A segment of the International Style focuses on what has become known as organic design. Taking inspiration from nature, designers adopted a humanizing approach to design. Their philosophy was based on the belief that there should be harmony between the natural surroundings and human habitats, so much so that they become one. The term organic design was popularized by architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright.
Organic design is characterized mainly by the lack of harsh edges; designers who opted for this style used smooth lines and sculptural forms, always keeping in mind the surrounding environment. A holistic approach was taken when designing - not only making sure that the outer area of a building (if taking architecture as an example) was in harmony with its natural surrounding environment, but also that the interior elements flow and fit in with the building in itself, thus creating a relationship between all the elements.
One of the most prominent architectural masterpieces of the time which reflect what is mentioned above is the house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright himself - Fallingwater. Located in Pennsylvania, the house is built over a waterfall in a natural reserve. It was built specifically in such a way so that the waterfall is not an added feature, but actually integrated as part of the house itself. Keeping in line with the organic and natural theme, the house was located in such a way so as to provided with natural sunlight for most of the day, thus eliminating the unnecessary use of non-renewable energy. The house itself was made from a combination of natural as well as industrial material. If one observes the interiors of the house itself, as can be seen in the images below, one can visualize what is meant by creating a harmony between the natural environment, the building itself and its interior.
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| Fallingwaters - Frank Lloyd Wright (1935) |
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| Fallingwaters - Frank Lloyd Wright (1935) |
Organic design principles were adopted not only by architects, but also by designers such as Ray and Charles Eames, Alvar Aalto, Eero Saarinen, Arne Jacobsen and Paul Henningsen. It is worth noting that there is a cross reference to Scandinavian design since the latter four designers mentioned here are Scandinavian by birth. The Scandinavian design movement is known for its designs inspired by nature as well as the extensive use and manipulation of natural material.
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| Tulip Chair - Eero Saarinen |
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| Womb Chair and Ottoman - Eero Saarinen |
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| Egg Chair - Arne Jacobsen |
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| Swan Chair - Arne Jacobsen |
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| La Chaise - Ray and Charles Eames |
References
ArchDaily, (2015). Architecture Photography: interior2 (60116). [online] Available at: http://www.archdaily.com/60022/ad-classics-fallingwater-frank-lloyd-wright/interior2-5/ [Accessed 13 Jan. 2015].
Fallingwater.org, (2015). Fallingwater | Home. [online] Available at: http://www.fallingwater.org/ [Accessed 13 Jan. 2015].
Interior Design Ideas, (2015). Live in Falling Water, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Masterpiece. [online] Available at: http://www.home-designing.com/2009/10/live-in-falling-water-frank-lloyd-wrights-masterpiece [Accessed 13 Jan. 2015].
Quezi.com, (2009). Quezi » What is organic design?. [online] Available at: http://quezi.com/5264 [Accessed 13 Jan. 2015].
Slideshare.net, (2015). Key Movements in Design. [online] Available at: http://www.slideshare.net/markrotondella/key-movements-in-design [Accessed 13 Jan. 2015].
