Get The Contradiction Between Form And Function In Architecture

“Form follows function,” a famous maxim coined by architect Louis Sullivan (1856–1924), articulates the principle that the shape of a building or object should directly relate to its intended function or purpose. This principle has been a guiding light of 20th-century modernist architecture and industrial design.

So, Which is More Important? Of the two design principles, function is more important in terms of home design and construction. If you sacrifice function for the sake of form, then you'll be left with a house that looks incredible but will have some unusable spaces.

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 relation to the built environment, the term 'function' refers to the purpose of a building or structure. It can also relate to the proper operation, process or performance of something and how it works, such as plant, tools, lift, building services.

The form is the shape of the shell of a building that distinguishes it while function refers to the tectonics of a building. The function is more inclined towards the purpose and program of the building and form is expressed through the fancy exteriors, mainly for decorative purposes.

For designers, form is the element that makes up our designs and our pages. Function is the objective of the design whether it is a sign giving directions or a book that entertains with a story.

The conclusion is: in architectural design there is no exact rule whether the Function must follow the Form, or Form must follow the Function, or Function and Form run side by side, but the relationships between Function and Form merge into a single method towards the expression of architectural Form, so that this ...