FORM and FUNCTION in architecture I
Form is the external and function is the internal of architecture. Form and function are the keys that create architecture. All things in nature must have a shape, a proper term “form” that tell us what they are, that distinguishes them from ourselves and from each other. In addition, purpose or intention is the objective of building, function define building.
The discussion of form and function in modern times has its origins in the nascent industrial education system forming in Europe in the late 19th century. "Form and function are one” by Frank Lloyd Wright had emphasize the important between form and function. Form and function are always related to each other in term of planning, façade or even intention. The question raised, form or function should be emphasize more?
Modern architecture is more to the ideas of form follow function. Function had become the key to decide a building form. “Form follows function” is perhaps one of the world famous dictum in architecture that many would agree on its feasibility in the theory of basic building designs. However, the emergence of the new ‘Information Age’ had suggested otherwise. Spaces had become more intelligent and interactive while circulation is becoming more fluid and flexible.
Form follow function can be found in most of the modern architecture. There is a case study to explain the relationship between form and function. Framing House that located at Shiga Prefecture, Japan designed by FORM | Kouichi Kimura Architects, finished in 2015. A building with simple exterior and interior, a building that design based on function and user experience.
No ornamentation, no aesthetic embellishment and no unnecessary distraction are the attraction of this home. The client requested to have a space that can be used as a gallery in the house as well as a habitable space. This request triggered creation of characteristic spaces within the building. The characteristic passage laid out from the street through the back of the building functions as the line of flow to the habitable space and the gallery.
Space planning that decide the function can be an identity of a building. A semi-outdoor passage space, gallery, and habitable space, all of which are framed and depict themselves, the house creates affluent linkage within the living spaces. The passage space frames the courtyard connected to the back, giving perspective to the external appearance.Moreover, as a semi-open-air space, it allows multi-purpose use while playing a role of linking the habitable space and the gallery, which makes the living spaces richer.
From this building, I realize that form not necessary to be fancy or aesthetic, a simple exterior will be able to emphasize the internal of the building. A physical interaction with the building is much easier to present the characteristic of it.
The relationship between form and function is actually depends on external factor. New uses, materials and technology surely can change the relationship between them. In this modern era, everything is under revolution and new innovation can be happen in anytime, all these elements will rewrite what we know about form and function.
Form, an envelope of a building used to define its aesthetic value can be vary with different kind of material or construction applied. Nowadays, new material and technologies possibilities allow these functions of the skin expand further to the future and we may even reach the point when the inside of the building can concentrate solely on its primary function without having to take into account any needs.
The role of technology in form and function is much more important in the context of the information age. Every revolution in technology will rewrite the architecture style, provide a new function and even determine the built form of a building. The concept of form follow function is same since aged ago, technology revolution is what create a new ideas on form follow function. It will reflect a new identity to the ideas based on the latest technology and material innovation.
In brief, form and function, material and technology can be vary in different era. The application of form and function is depends on individual perspective and the material, technology available. Material will ensure the experience of physical contact and aesthetic form while technology will persist on expanding the functions and events of our buildings.
