I doubt if there is anything in the world uglier than a Midwestern city

I doubt if there is anything in the world uglier than a Midwestern city

Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most renowned architects of the 20th century, had a complicated relationship with Midwestern cities. Born and raised in the Midwest, Wright often expressed disdain for the urban landscapes that surrounded him. In his autobiography, he famously wrote, "I doubt if there is anything in the world uglier than a Midwestern city."

Wright's criticism of Midwestern cities can be seen as a reflection of his broader architectural philosophy. He was a pioneer of the Prairie School movement, which sought to create buildings that were in harmony with their natural surroundings. Wright believed that the sprawling, industrialized cities of the Midwest were antithetical to this vision. He saw them as chaotic, disorganized, and lacking in beauty.

One of the key principles of Wright's architecture was the idea of organic design. He believed that buildings should be integrated into their environment, rather than imposed upon it. This philosophy can be seen in many of his most famous works, such as Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum. In contrast, the Midwestern cities that Wright criticized were often characterized by their haphazard development, with little regard for the natural landscape.

Despite his criticisms, Wright's connection to the Midwest remained strong throughout his life. He drew inspiration from the region's prairies, forests, and rivers, and many of his most iconic buildings were located in the Midwest. Wright's own home and studio, Taliesin, was located in Wisconsin, and he designed numerous buildings in Illinois, Michigan, and other Midwestern states.