FUNCTION IN ARCHITECTURE

Introduction Of Function In Architecture During The 20th Century



Architecture During The 20th Century

"Function" came to be seen as encompassing all criteria of the use? perception and enjoyment of a building? not only practical but also aesthetic? psychological and cultural. (Sara 1987) This paper gives an introduction of function in architecture during the 20th century. And it discusses the two architects buildings; Renzo Piano's Pompidou Center in Paris and Frank Gehry's Lake Minnetonka home.

The role of figurative art in the transmission of content is an issue outside the scope of this paper but the importance of architecture should be mentioned. The virtual absence of symbols in modern architecture is evidence of the failure of these symbols to express cultural patterns of the 20th century. In these times the architecture like painting sculpture and other art has tended to be abstract with emphasis on the qualities of the way instead of communicating ideas through familiar symbols.

The great architect of the 19th century skyscraper Louis Sullivan promoted a precept to architectural design: "form follows function." (Sara 1987) Although the idea that the structure and aesthetics should be fully subject to the function has been received with much skepticism and popularity which had the effect of introducing the concept of "function" in place of Vitruvius "utility".

I think that eventhough its aesthetic dimension architecture goes beyond the functional aspects it has in common with other sciences. With its own way of expressing values architecture can stimulate and influence social life without presumed that in itself promote social development.

At the end of the 20th century a new concept has been added to those contained in the compass and the structure of the two functions the consideration of sustainability. To meet modern philosophy a building must be constructed in a manner that is respectful of the environment in terms of production of its materials its impact on the natural and built environment of its surroundings and the demands it makes unsustainable sources energy for heating cooling water and waste management and lighting. (Renzo 1997)

Renzo Piano has become famous at a relatively young age for an architect. He was only 35 when he won with Richard Rogers in 1971 the competition to build the Pompidou Center in Paris. One of his ideas for the Center was to build a giant inverted pyramid but his clear belief in the functionality and logic led Rogers and opt for the clarity of a huge rectangular block.

I believe that Center Pompidou Paris gave meaning to the 'function' in architecture. Center Pompidou Paris art created at the initiative of former French president Georges Pompidou. All elements of a functional structure of the building are green are the plumbing pipes ducts are blue to control the weather are encased in electric yellow and the movement of components and safety devices (ie fire extinguishers) are in red.

One of the more unusual gifts is relatively small but highly acclaimed Lake Minnetonka home designed by renowned architect Frank ...