William Gray Purcell and George Grant Elmslie made important contributions to American architecture, particularly the Prairie School. Featuring high-quality color and b&w photography throughout, this volume celebrates their work, which was characterized by simple forms, sensitivity to natural surroundings, and the use of textural materials and decorations. Coverage includes both residences and commercial/institutional buildings. David Gebhard and Patricia Gebhard have written extensively on architectural history. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Read More
Purcell and Elmslie: Prairie Progressives explores the work of two important members of the organic architecture movement, and celebrates their tremendously important contributions to American architecture and the Prairie School. Wishing to return to simplicity and honesty, Purcell and Elmslie created homes and buildings that were consistent with a democratic society-simple forms, the natural use of textural materials and decoration, and buildings that accommodated the nature of a site. As did Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, Purcell and Elmslie held the conviction that a building does not end with its simple structure, but reaches its final and logical culmination in the clothing-color, situation and natural environment, together with its decoration of glass, terra-cotta, and other textural materials.
Read Less