FORM & FUNCTION
Form and Function are very much inter-related to each other. They both run side by side. Function always affects the expression of a form. Each time a building is constructed or planned first, architects try to inculcate the two principles in design that is Form Follows Function and Function Follows Form.
FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION? FUNCTION FOLLOWS FORM?
For my opinion, today's architecture is more into the FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION.
In 1896, Louis Sullivan wrote:
'It is the pervading law of all things organic and inorganic, of all things physical and metaphysical, of all things human, and all things super-human, of all true manifestations of the head, of the heart, of the soul, that the life is recognizable in its expression, that form ever follows function. This is the law.'
As made popular by Louis Sullivan, form follows function was born out of opportunity. Steel marked a new paradigm in architecture and the newfound freedom of architects quickly spurred the creation of the skyscraper. Old creative limitations were eradicated and laid the grounds of a new aesthetic.
This gallery, Shalini Ganendra gallery was designed by internationally lauded eco-architect Ken Yeang, famed for his bioclimactic buildings, and he’s created a very impressive space. In the model of 21st century bare concrete walls and clean, minimalist lines, the Gallery Residence’s architecture incorporates various experimental features like the down-draft wind chimney, which helps to keep the ambient internal temperature even. (All the better to maintain those paintings with.)
The modern feel of the architecture is reflective of the art it houses, which maintains SGFA’s signature specialisation in Asian contemporary art and design. The space accommodates room for entertaining and a lecture theatre for public programmes.
Basically, u can know that the material and the form of itself is based on the environmental, site context and the needs of user to fulfill the functionality.
Additionally, the SGFA Gallery Residence, an award-winning green space that is a testament to vernacular material and international design, serves as an educational and collaborative powerhouse for international exchange and arts discourse.
On a practical level, it provides the space in which work can be exhibited, viewed and collected but it also serves as the creative environment for both the Vision Culture Artist Residency and internship programmes.
The Artist Residency offers an attractive studio space, resource centre and living quarters for artists whose practice and relevance to the region of South-east Asia facilitate SGFA’s commitment to transnational interaction and exchange.
The internship offers accommodation, publication opportunities and invaluable practical expertise in arts management all under the personal guidance of the gallery’s director. Residents are literally immersed in the gallery space both inside and outside of gallery hours as dedicated sitters and custodians to the gallery and its art. Rare it is that one gets within arm’s reach of art these days but in SGFA's Gallery Residence is the opportunity to live with art in an unprecedented and unintimidating manner.
SGFA’s growing presence can be attributed to informed passion, smart work ethic and belief in collaboration. With an unyielding desire to present, educate and make accessible art of one of the world’s most vibrant regions SGFA has proven an exemplifier of cultural innovation and prosperity. A luminary vision indeed for the future of the Malaysian arts scene.
Last but not least, for me functionality is a necessary for a good design.
Form follows function became the face of this aesthetic and postulated that the object’s function defined the form. In simple terms it seems very obvious.
Functionalism is not the absence of style. Form and function does not reside on each side of the spectrum with a defined threshold. Function does not take over where form cease to exist, so the concept of reducing the form until only the function remains is a flawed one.
