Form & Fuction
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 architecture, functionalism is the principle that architects should design a building based on the purpose of that building. This statement is less self-evident than it first appears, and is a matter of confusion and controversy within the profession, particularly in regard to modern architecture.
Form and function could not be separated but architect could set the priority between form and function. Few constraints like the expertise level of construction technology, availability of high tech materials and financial factors often influence the final decision of the architect, whether to go for form follows function (quality spaces) or function follows form (more aesthetically-pleasing external form) architecture.
The changes of relationship between form and function
The new uses, materials and technology surely can change the relationship between them. In this age of information, we have discover a lot of new materials and technologies.
assuming that form is the outer expression of building's aesthetics and form, in turn, is represented by the building kin , or envelope, we can argue that such "envelope" does not only have to define the appearance of the building we perceive, it can, in the way it is designed, shaped and related to many function a building has, also have the potential to solve its future technical needs.
Many architecture theoreticians argue, that it is form of a building what defines its aesthetic quality. It is the outer skin of a building what usually defines its form. Such a skin has always had many functions. Today thanks to new material and technologies possibilities, these functions of the skin are ever expanding 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.
Form and functions are integrated in the context of the information age and society where functions and the events of technology would determine the built form of a building. It is this event of technology that separates us from our forefathers of the ‘form follows function’dogma. Building forms should try to reflect the identity of a place regardless of function or even technology for that matter.
Virtual forms of houses and buildings could bea reality in the distant future but the experience of physical and real life is still immeasurable. Technologies would persist on expanding the functions and events of our buildings.
Guangzhou Opera House design by Zaha Hadid
Like pebbles in a stream smoothed by erosion, the Guangzhou Opera House sits in perfect harmony with its riverside location. The Opera House is at the heart of Guangzhou’s cultural development. Its unique twin-boulder design enhances the city by opening it to the Pearl River, unifying the adjacent cultural buildings with the towers of international finance in Guangzhou’s Zhujiang new town..
The design evolved from the concepts of a natural landscape and the fascinating interplay between architecture and nature; engaging with the principles of erosion, geology and topography. The Guangzhou Opera House design has been particularly influenced by river valleys – and the way in which they are transformed by erosion.
Fold lines in this landscape define territories and zones within the Opera House, cutting dramatic interior and exterior canyons for circulation, lobbies and cafes, and allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the building. Smooth transitions between disparate elements and different levels continue this landscape analogy. Custom moulded glass-fibre reinforced gypsum (GFRC) units have been used for the interior of the auditorium to continue the architectural language of fluidity and seamlessness.
The Guangzhou Opera House has been the catalyst for the development of cultural facilities in the city including new museums, library and archive. The Opera House design is the latest realization of Zaha Hadid Architects’ unique exploration of contextual urban relationships, combining the cultural traditions that have shaped Guangzhou’s history, with the ambition and optimism that will create its future.
The Guangzhou Opera House has been the catalyst for the development of cultural facilities in the city including new museums, library and archive. The Opera House design is the latest realization of Zaha Hadid Architects’ unique exploration of contextual urban relationships, combining the cultural traditions that have shaped Guangzhou’s history, with the ambition and optimism that will create its future.
In my opinion, today's architecture that in tilt to the less function but emphasize on the asthetic view towards the exterior or even the interior which designed according to natural element refer to its curvature of skeleton structure and then intepret abstractly that has been considered as its exterior appearance. But in other case ,like today technology and new material bring in , the new findings and new creation of materials consists a level strength that able to use in creating a huge structure with the implementation of the new technology.In this case ,it become function follow form , we can see that in case study how Zaha Hadid play with the form and it's function .In my view , today architect not only just consider about form but it still need to have function ,in other hand architect also should goes more innovation in architecture design ,same as Zaha Hadid
