Form vs Function in Architecture - Special Academic Support

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Introduction

Architectural techniques are the forms and nature of the planning of objects, and the types of space planning solutions, executed by the architect and perceived by the viewer. Architecture is based on a symbolic understanding of space, which means that it refers to the symbolic sense of the structure, establishing a correspondence between the different planes of being and the forms of the building. Moreover, the architecture of a building will be different with the same architectural technique but using various materials and structural systems: bricks, large blocks, panels, frame, arch, vault, dome, and cable stays. Thus, it is essential to establish the importance of the role and significance of function and form in architecture.

The Importance of Function and Form in Architecture

The function is a complex of objectives to be solved by the creation of an architectural object. It also provides the material conditions for implementing a particular group of life processes and the symbolic expression of the associated values. The function determines the goal of the creation of the object and the content that brings its form. The concreteness of the function is defined by the place of the object in the contexts of culture and life systems of society. In these contexts, the function is unstable, changeable, and diverse in its manifestations. At the same time, its structure has a relatively stable layer of the typical, conditioned by the constants of human biological needs. There are also stable categories of social and domestic purpose, archetypes of symbolic meanings, and continuity of culture, its traditions, and customs.

Architectural form is the organization of space and material structures of an object, such as a building, construction, or group of structures. It provides the essential physical qualities of the environment and the purposeful ordering of a specific system of life processes. It is important to note that the form correlated with the objects function as a way of its implementation. Architectural form is not only the structure, the formation of a substance in itself, but it arises first and foremost in consciousness, in representation. Thus, it reflects the complexity of subject-object relations, ideal models, and values inherent in a particular culture. It concretizes the purposefulness of construction activity.

In architecture, scale and site play an essential role; it is the human perception of the magnitude and significance of a structure on a property. Texture also plays a dual role in architecture: it reflects the quality of materials and gives a special quality to the environment. Certain tactile textures are inherent in every material by virtue of its manufacture or natural composition, but they can be altered to produce a variety of expressive qualities and shapes. That is, any stone can be used in its natural or irregular state to make an appropriate form that will enable the functions of the structure to be accomplished.

In my opinion, the function is more significant in architecture because the form is chosen specifically for the architectural function of the structure. The arch is one of the oldest architectural forms; today, the arch is a popular decorative element, emphasizing the elegance and, at the same time, monumentality of the object. Along with this, they occupied a niche in industrial construction and became an indispensable element of many household constructions. It is significant to mention that the arcade is a sequence of arches, each of which opposes the next, supported by columns. There are many forms of columns in architecture, such as the engaged column, which is a circular column protruding from a wall.

At the same time, all pieces of the form constitute an architectural structure designed to perform certain functions. For example, a basilica is an elongated rectangular public building divided along the length by a series of vertical supports, columns, pylons, and pillars into an odd number of the post and lintel of different heights. Interestingly, among the temples of the basilica type, there are dome basilicas and rotunda basilicas. A rotunda basilica is a rotunda with an inner circular colonnade that supports a sub-panel topped by a dome. A dome basilica has a transept, at the intersection of which the middle nave is arranged on the pendentives or Trompe-loeils of the dome. Accordingly, the basilica performs an architectural function; for example, in ancient Rome, basilicas remained public buildings for court and exchange operations. Thus, the use of adequately chosen architectural forms is essential for the construction of a structure in order to fully meet the architectural function.

In order for a structure to perform its function, the architecture uses acoustics, which provides a quality acoustic environment indoors. It considers the interaction between humans and sound waves both inside and outside the room. The aesthetics of architecture and fenestration are also fundamental to function. Thus, they express the human aesthetic relationship to the architectural environment and include additions that will enhance the overall indoor environment by letting in light. All of these forms and tools are required in architecture to support the function.

Conclusion

Therefore, functionality is the central architectural design principle, where any architectural structure serves a specific function. The architectural form and other tools follow the architectural function. Accordingly, the form of any construction should be determined by the functional purpose of its interior space and not by any historical example or aesthetic taste. The inconsistency of function and form in architecture is to harmonize the technical tools of form formation. This will provide a more comprehensive functioning of the architectural object, that is, to satisfy the specific social needs of humans. Besides, the harmonious interaction of function and form leads to the notion of systematicity and integrity in architecture.

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