Principles of the Prairie School: An Interview with Duncan Nicholson.

From the Archives: A Conversation on the Prairie School and Modernism

The roots of Modernism and the Prairie School stretch back to the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century. Founded by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Prairie School’s focus on organic integration and structural integrity became the bedrock for the most successful modern architects of the 20th century.

In a previously published interview with the architectural journal PrairieMod, our own Duncan Nicholson discussed the evolution of these principles and his experience seeing them put into practice.

Concept Design for Topanga Cabins that was never realized designed by Duncan Nicholson

On the Discipline of Design

When asked about the specific principles that guide his everyday work, Duncan shared an insight into the mental rigor required to move beyond simple imitation:

"The principle is there for anyone to read about, but I think it is best to see it in action. Sullivan and Wright wrote about having the architectural idea, but I got to see it occur when John [Lautner] did it.

It takes a lot of work, concentration, and confidence to not copy and instead do something original. That is why it isn't taught in schools—so few professors have taken the time to develop their minds to do it. Most don't know that you can. They pass it off as serendipity because they might luck into an elegant solution from time to time.

But that's more like putting a million monkeys indefinitely in a room with a piano; one day, one of them is going to tap out Beethoven's Fifth. The mind can be taught and self-directed to create reliably, but as I said, it takes a lot of work. Nothing beautiful was, or is, ever created without sacrifice."

Glass platform sculpture designed by Duncan Nicholson

Featured Projects from the Duncan:

• Topanga Cabins: A concept design (never realized) exploring the various-sized round cabins for a camp along Topanga Creek.

• Glass Platform Sculpture: A walkable glass platform viewed from below

• Design Hammer: A blogpost by Architect Duncan Nicholson