A-Z Popular New Architecture Search »
Architecture
 
Architecture Guides

What is Parti Pris?

 , updated on
Parti pris is the organizing idea behind an architect's design.

Big Idea

A parti pris can be described as a "big idea", organizing principle or design concept that captures the spirit of a building in a few words or sentences.

Example

Fallingwater is a house designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in rural southwestern Pennsylvania. It is well integrated into the environment and appears to be built into a small waterfall. Its parti pris is often described by the well known Frank Lloyd Wright quote "No house should ever be on a hill or on anything. It should be of the hill. Belonging to it."
The construction company that built Fallingwater was quite upset with Wright as they were expecting a basic design of a house overlooking the waterfall. The integration of the house into the falls was more of a technical challenge that the company claimed wasn't structurally sound. Nevertheless, Fallingwater was constructed in 1939 and stands to this day as a prime example of organic architecture.

Etymology

Parti pris originates with the 15th century French meaning "decision taken." In modern French, the term parti pris typically means "bias" or "prejudice." As such, the term should be used with care.
Overview: Parti Pris
Type
Definition
The organizing principle behind an architect's design.
Related Concepts

Architecture

This is the complete list of articles we have written about architecture.
Acoustics
Architecture
Elements
Lighting
Styles
Techniques
Technology
Urban Design
If you enjoyed this page, please consider bookmarking Simplicable.
 

Architecture

An overview of architecture with examples.

Architectural Technology

A list of common architectural technologies.

Night Architecture

An overview of night architecture.

Passive Design vs Active Design

The difference between active and passive design.

Universal Design

A definition of universal design with examples.

Passive Light

The common types of passive lighting.

Architectural Acoustics

The common types of architectural acoustics.

Genius Loci

A definition of genius loci with examples.

Massing

An overview of massing in architecture.

Compressive Strength

A definition of compressive strength.

Architectural Styles

A list of architectural styles.

Art Deco

An overview of Art Deco architecture.

Bauhaus

An overview of the Bauhaus style of architecture.

Googie

An overview of googie architecture.

Japanese Architecture

A list of Japanese architecture styles, techniques and elements.

Modern Architecture

The defining characteristics of modern architecture.

Art Nouveau

The basic characteristics of Art Nouveau with examples.

Gothic Architecture

An overview of Gothic Architecture with examples.

Renaissance Architecture

The basic characteristics of renaissance architecture with examples.

House Characteristics

A list of characteristics that can be used to describe the value of a home.
The most popular articles on Simplicable in the past day.

New Articles

Recent posts or updates on Simplicable.
Site Map