There is a popular belief that the foundation of architecture is structured on the harmony of form and function, wherein one factor influences the other to evolve into a built environment.
Phillips Rahm, in his writing, FORM AND FUNCTION FOLLOWS CLIMATE rejects the theory of rigid and programmatic architecture as emphasised on ‘form follows function’ nor does he agree with theory of ‘function follows form’. Instead, he introduces a new domain in architecture that is liberated from the static bounds of form and function.
He propagates a ‘de-programmed’ architecture that is independent of notions of volumetric and programmatic symbiosis but is solely guided by the climate. The focus needs to shift towards evolution of sustainable forms rather than injecting techniques into old ones.
The modern day practice needs to return to basics of vernacular solutions, which is the direct result of building units developed out of climatic problems. It is beyond form and function and harnesses the climate at the same time protects from it.
FORM- architecture, in terms of form generation, should be a function of time (day and night, seasons etc.) that reflects the geographical and physiological extent rather than the era.
FUNCTION- or programme is like as sapling that responds to climate and nature accordingly morphs its position into a given space.
The line of thought of thought of Fujimoto bears resemblance to Rahm’s concept of liberal architecture where functions are not dictated in a space. Also, Toyo Ito advocates the synergy of nature and built environment and compares it to animals’ sense of imbibition of nature as themselves being a part of it. Whereas, Wigly perceives architecture in a poetic way where a habitat needs to seamlessly merge with the surrounding, creating a definite atmosphere.
The concept for research topic still is an infant with clear goal of the architectural spaces holding the potential to define and re-define itself. The scale, proportion and hierarchy of spaces assign a dynamic quotient retaining its identity of abstractness.