Fallingwater, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is one of the most celebrated achievements of 20th-century architecture and a supreme example of his philosophy of organic design—the belief that buildings should grow naturally from their surroundings.
Completed in 1939 as a mountain retreat for the Kaufmann family of Pittsburgh, the house dramatically embodies this idea, with bold cantilevered terraces extending over a rushing waterfall in the wooded hills of southwestern Pennsylvania.
Constructed of native stone and warm-toned concrete that echoes the surrounding landscape, Fallingwater blurs the boundary between indoors and outdoors through open terraces, expansive windows, and the constant presence of the stream below. It’s also unique among Wright’s major works in that its setting, original furnishings, and artwork remain largely intact, preserving the architect’s complete vision.
Historian and architecture lecturer Bill Keene leads a beautifully illustrated virtual exploration of this landmark house, examining its design and construction and the personalities behind its creation. Whether you have visited Fallingwater or hope to see it someday, come away with a deeper appreciation of this remarkable work and the ideas that shaped it.
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