What primary design element characterizes Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie style?

Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie style is primarily characterized by its emphasis on horizontal lines. This design approach reflects the flat, expansive landscape of the American Midwest, where Wright developed many of his most iconic works. The horizontal lines are often emphasized through the use of low-pitched roofs, overhanging eaves, and cantilevered structures, which blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment.

This element of design symbolizes a connection to nature and aims to create a sense of unity between the building and its landscape. In contrast, vertical lines and symmetrical layouts are more characteristic of other architectural styles, such as Gothic or Neoclassical, that emphasize grandeur and height. Curved shapes, while present in some of Wright's work, do not play a defining role in the Prairie style, where the focus remains on creating a horizontal sense of space. Thus, the horizontal lines remain the hallmark that distinguishes Wright's Prairie architecture from other styles, capturing the essence of the natural setting and embodying the principles of organic architecture.