The Prairie Style House: Spatial Diffusion of a Minor Design

Abstract

The spread of the Prairie style house was'investigated in order to exemplify the means of diffusion of minor'designs. This style, developed by Frank Lloyd Wright, spread'beyond suburban Chicago between 1900 and 1917. It is confined'primarily to selected communities of the Midwest in which its low'elongated silhouette reflects the often flat prairie terrain. The'chronological sequence of diffusion of the Prairie style was'compared to the sizes and rates of growth of the places to which it'spread. This sequence did not conform to a hierarchal pattern'because the style failed to gain acceptance among the elite of'Chicago and other large cities. Prairie design was confined'primarily to middle class circles and spread by means of a'fragmentary system of inter-city communication. Third parties'frequently provided the initial means of contact between architects'and their out-of-town clients. The relationship of third parties to the'architects was often in the role of former patrons. Their ties with'out-of-town clients usually resulted from family or business'associations.