In architecture, the concept of "function" refers to the intended use a building or space serves, along with the activities it accommodates and the physical and spatial arrangements that enable these activities to take place. Derived from the Latin functio (operation, duty), the concept points not only to what an object is used for, but also to how, for whom, and under what conditions this function is realized. In this respect, function is a dynamic component in architectural design, constantly interacting with form, aesthetics, structural tectonics, and context.
Historical Development
In the history of architecture, the concept of function has been addressed in different ways according to period approaches and cultural contexts. In Ancient and Classical periods, function was evaluated integrally with the sacred or administrative role of the building; public spaces such as temples, agoras, and forums were shaped as spatial counterparts of collective functions.
In the Gothic and Renaissance periods, function was shaped within a narrative framework where architectural form merged with sacred symbolism. Especially in Gothic structures, vertical orientation and the directed use of light served both an aesthetic and a functional purpose. At the beginning of the 20th century, the modernist architectural approach became synonymous with the principle "form follows function"; pioneering figures such as Louis Sullivan, Le Corbusier, and the Bauhaus School adopted functionality as the basic principle against ornamentation in architecture.
In the Postmodern period, the relationship between function and form became more flexible and multi-layered; thinkers like Charles Jencks and Robert Venturi evaluated function not only as a practical category but also in conjunction with historical context, symbolism, and narrative elements. Today, function is no longer a fixed and predetermined parameter; it is defined as a flexible and adaptive design component shaped by user behavior, technological developments, and changing needs over time.
Types of Function
Function, in the architectural design process, is a multi-layered concept that is not limited to responding solely to physical needs, but also relates to the social, cultural, and historical context of the building. As a guiding element in design, functions are categorized and addressed under specific headings. Primary function defines the main purpose and reason for use of a building; building types such as residences, schools, or places of worship fall into this group. Spaces supporting this primary function are considered under secondary functions. Support units like dining halls, car parks, or circulation areas provide functional integrity for the sustainability of the main function.
In some buildings, function is not limited to mere use; it also carries symbolic, cultural, or ideological meanings. Monumental structures or historical reconstruction examples are architectural types where such representative functions are prominent. Programmatic functions define functional building programs arranged according to specific user profiles and societal needs. Mixed-use buildings refer to the integration of different types of uses within a single building or complex; the coexistence of residential, office, and commercial units is an example of such projects. Finally, adaptive functions refer to convertible building uses designed to accommodate changing needs and user scenarios. These types of functions are developed in contemporary architecture based on the principles of flexibility and continuity.
Function in Architecture (Todd Trapani)
Function and the Design Process
The place of function in the design process is not just a fixed goal determined at the outset; it is a dynamic way of thinking that is re-evaluated, developed, and concretized with diagrams at all stages of design. At the core of this process are needs programs (briefs) that systematically articulate user needs; these documents regularly present information such as user profiles, square meter requirements, and spatial relationships.
Function diagrams (bubble diagrams), which visually analyze the relationships between functions and their positions in space, form the first spatial representations of this information. Zoning, on the other hand, is a method, often based on spatial separation, where decisions are made about how functions will be physically placed.
Example of a Bubble Diagram (Generated with Artificial Intelligence.)
The diagrammatic thinking approach frequently used by contemporary architectural offices like OMA and BIG involves the graphical interpretation of functional decisions through formal relationships. All these processes are enriched by user scenarios that reflect the time-dependent spatial experiences of different user profiles, transforming function into a human-centered and flexible design tool.
New Technologies and the Transformation of the Concept of Function
The transformation of function in contemporary architecture is particularly evident with the use of new technologies and digital design methods. Responsive spaces have the capacity to redefine the function of a space instantaneously through surfaces and systems sensitive to variables such as user movement, heat, light, or time. Such systems offer a flexible and adaptable architectural setup that changes according to the user's experience.
Parametric design approaches are being developed with algorithmic tools like Grasshopper, enabling data-driven design processes where multiple functions are optimized simultaneously. Furthermore, smart buildings equipped with technologies such as sensors, actuators, and the Internet of Things (IoT) allow functions to be continuously monitored and updated via digital data. These developments have transformed the concept of function from a static definition into a dynamic, data-driven, and user-centered design component.
Current Approaches
Today, the concept of function in architecture not only specifies the intended use of a building but also gains a multidimensional meaning through the flexibility of space, its environmental impact, and its interaction with the user. Especially in the post-pandemic era, new living habits have revealed that single functions are insufficient in residential, office, and public areas; spaces need to be designed to respond to multiple use scenarios. In this context, flexibility has transformed function into a dynamic parameter that can change according to time, user, and context; modular systems, movable elements, and convertible spaces have become widespread in interior design.
On the other hand, sustainability principles have also necessitated a re-evaluation of function. The functional success of a building is no longer solely determined by meeting user requirements, but also by environmental criteria such as energy efficiency, natural resource consumption, ease of maintenance, and longevity. This approach has a wide range of applications, from passive climate control strategies to recyclable building materials.
Another important factor defining the contemporary transformation of function is the participatory design approach. Traditionally determined function diagrams by the architect are now shaped by users' experiences, expectations, and daily life practices. This necessitates that function be addressed not only in terms of "what will be done" but also "for whom and how it will be done," in relation to societal layers.
