The Prairie House, a masterpiece of organic architecture, is more than just a building; it's a living, breathing poem to the prairie. This structure, designed by Herb Greene and completed in 1961, is a testament to the American School of architecture, a rebellious strain of design that embraced the environment and rejected conventional boundaries. The house's unique shape, resembling a bird or beast, is a direct response to its surroundings, with curved walls covered in unfinished cedar planks and shingles, evoking a sense of touch and texture. This is a design philosophy that Bruce Goff, Greene's mentor and colleague at the University of Oklahoma, also championed.
What makes the Prairie House truly fascinating is its ability to create a sensory experience. Lila Cohen, Greene's great-niece and an architect herself, notes that the house feels like being inside something living. The warm colors, cedar smell, and texture of the materials all contribute to this immersive experience, which is a testament to Greene's belief in the importance of touch in human learning. This is a design philosophy that is both innovative and deeply rooted in the local environment, reflecting the ethos of the American School.
However, the Prairie House has faced challenges in recent years. After the death of its longtime owner in 2016, the house's future was uncertain. The wooden exterior had decayed, and the futuristic aluminium carport had weathered. This was a stark reminder that even the most innovative architectural designs are not immune to the ravages of time and neglect. The sudden demolition of Bruce Goff's nearby Bavinger House in the same year further highlighted the fragility of these unique structures.
The formation of the Prairie House Preservation Society (PHPS) in 2022 has been a beacon of hope for the Prairie House. The nonprofit organization, led by Beau Jennings, is working to restore the house for regular public access while raising awareness of its historical significance. The society's efforts are particularly important given the house's private ownership and its lack of visibility from the road. Even locals are largely unaware of the house, except for the iconic images published in Life magazine.
The PHPS is focusing on fundraising to support a new master plan for preserving the building as a community-oriented space. This plan includes offering public tours, education programs, and sketching events, as well as hosting creative activities like concerts, poetry readings, art workshops, and presentations. The society's goal is to create an active space where artists, architects, writers, and other creatives can gather and exchange ideas.
Lila Cohen is also working on a feature-length documentary about Greene and the American School, aiming to give greater visibility to this nonconformist movement in architecture. The documentary will explore how every house in the American School was individual to its place and people, reflecting the unique environment and the people who lived there. The Prairie House, in particular, is a poem to the prairie, a sculpture that celebrates the land and the people who inhabit it.
In conclusion, the Prairie House is more than just a building; it's a living, breathing poem to the prairie, a testament to the innovative and rebellious spirit of the American School of architecture. The house's unique design, sensory experience, and historical significance make it a valuable asset to the architectural community and a source of inspiration for creatives and architects alike. The efforts of the PHPS and Lila Cohen are crucial in preserving this unique structure and ensuring that its legacy lives on for future generations.
