Frank Lloyd Wright: The Robie House

A guided tour of one of Wright's masterpieces, a splendid private house built for industrialist Frederick Robie in South Woodlawn, Chicago. The Robie house was the culmination of Wright's `prairie house' style, so-called because its low horizontal lines were meant to blend with the flat landscape all around. Designed as a number of `space blocks' grouped around a central core, the area that was architecturally shaped included the balconies, terrace, court and garden - Wright's aim was to create not merely a house, but a whole environment. He even took command of all the details of the interior, and designed stained glass, fabrics and furniture for it. He was convinced that buildings have a profound effect on the people who inhabit them, so that the architect, whether he realizes it or not, is really a molder of humankind.

© 1998-2008 The Roland Collection & Pira Intl.