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USONIAN

The influence of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie style was a dominant force in the development of nearly all Modern architecture, including Art Deco, the International Style, and the Moderne.

The Usonian, also known by the unnecessarily vague “Wrightian,” is based on Frank Lloyd Wright’s later work. The word “Usonian” was coined by Wright himself. In his plans from the 1930s for the unbuilt Broadacre City, Wright created the term “US-onian” and hence “Usonian” to mean United States style. Wright used the term to describe the buildings in his proposed utopia.

Usonian is based on Wright’s concept of naturalism. Each architectural project is seen as having a “natural” solution derived from its function and site. Naturalism is, in this sense, closely associated with functionalism. The influence of traditional Japanese architecture is also seen in the Usonian style.

The Usonian first appeared in Wright’s work of the 1930s, engendering a school of its own with many followers. In the 1940s and 1950s, the Usonian was firmly established in the United States. At this time, in the realm of important and high status commissions, the Usonian was the only real alternative to the International Style, though unlike the International Style, the Usonian was principally used in residential design. By 1970, interest in Wright’s philosophy had dwindled. In the late 1980s and continuing to the present time, there has been a renewed interest in the Usonian style.

The term was coined in the 1930s by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Defining Characteristics:

• Horizontally oriented
• Cubist conception of buildings volumes
• Ribbon windows, clerestory windows, corner windows
• Window mullions in constructivist arrangements
• Traditional materials like wood and stone
• Same materials used inside and out
• Innovative use of traditional structural forms
• Brick or cast concrete block laid in patterns
• Expression of the mortar joints
• Geometric ornament
• Overhanging eaves
• Use of the cantilever
• Flat, gabled, and sculptural roofs

























Information and some images from Historic Denver guide books, including
"A Guide to Denver's Architectural Styles and Terms." For more information please visit our online gift shop which offers over 20 of Historic Denver, Inc.'s award-winning historic neighborhood guide books!  Click here to browse & shop for our guidebooks.