We've Seen The Future And It Is Huge

One of our regular readers sent us a link that is both interesting and a little puzzling at the same time. Riddle me this: What happens when you cross Frank Lloyd Wright and Chinese culture?

Apparently the answer is Future House USA, a concept home being built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Billed as a home that demonstrates "the most unique and environmentally sustainable construction practices and technologies available", Future House USA is supposed to bring the architectural innovations of Frank Lloyd Wright and integrate them with the Chinese practice of Feng-Shui. As stated on their website:

"This approach emphasizes integrating the home into the rhythms of the surrounding landscape, creating a smooth flow of air and light and enhancing fluidity of interior space by minimizing confining interior walls."

Ok, so I guess it's "green" and it's East meets West and supposed to be extremely innovative...my question is: if this house is supposed to be the inspired by America's foremost architect, why does it look like every other ugly, bloated, generic "Prairie-ish" McMansion? Is that the best American architectural design can do nowadays?

To call itself truly "Frank Lloyd Wright inspired", the company behind Future House USA should have looked to the principles of Wright's organic design to develop a unique expression for this project--instead of just tossing-off some derivative cul-de-sac Coonley estate.

In the end, I guess it's emblematic of the rut American domestic architecture finds itself in. Read through the website for yourself and let us know what you think.

Images copyright Future House USA

Comments

[erinn]

FLW is rolling over in his grave. What an ugly roof form.

[Mike]

This is a sham. This design is far from Wrights principles is not even funny! This is like a Wal-Mart prarie style! This just backs up the authors comment of the "rut" that architecture is in. Time to call for a back to basics on priciples!