This document summarizes a reaction paper by Heng Sy Hua about an article by Frank Lloyd Wright titled "In the Cause of Architecture" from 1908. Wright argues that architecture should use nature as guidance rather than cling to past practices without understanding how buildings relate to their organic environment. He proposes that simplicity, individualism where people can express themselves, and allowing buildings to grow from their sites by using elements like gentle roof slopes and low proportions are key. Wright believes architecture should not follow trends but preserve lasting value. The paper gives examples like Beijing National Stadium that portray Wright's views by deriving organic shapes from nature and using materials like bare steel to maintain originality. In conclusion, the author agrees with Wright that designing buildings based on

1. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
(ARC61303)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (MARCH 2018)
Name: Heng Sy Hua ID No.: 0321999
Lecturer: Mr. Prince Tutorial Time: 1000-1200
Reader/Text Title: “In the cause of
Architecture”1908
Synopsis No: 2
Author: Frank Lloyd Wright
This article by Frank Lloyd Wright is his finding that he worked for about 20 years. The primary focus that
is written in the article is his understanding and interpretation to use Nature as guidance while designing
rather than cling to the past practice without understanding the organic nature of the building, people,
environment and the intended use. From the phrase “A sense of organic is indispensable to an
architect…” has clearly shown that Frank Lloyd Wright stand in balancing the nature element to the
architecture but not just using complex motif, patterns or technology.
There are several propositions in that suggested by Wright to support his main focus. Firstly, simplicity
and repose are the qualities that measure the true value of any work of art. He also pointed out some
ways to achieve these qualities in architecture for instance, door, windows are integral with structural an
form, assimilate fixtures into design and pictures deface what should be decoorative. Next proposition will
be individualism as a man has his right to express in his own environment. Thirdly, building should grow
from its site. Several ways are suggested in order to balance the nature and the building which includes
roof with gentle slopes, low proportions and quiet skylines, heavy set chimneys and low terraces.
Following will be the use of earthy colours and tones and also magnifying the nature of each material in
the design. Last statement can be seen in the phrase “house of character, not of fashion, grows in value”
showing that architecture in not about following the trend but preserving the value of it.
Several famous buildings has significantly portrait the use of nature element as the fundamental of their
building design. For instance, the Beijing National Stadium. Organic shapes and line that derived from a
bird nest are used as the façade of the building. The main material of the structure, steel is also left bare
without any finishes to maintain and showcase the originality of the material. Furthermore, the building is
built surrounding by old housing typology, hence, the building are designed in lower proportion without
affecting the skyline of the area.
In conclusion, deeply agree with Wright’s view of designing building from nature as every buildings has
different nature background and it is only unique when the building is able to collaborate with it but not
with trending technology or complex structures.
Word Count:397 Mark Grade
Assessed by: Date 22/5 Page No. 2