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About this quote

What does it mean?
Putting functional elements visibly on the exterior while hiding form is like wearing entrails on your head.
In plain terms
Showing utility over beauty is grotesque and unnatural.
What can you take from it?
Design should prioritize form and aesthetics over exposed function.

Where it applies

  • architectural critique
  • product design
  • urban planning

Putting it to work

  • hide mechanical systems
  • prioritize visual harmony

Questions to consider

  • Is beauty always more important than utility?
  • When should function be visible?

Another view

Sometimes exposing function is necessary for transparency or sustainability.

More from Frank Lloyd Wright

  1. Harvard takes perfectly good plums as students, and turns them into prunes.

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  2. I believe in God, only I spell it 'Nature'. Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.

    Permalink to quote #48
  3. Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities.

    Permalink to quote #45

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