Feadship and the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright

During our podcast, Tanno Weeda, Head of the design department, brought John's yacht design to life based on his wishes. In the first episode John arrived with a suitcase brimming with inspirational materials. Among these materials were Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural concepts and the captivating essence of desert modernism. It's fascinating to note that the interplay between these architectural principles and the artistry of maritime craftsmanship is not a recent phenomenon.

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Frank Lloyd Wright, once the apprentice of Louis Sullivan, embraced and expanded upon the dictum "Form follows function." This philosophy, transcending mere architectural doctrine, deeply influenced Wright's design ideology. As he matured, Wright transformed this maxim into his own credo: "form and function are one". This shift represented a departure from dogmatic slogans and propelled Wright towards a profound realization – the inseparability of form and function, culminating in architectural innovation when these elements harmonize.

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Nautical vessels significantly influenced Wright's architectural ingenuity, bolstering his conviction in the unity of form and function.

Integrating nautical elements into architectural design isn't a novel concept in modern architecture. While architects like Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn celebrated the influence of boats in their works, it was Frank Lloyd Wright who, during his Prairie era, recognized the intrinsic harmony between nautical vessels and his philosophy.

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This profound connection is evident in Wright's design of the Frederick C. Robie House in Chicago (1908-10). He metaphorically employed the German term "Dampfer," meaning "steamship," to describe the robust form of the main living space. This space ascends to a belvedere third floor mirroring a ship's bridge. Even earlier, Wright's discussions with client Darwin Martin about the master bedroom in the Martin House drew from nautical terminology, when Martin refers to the "port" and "starboard" sides of the space in a letter to Wright.

Wright scholars have ingeniously interpreted Prairie designs through nautical metaphors. Robert Twombley eloquently characterizes the Prairie houses as “anchored shelters, impervious to the tumultuous seas of urban life”. Expanding upon this metaphor, Jack Quinan compares the Robie House to “a majestic brick ship, moored serenely within the urban landscape”.

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Through these captivating nautical allusions, Frank Lloyd Wright masterfully intertwines the essence of maritime forms with his architectural vision. These metaphors not only serve as poetic expressions, but also illuminate the profound interplay between architectural innovation and the timeless symbolism of seafaring vessels.

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Wright's philosophy found resonance in Desert Modernism, an architectural movement rooted in arid environments, notably exemplified in Palm Springs. Characterized by elements in harmony with the desert climate and lifestyle, Desert Modernism embraced an intimate connection between architecture and nature. It sought not to conquer but coexist with the desert, harnessing its uniqueness for design inspiration and integrating with delicate ecosystems.

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Investigating the fusion of Wright's "Form follows function" philosophy and the tenets of Desert Modernism uncovers a shared reverence for nature, dedication to purpose-driven design, and innovative material approaches.

Feadship, renowned for its bespoke creations, is to some extent using the philosophy “form and function are one”. As discussed in the podcast, each client's desires are meticulously integrated into the design process, with the result that each room's purpose shapes the vessel's form. This approach mirrors the seamless integration of nature and living spaces seen in desert architecture and Feadship's designs, with a focus on expansive glass fronts and sliding doors that blur the line between indoors and outdoors.

Both Wright and Feadship have made their mark through pioneering material explorations. Their shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation is evident in the evolution of materials in architecture and yacht construction. From Wright's pioneering use of steel, concrete, and glass to Feadship's relentless pursuit of new materials like teak substitutes, the transformative impact of materiality is evident in both domains.

Curious about the design process from the first ideas to the finished blue prints? Click here and listen to our podcast new!

The copyright of all pictures lies with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

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