Richard Wright Fallingwater Essay

According to Appleton, as humans intuitively are equipped with sensitivity to dangerous situation for survival, source of thrill is found while experiencing individual’s ability to handle danger, termed as peril by Hildebrand. Perilous architecture is typical of much of Wright’s work, particularly on his iconic Fallingwater (Figure 5. In Pennsylvania, 1936). This residence comprises of an abundance of refuge and prospect symbols, through the archetypal features of penetrability and protection such as overhanging eaves, balconies and stoned cave-like rooms. Perhaps due to the prior awareness of its exterior and the audible falling water which is not visible to the eye, the levitating platform is dramatically poised over danger of falling to the ravine and falls below. McCarter agrees that such peril setting intensifies the haven of safety through human sensitivity to aquatic hazard. He takes this further by citing Dewey’s counterpoint of sensory reception between vision and hearing:

The eye is the sense of distance…but sounds itself is near, intimate and the ear is the emotional sense.

Instead of recognizing the peril of the Fallingwater, McCarter described the gushing water as an intimate experience, furthermore, the elevated house as a technique to dramatize the significance of the earth which supports the forest and the shelter. From both points discussed, McCarter does not expound the argument of discomfort or hazards, in fact, he underlines the intimacy between human and nature. However, Hildebrand mentions that one’s ability to handle danger lead to contentment, it is arguable that McCarter is unaware of the source of pleasant intimate experience, which is the satisfaction found in managing a peril