Organic architecture

Wright was a strong proponent of what he called "organic architecture," that of integrating a building into its natural surroundings, rather than having the building dominate the landscape. The Marin County Civic Center is a good example of organic architecture, as it blends very well into the area, tucked as it is between four small hills alongside US Route 101.

According to the County of Marin, Wright spoke to county residents on July 30, 1957, and said that "we will have an architecture of our own 'only when we know that the good building is not one that hurts the landscape, but is one that makes the landscape more beautiful than it was before that building was built. In Marin County you have one of the most beautiful landscapes I have seen, and I am proud to make the buildings of this county characteristic of the beauty of the county.' The related groupings of long horizontal buildings which constitute the Civic Center and gracefully link several rolling hills stand as testament to Wright's philosophy."