Basics of Perception in Architecture by Jörg Kurt Grütter

Author:Jörg Kurt Grütter
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9783658311568
Publisher: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden

Louis I. Kahn also draws a distinction here, arguing that form can be said to follow function when it is seen as an essence and that the part corresponding to its essence is that which is supposed to function in a particular way. How a building will influence an individual, he argues, is not a question of function. He regards the word ‘function’ as relating to technical aspects. It follows that one cannot say that a building must also fulfil ‘psychological functions’ since psychology is not a function. The functional aspect is only realized by the instruments with which a psychological reaction can be elicited. Kahn compares this difference to the distinction between the soul and the intellect. The functional aspect is the intellect; the soul, the form, is not something that can be regulated as needed. Architecture, he argues, begins once the function has been thoroughly comprehended (Klotz and Cook 1974, p. 239). What Kahn means here is that when it comes to building, several formal solutions are possible all of which are functionally satisfactory. A particular function usually permits more than one single form (see Fig. 6.2).

The statement “form follows function” has been modified and argued about frequently. The Krier brothers have argued the opposite, that “function follows form” (Frampton 1983, p. 246), a claim that is confusing at first glance but which can be seen as valid on closer consideration. Although today we no longer build “for eternity”, most buildings are designed to last more than half a century. By contrast, their uses can change extremely quickly. This is can be particularly extreme in the industrial sphere, where whole branches may be adapted to evermore rapidly developing technologies within a few years. Today industrial buildings are often only shells that need to be as polyvalent as possible. Here function follows form: industrial buildings are offered on the market like used cars; the more polyvalent, the better they are (see Sect. 5.​4.​2).

Recycling has now also become a buzzword in the field of architecture. In his book “Form Follows Fiasco” (Blake 1977) Peter Blake explores the reutilization of old buildings and comes to the conclusion that repurposing often even improves the spatial and aesthetic qualities of such buildings. As the title of his book indicates, he goes a step further: “Form not only does not necessarily follow function … It may, in fact, be the mortal enemy of the latter” (Blake 1977, p. 16). A space whose form has been specially and exclusively adapted for a certain use will probably not subsequently prove suitable for another function (see Sect. 5.​4.​2).

Buildings with extreme dimensions, heights or spans often require extreme structures, which in turn shape the form of the building. Here it is more a case of “form follows structure” (see Fig. 6.3). The Greek temple can already be described as a constructivist building, since it illustrates the principle of load and support in a clearly readable manner. The Roman arch also provides a clearly readable example of the constructive principle of mutually supporting stones.

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