“ORGANIC” IN ARCHITECTURE - Alexandrescu Irina

In  the past few years we are starting to hear the word organic more and more.

As we all know this word is rooted in biology.It is well known that this word is coming from the biology subject. You can also find it  in chemistry or farming (organic food). But what does this word mean in architecture?

Organic architecture is a philosophy of architecture which promotes harmony between human habitation and the natural world through design approaches so sympathetic and well integrated with its site, that buildings, furnishings, and surroundings become part of a unified, interrelated composition.

In this case, organic does not mean only green and bio like evreyone thinks. More than merely green, Organic Architecture describes a way of thinking about design that transcends the common, everyday buildings around us. It is not a "style" but rather an approach to solving design problems. In Architecture, a "style" is a set of repeating elements (such as Spanish Colonial Style...). A truly Organic Architecture invents a new solution based on the special conditions of each project.

In this way, Organic Architecture follows the design process of Nature - by adapting to each site, climate, and set of materials.

The term organic architecture was coined by Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959), though never well articulated by his cryptic style of writing:

"So here I stand before you preaching organic architecture: declaring organic architecture to be the modern ideal and the teaching so much needed if we are to see the whole of life, and to now serve the whole of life, holding no traditions essential to the great TRADITION. Nor cherishing any preconceived form fixing upon us either past, present or future, but instead exalting the simple laws of common sense or of super-sense if you prefer determining form by way of the nature of materials..." - Frank Lloyd Wright, written in 1954.

This way of thinking about organic architecture is the way that Frank Lloys Wright saw his work and invented this word. But in our days Modernist architects took the concept of organic architecture to new heights. By using new forms of concrete and cantilever trusses, architects could create swooping arches without visible beams or pillars. Modern organic buildings are never linear or rigidly geometric. Instead, wavy lines and curved shapes suggest natural forms.

Organic Architecture is also a vernacular architecture. It is architecture designed to harmonize with its environment and the needs of the people living in it. This means that one building designed by a particular architect using the philosophies of Organic Architecture may be very different from another building designed by another architect in another place.

Organic Architecture is not a style. A style can be "in fashion" today and gone tomorrow. Organic Architecture is "a philosophy that reaches far beyond any characteristic forms that would characterize a style, defining it is not easy." (Rattenbury 11).

Forrest Fulton Architecture

MVRDV

As a conclusion we can say that organic architecture brings structure and form together both of which are of equal importance and everything built upon the principles of organic architecture is unique and cannot be reproduced. It shows a concern for what is and what will be.