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Theories of Architecture(EAPS4202)Lecturer 7

19th Century Architecture (Part 3) Functional Theory

Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf

University of Palestine

Faculty of Applied Engineering & Urban Planning

Dept. of Architecture, Interior Design & Planning

THEORY OF FUNCTIONALISM Mies Van Der RoheHis thought revolved around 4 particular themes as follows:

The impact & importance of glass through which Mies defines Architecture as a Melody comprised of steel & glass;

The composition of the building in horizontal layers as an expression of its inner structure;

The house is developed and/or organized in accordance with its inner function; and

The external walls have actually no structural function.

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THEORY OF FUNCTIONALISM Mies Van Der Rohe

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Le Courbusier:

Starts from a very basic geometric shape that is as significant as function.

Mies Van Der Rohe: Considers

“function” very essential from which “form”/shape should actually evolve.

THEORY OF FUNCTIONALISM Mies Van Der Rohe The design does overall emphasize originality & being

distinguished Reflects the means of freedom that has been bound by

conditions imposed shortly after the 1st WW.

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Apartment houses at Lake Shore Drive in Chicago

Space:Free and flowing space divided only by free standing walls; services.

Form:Developed new form that actually exist in spatial expression;Materials: steel and glass, both of key consideration while using other materials in different colors; The absence of any decorative treatment is fundamental;Simplicity in form “ Less is more “ , and purity of form; (It does not mean the simplicity of no design but simplicity is a result of knowing the true solution towards approaching a good piece of architecture) andProportion is one of the classic solution of the modern buildings.

In the latest buildings, Mies reduced partitions to establish the term of “ one room theory” (Universal Space) using inverted beams; andIn apartment buildings, a separation between living area and bed rooms should be there in the design by having “ fixed elements”: such as

THEORY OF FUNCTIONALISM Mies Van Der Rohe Seagram Tower

Iron elements are on display in the elevation

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The building emphasizes transparency through the use of glass

THEORY OF FUNCTIONALISM Mies Van Der Rohe

Crown HallFree interior space achieved by structural system above the roof

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The entrance is accessible through a classical stair located between the 2 sides of the structural system.

THEORY OF FUNCTIONALISM Mies Van Der Rohe

Fransworth House

The building has 2 surfaces, the floor & the ceiling.

The rest is virtually empty except the 6 columns that connects the floor surface with the roof.

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THEORY OF FUNCTIONALISM Conclusion

Objections : Simplicity and absence of ornaments (The coldness of

buildings) . Repetition of building models and the absence of

individuality and character. If this architecture suitable for Western long – lasted

traditions. Found in the best buildings and in the bad buildings ,

therefore, it could not be considered as a judge when evaluating.

As far as architecture is concerned, there are many solutions and all of them are indeed functional.

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THEORY OF FUNCTIONALISM Conclusion

Reasons for spread out regardless of objections: Intellectual movement with many benefits Detailed and exact analysis Freed designers from traditions and imitation. There was no better than such concept at the time The bad need for utility ideas, especially after the War Encouraged the level of architectural design and

accordingly architects could design ‘good’ works Separate and reject wrong design (such as radio and

TV ), it proves the truth behind design. There are many alternatives for the same issue and all

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THEORY OF FUNCTIONALISM Salivan:

Form follows function, the function of the form is its source for existence

Frank Loyed Right:

Form & function are one

Walter Gropious:

has made a call for functionality in architecture but rejects being functional

Le Courbusier: has believed in the new faith of architecture in modern times and provides architects with three elements to remember when designing: form, surface and floor plans

Le Courbusier considers ornament as a crime, as architecture has more serious goals to achieve , like the perfect play of various shapes in the design

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