20th Century North American Architecture Evolution
The Evolution of North American Architecture
The European civilizations that settled in America created their own cities using materials such as stone and wood.
Thomas Jefferson and American Classicism
American Classicism emerged through the work of Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. President. He designed the Capitol and the University of Virginia, where he famously utilized the Ionic order. Other significant buildings of this era include the White House and the United States Capitol.
H.H. Richardson
Henry Hobson Richardson was considered a predecessor by Frank Lloyd Wright; he deeply understood the specific architectural needs of the American people.
The Chicago School and the Rise of Skyscrapers
Chicago served as a vital thoroughfare between the East and West Coasts, accumulating an enormous network of railways. In just a few years, it transformed into a great metropolis. The Chicago School of Architecture achieved rapid fame, focusing on the typology of the skyscraper. This movement introduced new foundation systems, structural innovations, and the invention of the elevator (lift).
Louis Sullivan: The Modernist Pioneer
Louis Sullivan is the most prominent figure of the Chicago School. His first major project was the Auditorium Building, which is noted for its massive appearance and the influence of Richardson. Sullivan is often regarded as the only truly American modernist architect of his time.
Frank Lloyd Wright: Father of American Architecture
Frank Lloyd Wright is widely recognized as the father of American architecture. Although influenced by Europe, his style was highly innovative. Key elements typical of Wright’s designs include:
- Central fireplaces and porches
- Extended wings and integrated garages
- Large windows and a focus on horizontality
His work emphasizes the connection between the house and the garden. The floor plans reflect the Arts and Crafts movement, leading to the birth of organic architecture.
His most iconic works are the Prairie Houses. The Robie House is a significant example, consisting of two wings: one for the family and another for service. Following changes in his family life and travels in Europe, Wright retreated to a world outside the city. In the Arizona desert, he established an architecture school for boarders. Due to financial troubles, he accepted the commission for the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. A major project that remained unbuilt was his model for Broadacre City, which established new urban rules. His ultimate masterpiece is Fallingwater (the House of the Cascades).