Why does form follow function?
Why does form follow function?
"Form follows function" has become one of the best-known architectural maxims of modernism - often heard, interpreted many times and discussed again and again for over a century.
An aphorism coined by Louse Sullivan at the end of the 19th century. The early days of industrialisation, with new forms of construction, such as steel frame construction and new work processes, with factory, assembly line and office work. The statement originally refers to the idea that the exterior design of a skyscraper, in this case a high-rise office block with different floors, should reflect the various interior functions.
Form follows function" is often interpreted as a requirement that prioritises function, but it is actually a discussion about form. In a time of a spirit of optimism and a belief in progress, with rational, scientific approaches to structuring work processes, the conviction arose that there should also be rationally justifiable and comprehensible forms of design.
Not infrequently, a certain pragmatism was and is derived from "form follows function", according to which it is primarily about functional design. That the form would be self-evident if the functional requirements were fulfilled. That aesthetics are dispensable and that anything that causes additional costs should be omitted.
Even Frank Lloyd Wright, an early apprentice of Sullivan, came to the conclusion that Sullivan's idea had been misused and reduced to a dogmatic slogan and an excuse for "foolish stylistic constructions" ... "Form follows function - that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union."
The notions of modernity and their design ideas were increasingly adopted for all areas of life and applied to all living spaces. Viewing and organising the processes of life as a process and deriving ideal types based on ergonomics and hygiene led to new concepts for planning working and living spaces. Considerations that led to a new aesthetic, from architecture to design. An aesthetic that conveys functionality and usefulness. For better living spaces, the design should above all serve the needs of the users, meet contemporary ideas of comfort and fulfil the state of the art. A common understanding today of "form follows from function".
Postmodernism saw a move away from functionalism.
Whether and how a product functions on the market increasingly became a criterion.
Richard Rogers "Form follows profit is the aesthetic principle of our times."
Years ago, the title of a symposium with Peter Zumthor was "Form follows anything"...
