All this month we have been talking about the PrairieMod Principle of "Bring The Outside In." We've looked at several ways in which the beauty and inspiration of the natural world can be woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. The final post on this topic for the month will examine how to blur the line between "outside" and "inside" with windows.
When you stop to think about it, glass is an amazing substance. It can be heated up and molded into an infinite number of shapes and sizes. It can be colored or crystal clear, brittle or bullet-proof. In regards to applying its properties to our living spaces, you can make entire walls out of it (or even an entire house, if you're not the private type.) But, it's not exactly as simple as just popping some windows in a wall and viola!--outside, inside. Glass, like everything else, must be considered via principles to work effectively.
Frank Lloyd Wright was a master at utilizing glass to bring the outside in. His early Prairie Period use of art glass windows acted as light screens for privacy and reminded the home's occupants of the outside world, via the abstracted, nature inspired designs. Wright eventually achieved his goal of banishing the outside/inside boundary in his Usonian homes, where entire walls of modular glass doors made sitting in the living room an extension of sitting amongst the landscape beyond the clear glass veil. Planting boxes which extend from part of the outdoor landscaping through these glass walls and into the living spaces help reinforce the experience. Finally, Wright would take "break the box" complete by making the corners of his rooms disappear completely by way of mitered glass walls.
If all of this intrigues you, we'd suggest a visit to any number of the Usonian homes that are open for tour or are for rent. Some of the ones we'd suggest would be:
These are just a few, and the principle of bringing the outside in can be found in every Wright structure he designed, so look for it in whichever building you happen to tour! So how do people use this principle today? A recent article in the Chicago Tribune "Home & Garden" section highlights some of the creative ways in which design professor, Crandon Gustafson's small apartment is made to seem bigger by bringing the outside in. As stated in the article:
A large window opens onto a balcony and view of the South Loop. "Having the large window extends the living space to the outer world," says Gustafson. "A small space feels bigger when it's visually connected to the outside."
Mr. Gustafson took the same ideas used by the designers of the past and was able to find a space that utilized elements, such as a large window, to help bring the outside in. In doing so, he added to the feeling of space in what would otherwise be considered a cramped room by most people's standards. Principles, whether applied by world famous architects or simple apartment dwellers, can change our daily lives and infuse them with good design and useful beauty. Next month we'll continue to explore the PrairieMod Principles by taking a look at "Think Natural." Until then, enjoy finding your own ways to improve life by "Bringing The Outside In."
Comments