Understanding 'Function Follow Form' in Architecture
Hi, I’m Doug Patt and this is 50 ways to design like an architect, short videos with tips about
how the architect does their job. This is part seven, Function Follows Form. As supposed to the
teaching that form should follow function. Function follows form is more modern concept of
developing and describing design. Mies van der Rohe created stripped-down austere architecture
that fit a modernism to ideology. But he was also creating simple boxes that could house many
functions. In this way, his buildings were kind of beginning to an alternative way to of thinking
about architecture.
This unique perspective puts the form of a building ahead of the function that a building’s overall
form could be considered its most critical aspect and what goes on, on the inside is secondary.
Even when function and forms the shape of the building, its form is the remarkable factor. From
modernism to post modernism, to deconstructivism to lava texture creating the iconic figure is
the objective. What’s important here is none that one ideology is correct but that the architect is
free to consider any for a building’s success. We’ll see you next time.
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