Since the beginning of my experience as an architect in the United States, I have been fortunate to meet others who, like me, arrived here through Architect-US. This allowed me to connect and build friendships with people from different parts of the world, who today are my friends.
As architects, excited about this incredible experience, we sought out famous works within the United States to visit. That’s how we packed our bags and ended up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to see one of the most famous works by architect Frank Lloyd Wright: Fallingwater.
Fallingwater is a true work of art. I’m sure all of us who have studied architecture had to research this house and learn about how important and innovative it was during the 1930s. The fact that I finally got to see and tour the entire project was something I never imagined would move me so deeply. This house has a life of its own, a defined character, and, best of all, it was literally made to measure for its owners.
At first glance, it’s not as large as my friends and I had imagined. Even so, its composition is striking, with its horizontal planes delicately integrating with the surrounding natural environment. Inside, the large windows and terraces expand the space, and the play of levels in the ceilings of each room gives each one its own personality. The hallways are a bit narrow compared to what we are accustomed to today, yet they create a cozy feeling as you walk through them. Additionally, we also visited the guest house located at the upper part of the property. We climbed a path ascending to the highest point of the house and reached this space designed to accommodate guests, featuring wooden finishes, large glass windows, and a natural water pool for entertainment.
I want to add that one of the things I liked most about the interior is that Frank Lloyd Wright designed his own furniture: from built-in sofas and closets to lounge chairs and even the beds. This allowed the house to maintain its unique energy and language to this day. And if you ask me, I would have loved to be Mrs. Liliane Kauffman for just one day during their weekend retreats at the house.
This was a beautiful experience that reminded me why I chose this career and allowed me to dream big again. Today, it’s easy to forget that we need more conscious societies that are aware of their surroundings and sensitive to how we inhabit space.
