City Dwelling of Mr. F. C. Robie, Chicago (Städtisches Wohnhaus für Herrn F. C. Robie, Chicago)

A layered, shiplike form, an open plan, and sophisticated detailing marks the Frederick C. Robie House as the epitome of Wright’s Prairie house style. Depicted from a bird’s-eye view, the hipped
roofs become pronounced horizontal divisions that appear to intersect and float above the lower walls cascading with plants. The public entry to the home (to the left, but not visible in this view) has been reduced to an incidental element, reinforcing the desire for privacy in a house that has several bands of art glass windows on the upper levels. In keeping with the ideal Prairie house’s open plan, the second floor living and dining spaces are virtually continuous, separated only by the central chimney stack, which is pierced to provide further visual continuity. The plan included here is that of the topmost floor, showing the bedrooms of the Robie family around the central chimney.