Prairie School

The Prairie School emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a revolutionary architecture movement, primarily rooted in Chicago, Illinois. This style was distinct in its integration with the Midwest's natural landscape, characterized by horizontal lines, flat roofs, and broad eaves, creating a sense of unity with the surrounding environment. Prairie School buildings are notable for their strong geometry, brick or stucco exteriors, open floor plans, and subtle ornamentation.

Frank Lloyd Wright, along with other notable architects like George Elmslie and Marion Mahony Griffin, played a pivotal role in shaping Prairie School. They were inspired by the broad, flat landscapes of America's Midwest and sought to develop an architectural style that was uniquely American, free from European influences. Wright's belief in "organic architecture" - a structure that appears naturally integrated into its site - was a defining principle of the Prairie School.

Significant examples of this architectural style include Wright's Robie House in Chicago and the Meyer May House in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The movement also influenced subsequent architectural styles, including Modernist and Mid-Century architecture. Despite its decline in popularity post-1915, Prairie School remains a symbol of American innovation in architecture.

For collectors and art and antique experts, the Prairie School represents not just an architectural style but a historical movement that shaped American architecture's trajectory. This style's influence on modern architecture cannot be overstated, with its emphasis on simplicity, function, and harmony with the environment.

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