Which architectural style is marked by horizontal lines and open floor plans?

The Prairie architectural style is characterized by its emphasis on horizontal lines and open floor plans, which reflects the flat landscape of the American Midwest. This style often incorporates wide overhanging eaves and a strong connection to the surrounding environment, fostering a sense of harmony between the building and its natural setting.

Designed predominantly by architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Prairie-style homes typically feature expansive horizontal elements that draw the eye across the structure, promoting a feeling of spaciousness and serenity. The open floor plans are integral to this style, allowing for free-flowing spaces that enhance the functionality of the home and enable a more informal lifestyle.

Other architectural styles listed have distinct characteristics that set them apart from the Prairie style. For instance, the Chicago Bungalow features variations in design elements but does not emphasize horizontal lines to the extent found in Prairie architecture. Brutalism is known for its bold, monolithic structures and use of raw concrete, while the Ionic style is a classical order characterized by decorative columns, which does not reflect the principles of open planning and horizontal emphasis.