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1. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
(ARC61303/ARC2224)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (MARCH 2017)
Name: NG HONG BIN ID No.: 0319735
Lecturer: MR PRINCE FAVIS ISIP Tutorial Time: 11.30A.M.
Reader/Text Title: In the Cause of Architecture Synopsis No: 1
Author: FRANK LLYOD WRIGHT
In this literature, Wright was trying to discuss the ‘new architecture style’. Firstly, he emphasized the
indispensable relationship between nature and architecture. The way he learns, differentiates and
compromises his architecture with nature which is special fascinates me. He established organic integrity as
the basis ofmost of his projects by displaying the identity ofarchitecture within nature through colour and
nature ofmaterials. Everything starts from the integrity with surrounding environment, then only the ground
plans to the elevations and materials and colours etc. Nature has an undeniable beauty which makes Wright
decides it to be the guideline for every architect.
Another thing Wright mentioned was his propositions such as simplicity, individualism and characters of
houses. He had different visions and was ambitious by hoping that America might live her own life in her
own buildings, withoutbeing influenced by others. By introducing and developing Prairie style which was
marked by its integration with the surrounding landscape, horizontal lines, flat hipped roofs with broad
eaves, simplicity etc, he made people realised aboutthe new aspectand identity ofAmerica during 19th
century. Due to changed conditions,Wrightwas aware of and insisted that new and true forms must be born
out without looking back atthe past. As now people’s idea is democracy, the new role for each individual is
more prior than the pastpractices. He also addressed issues faced by the society during 19th century such
as the financial crisis, loss ofindividuality, industrial revolution etc by introducing the Usonia House which
could fulfil the conditions ofthe community.
From reading this article, it made a realization that architecture is not just about aesthetic value, butalso
how it responds to the current issues, compromises with people, and mostimportantly, how it displays and
integrates its identity with the past, presentand future. Whatever good things we build end up building us -
Jim Rohn.
Word Count: 315 Mark Grade
Assessed by: Date: 7-6-2017 Page No. 1-8