a shark-shaped outdoor structure.
The Organic House is a building that shows the connection
between man and nature while exalting organic architecture today and around the
world.
Most Important Works of Organic Architecture
In this aspect, organicism abandons one of the postulates of rationalism, creating instead, when well interpreted, juicier and more humane realizations. The works of the great organic architects are much more personal and difficult to imitate, so it is more appropriate to speak of an approach than an organic style in architecture. The following works are just a sample of how this peculiar architecture is landed.
