Form & Function (pt. 2)
Form and function are the principles that gives a directional proposal as the starting point for overall of project. Form refers to the shape or configuration of a building which play as primary elements of aesthetic in architecture. And yet the function is the principle that brings architect to design a building based on the purpose and uses of the building.
Hence, this relationship is essential, it gives the design a clear intention in architectural way to provide a well-planned internal space for human occupation. Both form and space planning are to propose what shape and scale is going to be in the design process. At the same time, the setting of a building form in relation to its immediate site and surrounding neighborhood buildings is another crucial aspect of this form and function relationship.
As in the early-20th century, this principle has associated with some modernist architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, who was once an apprentice of his mentor Louis Sullivan whose coin up “form follows function” became the slogan of modern architecture. However, Frank changed the phrase to another alternatives “form and function are one,” design that using the nature "organic" term as the best integration of form and function.
“Form follows function - that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one,
joined in a spiritual union.” Quoted by Frank Lloyd Wright
Meaning to say, respect for the relationship of harmony between the form’s and the function of the building. For instance, Wright had once refuse to design a bank with idea suggested to looks similar as Greek temple which is not suit to the site context. His architecture principle is also an attempt to integrate the spaces into a closed relationship between the site context and the structure.
As time and society are keep changing every day, as well as the expectations and requirements of modern spaces for living and working became higher. Hence that, sometimes the old functional buildings that had served as either residential, commercial would usually left abandoned. As now have seen a lot of old building can be transform into flexible form with its new function.
“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 Lloyd Wright
In terms of renovation not always only emphasize about extend or reduce by the scale or size as wanted, it can also be re-functioning or revive a building in another extension of building lifespan. For instance, a living house changes into a public use café, oppositely a café transform into a private house.
An example of idea is "Wei-Ling Gallery" a gallery located in Brickfield Kuala Lumpur. It transformed from a colonial building, which was an office for a number of years, was burnt down in 2004. This approach to fit in the gallery design with its urban environment, the flexibility of form and function has achieved through the design.
Colonial shop houses have oriental influences such as the internal courtyard. Its unique 19th century architecture easily accommodates a business on the ground floor. The shop house that "Wei Ling Gallery" has a typical colonial structure and is a little over 19 feet wide with living quarters built on its second and third floors.
An architect designing with usefulness in mind designs an object which has feature relevant to certain kinds of usefulness. Quoted by Richard Hill
This marked trend of transformation had been proven in lately, which mean that space not necessarily limited to its original function, but it can towards more flexible building design, which allows functions to be changed by the users to suit changing needs of space from time to time.
