What does everyone, or atleast those who've been there, think of this Falling Water house built by Frank Loyd Wright for the Kaufman family? I've just returned from a guided tour of PA. And here is what I think of it: waste of time, especially in the Summer.
Well, for starters, the walk is real far, 1/4 mile from the parking lot. For the old and handicapped it's not worth it, as then you have to walk back up the hill.

The house itself failed to astonish, and is really hyped too much. It sits on rocks above an unimpressive so-called waterfall. There are no elevators, so again you have to walk up the stairs all the time. The thing is just plain and boring. Small rooms, bland decor, stay away from the balconey as the walls are way too low.
Anyway, it's just too way out there to bother with... unless you are a huge F.L.Wright fan.

When I was in high school, I went to a party at a classmate's house. It was designed by FLWright. I didn't know who he was at the time, but I remember thinking: What a weird house!!

Thanks for the input.

I was surprised by the house in many ways- I guess architects don't worry too much about the practicality of what they are building (at least the famous ones?). While what you say is true, I thought the setting- especially when you view the house from across- is beautiful. On the other hand, I wouldn't want to live there!

Well gee, you surprise me. Fallingwater is gorgeous, IMO. I've been there and I would go back. If you aren't interested in modern architecture, or in FL Wright, I guess it would bore you, but I found the guided tour fascinating. I actually liked Fallingwater more than Taliesin West.

I love Taliesin West and can't wait to see Fallingwater.

Does walking to and from other places bother you as much as it did at Fallingwater?

Different strokes I suppose...I think it is a remarkable place. The way it is a part of the landscape is very beautiful to me. The walk didn't seem that long to me but would probably be a bit much for some. But when I took the walk and came around the bend and saw the place it took my breath away.

I think everyone likes something different. I loved going to Fallingwater. The location is just gorgeous and it was fun touring this unique home which sits across falling water. There is a lot of walking, but that is just part of the location and we really didn't mind it and I do have knee problems. I would recommend this tour to anyone and would also tour it again myself. We also toured the Frank Lloyd Wright House "Kentuck Knob" which is in the same area. It was also interesting and fun to tour. We liked Fallingwater best tho.

ok, and what if there is a fire? or a medical emergency? how's anyone supposed to get out there? Poorly thought out location. no airconditioning as well. Too easy to slip, fall, twist your ankle on the rocks, steps, and anything else out there. Nope. Too hyped, too boring, too dangerous.
BTW, what if there is a forest fire? huh? anyone thought of that?

This is hilarious!

It could be a Seinfield routine!

Just goes to show to do your research before you head off to places. I was always under the impression Falling Waters was somewhat out-of-the-way and not easy to get to. I can't imagine why you would bother if you weren't interested in Frank Lloyd Wright and architecture. And would assume, if you were, that's you know what to expect.

So much disappointent comes from unrealistic expectations.

There must be quite a few home all round the world where emergency access wasn't one of their priorities. Who builds a home thinking about the needs of future potential tourists?

(Must go now and see where I can add on a gift store)

I loved it. Especially the natural, park-like setting. And how the house was really integrated with the outdoors.

It wasn't built as a museum, with ADA public access. It was a private house, built a long time ago, by a visionary.

I am intrigued at how Wright's designs and engineering have held up physically over the years, not always so well.

>>>ok, and what if there is a fire? or a medical emergency? how's anyone supposed to get out there? Poorly thought out location. no airconditioning as well. Too easy to slip, fall, twist your ankle on the rocks, steps, and anything else out there. Nope. Too hyped, too boring, too dangerous.
BTW, what if there is a forest fire? huh? anyone thought of that?

I too love the way the home is actually part of the landscape and nature. To be in that living room and walk down the stairs into the stream of water just blows me away!

Before there was Falling Water, there was our family farm at Bear Run, PA. See http://europetogo.yuku.com/topic/7314?page=1 for a photo of my great grandfather in front of the waterfall (4th from the bottom entry on the page).

Oh my heavens Don! That is so amazing and so cool!
Do you have the photo framed? You should!

Don - great picture. It must be fun to be part of history.

This is a troll post, right?

dwooddon, what a treasure of a picture!

My brother loved touring Fallingwater and felt it was a highlight of his trip to that area. He is, however, interested in art and architecture. I would like to see it, but it is not a "must" for me.

obxgirl on Jun 5, 10 at 05:12 PM
This is a troll post, right?

yes, it is. just ignore it and it will go away.

ilana25841 wrote: "I guess architects don't worry too much about the practicality of what they are building (at least the famous ones?)."

I can't say regarding other famous architects, but what I've read and heard about Wright suggests that he often didn't seem to care about such practicalities all that much. For example, according to the admissions person I spoke with at Unity Temple in Oak Park, this building has some significant structural issues which Wright didn't bother to address as he expected the building would rapidly outlive its usefulness and get replaced in several years anyway. Other of his houses and buildings, such as the Guggenheim Museum and Robie House, seem to have roof or drainage issues related to design or lack of planning. In other words, form over function, which isn't so great when one is talking about architecture.

But I still like the Wright buildings I've seen very much from a purely aesthetic standpoint. I'll just choose to live someplace else, thanks.