The Function of Form

by Farshid Moussavi, Daniel López (Editor), Ahmadreza Schricker (Editor)

In The Function of Form, internationally acclaimed architect, Farshid Moussavi, provides a provocative critique of the historically opposing relationship between function and form to reveal the contradiction at the heart of modernism. We need to move away from the definition of function as utility, she argues, to align it with how function is defined in mathematics, biology or music. Form, on the other hand, should be considered not only in the way buildings are produced, but also how they perform sensorially. Function and form, considered together in architecture, stand in opposition to the dualism which defined our approach to the built environment throughout the twentieth century. This book provides a thought-provoking account of the challenges facing the 21st century built environment, and an enlivened awareness of the wider possibilities of architectural form.

Genres: Architecture, Art, Urbanism, Design

520 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2009

Reviews

[Sean Billy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been using this book to teach myself grasshopper because so many of the case studies lend themselves to parametric modeling. I appreciate the quantity of examples, diversity of structures, and clear organization. I think the layout of the book, detailed drawings, and descriptions can definitely be built on further to create a more complete catalog.

[Mon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title is slightly misleading - other than an intro essay on the significance of formal variation in the 20th century, the rest is pretty much just a collection of structural support with Rhino renders. The 'form' seems to be exclusively roofing construction as well.

[Francisco Tapiador · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and detailed catalog of structures for architects and structural engineers. The "affect" concept is both intriguing and productive. I believe that a physical analysis of each form would greatly improve the final result.

[HellofaFella · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had a very good introduction though the book can be very misleading because of the interesting structures. The examples were great but there very little explanation and details. It was disappointing:(

[Vanzetti · Rating 3 out of 5]

As other people has mentioned, it needs a little bit more of development but the illustrations are well presented.

[Mahshid Parchami · Rating 4 out of 5]

کتاب بسیار خوبیه برای سر درآوردن از سازه و ساختار انواع بناهای معماری کلاسیک و سنتی ایرانی. خصوصا ساختار سقف و ستون ها. تصویرسازی های دقیقی داره