Form & Function

Form refers to the shape or configuration of a building. Form and its opposite, space, constitute primary elements of architecture. The reciprocal relationship is essential, given the intention of architecture to provide internal sheltered space for human occupation.

In architecture, functionalism is the principle that architects should design a building based on the purpose of that building. This statement is less self-evident than it first appears, and is a matter of confusion and controversy within the profession, particularly in regard to modern architecture.

Form and function could not be separated but architect could set the priority between form and function. Few constraints like the expertise level of construction technology, availability of high tech materials and financial factors often influence the final decision of the architect, whether to go for form follows function (quality spaces) or function follows form (more aesthetically-pleasing external form) architecture.

However, both could sometimes be applied accordingly on a renovation or restoration project, it is not necessary to have a new project to apply them. For instance, in an adaptive reuse project, certain parts of the buildings (the façade, maybe?) are to be remained and could not be altered. Hence, the form is fixed, and in this case, function follows form happens. The activities of the spaces could be changed and quality of spaces is further improvised through that process. Usually new materials such as steel structure for its ease of construction and strength, are introduced to the building to add on new pocket spaces in the building itself. Examples for this type of application could be seen from Sekeping Victoria and Sekeping Pinang located at Georgetown, Penang. Form follows function happens when the façade or the form is not necessarily remained, but the vertical and horizontal structure within the building are still durable to be remained. New activities are introduced and the form of the building would follow the newly added spaces/functions.

Examples of contemporary architecture that could be pointed out as examples are:-

Form follows function (functionalism)

“the action of society in determining the forms of buildings” quoted from the "Function" by Adrian Forty, could be said to be form follows function kind of architecture. “Function”was a term primarily relating to the tectonics of building. In this kind of architecture. Function is the compound of mechanical force and material within any specific component of architecture. below.

1. Villa Savoye, by Le Corbusier (Top)

Derived from the 5 points of architecture

2. Bauhaus School. Dessau (Below)

In the design Walter Gropius refined architectonic ideas he first put into practice before WW I in the construction of the Fagus-Werke in Alfeld an der Leine. In Dessau as in Alfeld, the glass curtain wall suspended in front of the load-bearing framework defines the exterior of the workshop wing and openly shows the constructive elements (“Function” in this sense was closely related to “structure). Gropius consistently separated the parts of the Bauhaus building according to their functions and designed each differently

Le Corbusier famous declaration (quote above) often misunderstood, which it actually meant that the guiding principle for architects should be to make the house as well suited to its purpose as was a machine. This reiterated the argument that functionalism was more important than appearance. In order to progress, he believed, it was necessary for architects to abandon the notion of traditional styles and decorative effects:

Function follows form

Quoted from the "Function" by Adrian Forty, “the form is mechanic, when on any given material, we impress a pre-determined form, not necessarily arising out of the properties of the material; as when to a mass of wet clay, we give whatever shape we wish it to retain when hardened. The organic form, on the other hand, is innate; it shapes, as it develops itself from within,” . To me, this sentence explained well on function follows form concept where spaces are develops from within.

1.Wan Jing Soho Tower, by Zaha Hadid (left)

Towers designed from three interweaving 'mountain'

The juxtaposition of the tower's fluid forms continuously changes when viewed from different directions, appearing as individual buildings in some views, or as a connect ensemble in others

2. Crescent Moon Tower, Dubai (right)

Crescent symbolising and highlighting Dubai's association with the Islamic world