To paint the scene, I am stationed in Maryland, a vacation house that sleeps 16, with my assorted maternal kin - there are about 14 of us. 8 folks signed up for the tour and were totally psyched about going, but only 6 of us ended up going... why, you ask? Umm... snow. It snowed like 5 inches in the 4 hours before we were destined to make our trip! Nevertheless, those of us who fearlessly braved the slush had a frickin' blast!
I guess I didn't realize how huge the place was, in terms of square footage, with all the separate rooms. The more private areas are definitely smaller feeling with the lower ceilings, but that's the idea - more intimacy... I'm pretty much a big fan of every part of this house, save the hallways. According to our guide, Frank L'Wright didn't believe people should linger in hallways - they are merely a vessel for getting from Room A to Room B. I'm not sure I agree with that, but I reckon the shoe fits at Fallingwater.
I have to say, some of the highlights were the windows that opened up over the waterfall - I can see myself working in the room and opening the window to drown out the bustling brash of my cohabitants (I despise loud noises from other occupants). I can also imagine myself falling asleep to the churning of the waterfall, despite it being loud. I also loved that every room had a slender 5' foot or so high window in them. And that they were operable - gotta love operable windows, fo' sho'. I kind of like the idea of having a "sleeping room" and a "dressing room." It would be nice to just have a totally isolated and specifically designated sleep space, to which you can retreat at the end of the day, knowing that you haven't junked it up during the course the day.
The only problem with our visit, was that it was probably 30º outside with freezing rain. So I was just absolutely frigid and could not muster the strength to partake in the walk around the surrounding paths, or I believe it was called the "Nature Walk?"
Another bummer with the adventure was that we were unable to take photographs inside. I wonder if we had purchased the extended tour would we be allowed to - they made it seem like such was the case on the website?
Anyway, I definitely think Fallingwater is a spectacular building, and you probably won't appreciate it as much until you visit it. It's pretty remarkable the condition that it is in, particularly after the millions (or was it just over 1 million?) of visitors who have trekked through its rooms, ascended its stairs, and peered through its windows. Oh, the balconies galore were pretty sick too. I'm not sure I buy the idea of continuing the line of the furniture out onto the parapet - afterall that makes for a very precariously undersized guardrail - it looked like 18 inches!
Unfortunately I am a bit distracted by the assorted holiday activities abuzz around me, so this post may be a bit stream of consciousness and disjointed. However, I am trying to get back into the swang of thangs!
I plan to do some biographical reading on some architecture/design-related folks, and make some posts on here about it. Also there are probably some comments I can make since I am working in the field now. Maybe I should do some sort of "fictional" story or plot line that develops as I have encounters in the workforce.
Anyway, I am sure I will find the occasion to make more compelling comments about Fallingwater in the future - for now, let this suffice!
