What does "form follows function" mean in architecture?

Answer by  thelostone (1457)

This is a very simple meaning. When you build somethign it has a purpose. So the first part of designing a structure is designing it to fulfill its purpose. Then you can add to the "form" of it to make it more aestetically pleasing. If building a house you wouldn't make it 3 feet tall to make it look better.

Answer by  Petalmaker1 (263)

Louis Sullivan gave the saying "form follows function" in the eighteenth century when writing an article on architecture. Basically, it means that the functionality of a building takes precedence over its form, or shape. This saying has been open to debate ever after. How much decorative and ornamental work for example, is also functional?

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

It means that something has to perform a certain duty within the structure of a house before it is made aesthetically pleasing. This means function will be the focus and form will be secondary in the design. It is more important it work properly rather than just looks great.

Answer by  Anonymous

Hello