Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959) invoked the idea of geodesign (though he did not use the term) when he formalized the idea of organic architecture. Organic architecture is the concept of making buildings and nature one by bringing the outdoors in (e.g., through the use of corner windows) and moving the indoors out (e.g., through the use of sliding glass doors).
Those subscribing to a broad definition of geodesign (for example, as design in geographic space) would most probably say "yes” recognizing that Wright had the site’s geography fully in mind while he was doing the design, giving consideration to topography, the location of the stream and waterfall, the placement of boulders that provided the foundation for the house, views to and from the house, as well as other site-related environmental conditions such as the use of solar access for heating the house in the winter and cold air flow along the stream for cooling the house in the summer. Given this broader point of view, one could definitely say that Wright was doing geodesign. For those adhering to a narrower, perhaps more contemporary, point of view (for example, one dependent on the use of map layers and digital technology), they would most likely answer "no”. Those involved with the predominate interpretation of geodesign, as applied to the preparation of land use plans, most particularly with respect to the development of regional plans, would most likely align themselves, at least operationally, with the "no" group. Those looking to future applications of geodesign, including the possible application of geodesign to a much broader spectrum of problems such as resolution territorial conflicts, or how best to manage global resources, would most likely align themselves with the "yes" group.
The interesting aspect of Wright's work is that he formalized the fact, with his idea of organic architecture, that the site—the geography of place—was important and needed to be considered as an integral part of the overall design process.