Article for The Correspondence

Anthroposophical Architect Luigi Fiumara visits

Chicago Waldorf School, 1/12-19/08

By Mary Spalding

Rudolf Steiner was not only a philosopher and educator; he was also an
accomplished artist. In his many lectures about the arts, he described
architecture as a “synthesis of the arts.” He made significant personal
contribution to the field of architecture, designing and overseeing the
construction of a variety of buildings.

Waldorf Schools around the world today are being built in an approach to
architecture inspired by the architectural insights and contributions of Rudolf
Steiner. These schools and many other buildings from residences to cultural
centers to shopping centers are being built in this architectural approach that
is now called “organic living architecture.” This type of architecture is
philosophically based and holistic in orientation and is considered beyond
green building, similar to how biodynamic farming is regarded in relation to
organic farming.

Consistent with Steiner’s orientation, his thinking about architecture takes

inspiration from nature and addresses the needs of the whole and developing
human being—in body, soul and spirit. As in his other contributions,
Steiner worked out of an anthroposophical picture of the human being and
developed a conscious relationship of this picture of the human being to
architecture. These anthroposophical architectural principles are rooted in
design and work with qualities of shape, color, light, materials, function--
with a focus on practical processes and harmonious organization of function,
transitions and flow from one space to the next, as well as one’s feelings,
experience and impressions that arise from being in the space, and the
integration of the building(s) with the surrounding environment. It is not
just a “style,” as it is rooted in function and differs from place to place.
Unlike other types of architecture, it is design from the inside out.

The intention of living, organic architecture is to give a feeling of life and to

support human development through architecture. Rudolf Steiner described
his approach to architectural design as “spiritual functionalism.” Like
Green Building, sustainable development, ecological considerations and a
respect for the environment, in terms of materials are also intrinsic elements
of organic living architecture, but Green Building is about materials, and not
necessarily about design.

This past January, the Chicago Waldorf School invited Luigi Fiumara, who
currently serves as the Lead Architect of the Visual Arts Section of the
international center of Anthroposophy, the Goetheanum in Dornach,
Switzerland, to visit the school and provide consultation about the school
campus and facilities. Luigi’s architectural expertise is living, organic
architecture, and as part of his job, he designs, builds and consults with
Waldorf schools all over the world. In his assessment of schools, Luigi
focuses on the way spaces are designed for children, and in his own design
work, strives to create spaces that respond to the pedagogical needs of
students across the developmental spectrum.

The Chicago Waldorf School is at the front end of a new strategic planning
cycle and is exploring possibilities and opportunities for the continued
development and improvement of its campus. Over the course of Luigi’s
week long visit, he toured and gave feedback about the facilities, met with
the School Executive Committee, College of Teachers, faculty and
administrative staff, Board of Trustees and parent body, which includes
many local architects. He also gave an evening lecture and slide
presentation, describing the principles of living, organic design, and showed
examples of many Waldorf schools around the world that have been built
working with these architectural principles. His visit, observations, insights
and expertise provided invaluable feedback to the school leadership and
community and will serve as guidance for the school as it envisions its future
and looks for ways to ensure that Waldorf education is available in Chicago
for years to come.

Mary Spalding currently serves as the President of the Chicago Waldorf

School Board of Trustees. She is the mother of six children, five of whom are
enrolled in the Chicago Waldorf School and one who is an alum.