FORM . FUNCTION . Architecture II
Form and function can be used to define the term “Architecture.” The importance of form and function are perhaps one of the most contentiously debated subjects in history of architectural. The most important thing is definitely the difference of priority about using form and function in architecture.
Through the years, we had realize that architects have different perception on these two terms. For instance, Frank L. Wright state that modernist care “function” more than “form”, Louis Sullivan propose theory of “form follows function”. Thus the question had raise, what define form and function? Humanism, cultural or ages?
“Any building should be complete, including all within itself. Instead of many things, one thing.” quoted by Frank L. Wright.
Modern architecture encourage the merging on both form and function, all the theory should not apply separately so that continuity can be achieved. This idea is different from last century as the ancient still discuss on form follow function or function follow form. In my perspective, acknowledge on form and function have been vary in different era, it can be affected by culture, environment or even human behavior.
An architectural work can be stand for centuries. Through the years, revolution on different era have change the world of architecture. The relationship between form and function will alter along the lifespan of a building. The way architect apply form function on aged building will not suitable on the latest century. Thus, most of the aged building have undergo renovation or adaptive reuse to adapt into the new era.
“Not only had space come upon a new technique of its own but every material and every method might now speak for itself in objective terms of human life.” quoted by Frank L. Wright.
Due to the cultural differences from years to years, a building function may not suitable for modern human behavior, it may change from residential to commercial. Same goes to the form of building, the revolution in construction technology had led to the upgrade on the façade or the overall form, some latest building material, cladding or extension may apply to aged building. These changes will ensure the survival of aged building in new era that prevent the extinction of traditional building.
To strengthen my view of points on relationship between form and function over building lifespan, a contemporary case study on the Row KL can be used as a referring medium. It is a renovated building based on adaptive reuse. Previously, it was residential purpose that have been change into mixed-use development.
The form and function of this building had been alter to blend well in the site context. The surrounding area have become a commercial zone because of economic development, this have led to the change in function of a building. In addition, this pre-war building have undergo some new space planning and the form of building have adapted into modern façade to match the aesthetic value of modern era.
In brief, the initially ideas of form and function on building was depends on that contemporary era. The form and function may work well in that period, however, the change in cultural, economic and technology have forced the building to undergo transformation in term of form and function. The relationship between form and function should be always connected to adapt well in future century.
