Join the AIANY Committee on Residential Architecture, in collaboration with the Fallingwater Institute, for an immersive and interactive weekend at Fallingwater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’re inviting design professionals to join us—on their own or with friends and family of all ages—on October 11–12 to explore the principles of organic architecture expressed in Fallingwater, perceived by many as Frank Lloyd Wright’s crowning achievement built in 1935 in rural southwestern Pennsylvania. Through an intensive exploration of this landmark structure, attendees will learn how and why organically inspired architecture, in harmony with its natural habitat, continues to captivate generations and inspire awe.
Fallingwater stands as one of the most recognizable and admired designs for homes and gardens globally, having inspired many poets, playwrights, novelists, and artists to reflect on the qualities of nature that make life truly worth living. Why are we so captivated by the woodlands, waterways, and cliffs that inspired the construction of this cantilevered, stone-and-glass shelter? This symposium delves deeper into the profound impact of organic architecture on our cultural development as a nation.
Even if you’ve already experienced Fallingwater, this symposium is uniquely designed to allow design professionals to bring friends, family, and children for a multigenerational learning event.
Notes on Registering:
- One adult registration is required for the main session, “Fallingwater Grounds Tours and Activities,” on Sunday, October 11, from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM.
- To register for the optional tours on Sunday, October 11 at 3pm, and Monday, October 12 at 10am, please select each session below.
- To register additional attendees, click “Add Another Registrant” and select the appropriate sessions for each person.
- Please note that age requirements for children vary by activity, as detailed below.
[1x ADULT REGISTRATION REQUIRED] Sunday, October 11:
Fallingwater Grounds Tours and Activities (6 LU / 6 HSW) 8:00am to 1:30pm
$280 per person. All ages. Children up to age 12 may accompany an adult at no additional charge. Includes box lunch.
Design professionals and their friends and family will gather for an exciting series of interactive activities and optional tours of the historic grounds of Fallingwater. In collaboration with the Fallingwater Institute, the AIANY Committee on Residential Architecture has developed an extensive program that immerses participants in a profound exploration of passive solar and organic architecture. This program, meticulously crafted, enables children of all ages to accompany an adult throughout the entire visit.
Additional tour choices include:
- In-depth Fallingwater Private Architectural Guided House Tour (ages 9 and up)
- Gnome-eye Fallingwater Institute Design Challenge and Tour (ages 8 and up, accompanied by an adult)
- Design Symposium: Preserving Fallingwater (ages 12 and up)
- Outback Tour on The Geology of Fallingwater (all ages, children up to 12 must be accompanied by an adult)
Speakers will be provided by the Fallingwater Institute and will include experts in architectural conservation, preservation, FLW Studio history, and landscape restoration and sustainability. Guest speakers will moderate interactive discussions throughout all programs and activities, sharing their knowledge and experiences on various building sciences related to passive solar and organic architecture.
We recommend that attendees be in the Fallingwater area by the evening of Saturday, October 10, to help ensure they are on time for the tour beginning promptly at 8:00 AM on Sunday, October 11. As the tour will start on schedule, no exceptions can be made for late arrivals.
[OPTIONAL] Sunday, October 11:
Kentuck Knob Optional Tour (2 LU / 2 HSW) 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
$95 per person. All ages. Children ages 6–12 may accompany an adult at no additional charge.
Gather at Kentuck Knob—the historic house and grounds designed for I.N. and Bernadine Hagan by Frank Lloyd Wright Studios. Construction began in 1953 on Kentuck Knob, an impressive residential structure perched 2,050 feet above sea level. It seamlessly blends into its surroundings, almost as if it were an integral part of the mountain itself. The organic floor plan, designed on a hexagonal module, features cantilevered overhangs and expansive areas of glass. This remarkable feat showcases the innovative power of imaginative building sciences.
Additional tour choices include:
- -Outback Tour on The Geology of Fallingwater (all ages, children up to 12 must be accompanied by an adult)
[OPTIONAL] Monday, October 12:
Polymath House Optional Tour (2 LU / 2 HSW) 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
$45 per person. Ages 9 and up. Children ages 9–12 may accompany an adult at no additional charge.
Join us for a tour of Duncan House and Mantyla House at Polymath Park, a Mid-century Modern Usonian-style community development plan. This plan features shared common areas and 5-acre lots for each homeowner, designed according to the organic principles pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright Studio.
Please note, tour times may be subject to slight adjustments. A final itinerary will be shared with attendees via email prior to the program.
AIANY Committee on Residential Architecture
