What distinguishes the Prairie School architecture movement, which influences Chicago styles?

The Prairie School architecture movement is primarily characterized by its integration with the landscape, which emphasizes harmony between the building and its natural surroundings. This approach reflects a deep appreciation for the environment, incorporating horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs with broad overhanging eaves, and open interior spaces that all evoke a sense of the prairie itself. Notable architects of this movement, like Frank Lloyd Wright, designed structures that appeared to grow out of the ground, blending seamlessly with their site rather than standing apart from it.

This integration serves not only aesthetic purposes but also functional ones, as it takes advantage of natural light and landscape views, thus creating a cohesive experience between the inhabitants and their environment. In contrast, elements like classical columns, large domes, and symmetrical shapes are more commonly associated with other architectural styles, and do not reflect the Prairie School's distinct principles.