Sophs Read Only--Fallingwater: Architect as Art

Fallingwater is the name of a home designed by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935 in the woods of southwestern Pennsylvania. One could argue (certainly an architect might) that every humble abode is a work of art, but there cannot be any arguments about the artistic merits of Wright's famously crafted structure that integrates a real living space with the elements of nature.

Among many other things, a waterfall runs beneath the house and hillside boulders on which part of the house rests lie exposed in the fireplace hearth. Staircases lead to windows which lead to dramatic views of the outside world. The sound of the waterfall provides a beautiful noise, too--let's say a soothing ambience. Indeed, most Fallingwater visitors feel as if they are outside when they are inside its structure.

One drawback. Lots of mold. Its soon-to-be phlegmatic owner nicknamed his home Rising Mildew and after suffering through many sneezes and sniffles, eventually donated the home for its use as a museum in 1963.