Interior designers have historically gleaned inspiration from architecture. With the focus of both disciplines on functionality as well as aesthetics, one would think the two would be married together in a perfect union. Unfortunately, many modern interior design students who are preparing for a career in the design industry do not always learn the relationship between these two disciplines. There can be a disconnect between interior designers and architects; many people believe the architect is focused on one part of a project and the interior designer is focused on another. Though this may be the norm, this does not have to be the way we continue. We can learn to marry architecture and interior design to create spaces which delight and inspire.
According to interior design educators, traditionally, the design of the interior fell on the architect as well as the interior designer. Some notable 20th century architects, like Frank Lloyd Wright, put equal effort into the interiors as they did exteriors, creating buildings which were fascinating both to look at and occupy. While designers and architects still strive for this kind of integrity between interior and exterior elements, many recognize that interior design work employs a unique set of skills which take study and hard work to master. Interior designers work with architects to incorporate aesthetic elements of the larger structure to the interior design, while addressing concerns unique to their craft. These concerns include the individual tastes and demands of their client, as well as their practical needs. Designers must imagine the specific uses their clients will have for the rooms in their home or commercial building and outfit the spaces accordingly. (interior-design-school.net)
Frank Lloyd Wright’s focus on modernism in the United States changed the face of American architecture and design. Wright’s approach incorporated form and function; it placed emphasis on architecture and interior design. Wright’s unique approach to design helped to bring about an American design revolution. During Wright’s time, many classic works were created which still inspire designers today. The beauty of Wright’s form and function and holistic approach to design brought beauty and elegance to spaces which before Wright were mundane and unsophisticated. Wright’s focus on simplicity and connectedness with nature, helped to shape the American landscape in a powerful way.
According to the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, as Wright worked to define his vision for American architecture and design, the currents of Modernism coursed at home and abroad. Architects and designers in Europe, Great Britain and America integrated exterior and interior design principles to achieve a level of visual unity never before seen. From paintings and prints, to light fixtures and furniture, the Modern style was pervasive, synthesizing every aspect of design as a Gesamtkunstwerk, a “total work of art.”Wright’s ideology, like that of his international contemporaries, focused on the complete integration of the house ̶ site and structure, interior and exterior, furniture, ornament and architecture, every element of the design was connected. In The Wasmuth Portfolio (Berlin, 1910), Wright described his goal as such: “To thus make of a dwelling place a complete work of art … this is the modern American opportunity.” (flwright.org)
Interior designers can learn many things by incorporating the study of architecture into their interior work. As Frank Lloyd Wright stated, the whole concept of a project should be taken into consideration. Wright pursued form and function as a holistic approach instead of a compartmentalized approach; his connection between architecture and interior design helped to shape the landscape of modern American design and architecture. His influence on the modern home has been felt by interior designers in every genre of design. By connecting architecture and design, we can better appreciate the beauty and connectedness of a modern home.
Knowing architecture is a powerful tool for interior designers, where should an interior designer begin to learn about the intricacies of architecture? A great place to start is by studying he designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. His beautiful designs will help an interior designer find inspiration and a model for modern design. Another great place to look is the city of Chicago. Being a home for Wright, much of the city’s architecture was influenced by Wright. After the Chicago fire, Wright was architect who was hired to help rebuild the city with beauty and intriguing aesthetics. A visit to the city of Chicago is a great way to begin to learn about architecture and the importance of incorporating architectural principles into interior design. With an entire city full of beautiful pieces of architecture by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, Chicago is a wonderful place to learn about architecture and find design inspiration. Architecture and interior design can be married in a wonderful way to create timeless designs which will delight for many years to come.
