Robie House, Chicago

Designed in 1908 by Frank Lloyd Wright for a bicycle and motorcycle manufacturer, this house ranks among the world's most renowned structures. Remarkably poised, resembling a grand steamship at anchor, it embodies the distilled essence of Wright's Prairie style and marks the pinnacle of his quest for a new architectural vision. Additionally, it is among the final Prairie houses Wright created, as during its construction, he abandoned both his Oak Park practice and his family to embark on a new phase of his illustrious career.

Taking inspiration from the flat expanses of the Midwestern prairie and aiming to establish a distinctly American architectural style, Wright conceived a predominantly horizontal dwelling for Frederick Robie. The cantilevered roof appears to hover gracefully over the building, extending an impressive 20 feet from its supports. The primary floor unfolds as a fluid, open space devoid of walls or partitions, with the fireplace serving as a visual divider between the living and dining areas.

In his pursuit of aesthetic consistency, Wright was willing to sacrifice practicality, evident in his decision to exclude downspouts from the building's drainage system, resulting in nearly a century of water damage to the pavements. Wright's commitment to unification extended to every aspect of the project – he meticulously designed everything, from the structure itself to the landscaping, light fixtures, chairs, and even the attire for the Robies' two children. His unexpected visits to ensure that all elements remained in their intended positions became known, and the Robies devised a strategy to rearrange the rooms before inviting him in.

Following the Robie family's financial downfall, the house changed hands several times in quick succession. In 1926, it was acquired by the Chicago Theological Seminary, which transformed it into student housing, causing significant damage in the process. By 1957, the Seminary had amassed enough funds to pursue its original plan of demolishing the structure entirely. It took the philanthropic intervention of businessman William Zeckendorff to rescue the house, which he subsequently donated to the University of Chicago in 1963. Now recognized as a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Hyde Park residence underwent a $2.9 million restoration in 2019. Guided tours are available from Thursday through Monday.