A-Z Popular Blog Top Search »
Architecture
 Advertisements
Architecture Guides
Related Comparisons

Architecture: Function vs Style

 , updated on
Form follows function is an architectural principle that states that the shape or form of a building or structure is dictated by its function. It is considered a defining characteristic of modern architecture. Taken to its extreme, form follows function is a design philosophy that suggests that the role of architecture is to define structure and not aesthetics. This tends to result in rectangular forms with little or no ornamentation. Form follows function can be considered the defining force of much of the architecture produced from 1945 to 2010s.
Form follows style is the driving force behind classic and postmodern architectural styles that seek an aesthetic ideal or effect. It may sacrifice functionality in the name of art. Form follows style is associated with brave forms and ornamentation that are unnecessary unless you happen to believe that art has value even if its not logical.
It should be noted that form over function doesn't preclude style, it just prioritizes functionality. Much modern architecture is valued for its style.
Form Follows Function vs Form Follows Style
Form Follows Function
Form Follows Style
Definition
Functionality as the primary goal of an architectural design.
Aesthetics as the primary goal of an architectural design.
Associated With
Postmodern Architecture
Classical Architecture
Examples

Architecture

This is the complete list of articles we have written about architecture.
Acoustics
Active Design
Adaptive Reuse
Aesthetics
Arch. Elements
Arch. Technology
Architectural Styles
Architecture Techniques
Art Nouveau
Bauhaus
Bottle Wall
Building Automation
Butterfly Roof
Carbon Concrete
Conversation Pit
Daylighting
Deep Water Cooling
District Heating
Dominance
Energy Efficiency
Enfilade
Facade
Form
Form Over Function
Garden Kitchen
Genius Loci
Gesamtkunstwerk
Googie Architecture
Green Facades
Green Roof
Green Walls
Ha-ha
High Modernism
Houses
Human Factors
Human Scale
Japanese Arch.
Light Pollution
Lighting Design
Lightness
Massing
Material Diversity
Minimalism
Mixed Use
Modern
Modernism
Negative Space
Night Architecture
Organic Arch.
Ornamentation
Parlante
Parti Pris
Passive Design
Passive Light
Positive Space
Postmodern Arch.
Postmodernism
Quality Of Life
Renaissance
Skeuomorph
Smart Glass
Soft Engineering
Space
Streamline Moderne
Structure
Sunken Room
Sunlight Transport
Sustainable Design
Sustainable Lighting
Symmetry
Tall Wood
Transition Design
Unity
Urban Density
Urban Design
Variety
If you enjoyed this page, please consider bookmarking Simplicable.
 

Architecture

An overview of architecture with examples.

Architectural Technology

A list of common architectural technologies.

Night Architecture

An overview of night architecture.

Passive Design vs Active Design

The difference between active and passive design.

Universal Design

A definition of universal design with examples.

Passive Light

The common types of passive lighting.

Architectural Acoustics

The common types of architectural acoustics.

Parti Pris

An overview of parti pris in architecture with an example.

Genius Loci

A definition of genius loci with examples.

Massing

An overview of massing in architecture.

Compressive Strength

A definition of compressive strength.

Urban Design

A few common urban design terms.

Green Walls vs Green Facades

The difference between a green wall and green facade.

Sustainable Urban Design

A list of sustainable urban design techniques.

Passive Design vs Active Design

The difference between active and passive design.

Street Canyon

How a street canyon changes an urban environment.

City Issues

A list of common city issues.

Community Problems

A list of common community problems.

Things In Cities

An a-z list of things in cities.

City Types

An list of the common types of city.
The most popular articles on Simplicable in the past day.

New Articles

Recent posts or updates on Simplicable.
Site Map