FORM FUNCTION RELATIONSHIP

The principle of form follows function was first mentioned by the American sculptor Horatio Greenough in 1852 for the first time. While sometimes attributed to sculptor Horatio Greenough, the phrase “form follows function” was coined by American architect Louis Sullivan.

Function

“Function” is derived from the Latin term “functio” and means “accomplishment” in its original sense. Function defines for which purpose something can be used. The concept of function can be viewed from different perspectives. A usability expert will tend to think of functions that serve to achieve a goal efficiently. In his many examples from nature, Sullivan included not only this interpretation of function. He interprets the term “function” in a much more comprehensive sense.

Form

“Form” can be equated with the term aesthetics. Aesthetics is derived from the Greek word “aisthesis” which means “perception” and “sensation”. Aesthetics is all about how we perceive and interpret the world through our five senses. Thus, the statement “that is aesthetically” does not merely mean “that something looks beautiful”. Accordingly, aesthetics is not just about the visual part of our perception.

Art is a typical example of a strong preponderance of form.
A strong predominance of function leads to boredom. If form is under-represented, the key component emotion is rarely existent.

The Guggenheim Museum is a good example of Wright’s application of the principle. It’s spiral shape was intended to allow visitors to easily                                                       view the artwork within.



Plaza De Castilla (Madrid) by Johnson 
Johnson claimed that the profession of architecture has no functional responsibility.

Interpreting “Form Follows Function” 

There are two ways to interpret the phrase “form follows function”:
Descriptive: beauty results from purity of function;
Prescriptive: aesthetic considerations in design should be secondary to functional considerations.

DESCRIPTIVE INTERPRETATION

The descriptive interpretation favors simplicity to complexity. It states that beauty results from purity of function and not from ornamentation. This ideal derives from the belief that form follows function in nature. Is this really true?
Actually, the opposite is true. Evolution passes on genetic traits to subsequent generations without any rationale for their purpose. Each generation of a species then finds a use for the form it has inherited. Function follows form in nature.
Applying functional elements to a design is generally a more objective process than applying aesthetic elements. A functionally objective process results in designs that are timeless but may be perceived as simple and uninteresting.

PRESCRIPTIVE INTERPRETATION

The prescriptive interpretation prioritizes functionality over all other design considerations, including usability, ergonomics and aesthetics.
Aesthetic considerations in design should be secondary to functional considerations. Is this interpretation problematic? Does it lead designers to ask the wrong questions about a given design?
This interpretation would seem to lead to designers to ask what should be omitted from a design. What elements of a design do not serve a function and thus ought to be removed? Should the form of a design be determined solely by its function?
Taken to the logical conclusion, every element would ultimately have the same design. Every functional item would have one and only one design. Before an object’s form could be changed, it would need to serve a different function.

Better questions come from criteria for success. What aspects of  design are critical to success? When time or resources is limited, what design trade-offs would least harm the design’s success? Sometimes, certain aesthetics will have to be abandoned, and sometimes certain functionality will have to be abandoned. Sometimes both aesthetics and functionality will need to be compromised.