Theme 3 Function

Define Functionalism

The principle that the design of a building should be based on its purpose.

Does Function determine Shape? Explain

No because function consists in abstract principles, not in shapes - one function can be satisfied with multiple shapes

Name an object where function determines shape and one where it doesn’t

Aicraft / teacup

What type of building is greatly determined by its function and why?

Towers over 100m have constructive and stability needs

What two types of needs must architecture satisfy?

physical and mental needs

Explain how the structure of a Gothic cathedral satisfies mental needs

seeing the “nerves” generates a sense of safety

Define “quality ornament”

the development and progressive enrichment of a basic theme of composition

Name of building, architect, dates, where, movement

Seagram, Mies van der Rohe, 1950s, New York

Analyse the building + bronze beams

use of raw materials, steels bars don’t reach the floor so they carry no load

Meaning of bronze beams

expresses the buildings’ internal structure - they are a quality ornament

Define the Modern Movement

20th century style that rejected historical ornamentation in favour of function

Main 4 features of the Modern Movement

1. simplification of shapes

2. absence of ornament

3. references to trends in modern art (e.g. cubism)

4. use of new materials (steel and reinforced concrete)

Define Bauhaus

German school founded in 1919 that sought to unify art, craft, technology into a single functionalist style

Main 4 features of Bauhaus

1. integration of all types of artistic modalities under the supremacy of architecture

2. art and industry (werkbund spirit)

3. Learning + community living

Name of building, architect, dates, where, main movement

Bauhaus building, Walter Gropius, 1920s, Dessau, European rationalism materpiece

How does it interact with the preexisting surroundings?

a corridor is elevated so it doesn’t interrupt the street

Analysis of building façade

anti-monumentality - you cannot tell which is the main façade, allowing you to look at it from different angles - not imposing

What is the main movement of the building

rotary movement (centrifugal)

How is the building divided?

each function is located in independent blocks

Analyse this image of the Bauhaus building

imitates cubisms’ decomposed nature - 2 p.o.v.’s represented simultaneously - dematerialisation of corners permit hovering relations of planes - like overlapping in modern paintings

Define the International Style

minimalist, utilitarian approach that uses modern materials, emerged in the US in the 1920-30s

10 commandments of the International Style

1. simple white volumes with assymetric composition

2. straight planes, opaque or transparent

3. flat roofs

4. abscence of ornament

5. structural framework, skeleton

6. free façade and free plan

7. ingravity, pilotis

8. horizontal fluent spcae, movable transparent partitions

9. ribbon windows

10. industrial conception, prefabrication

Main architect in France with International Style

Le Corbusier

Famous project in Madrid with international style influence

Cuidad Universitaria