This document summarizes a paper that was presented at the 3rd International Conference on Emerging Trends in Scientific Research in 2015. The paper discusses the debate between the theories that "form follows function" versus "form swallows function" in architecture and design. It argues that a hybrid approach integrating both form (ornamentation) and function (content) is ideal. Through case studies of designs that fuse politics, history, science and social influences with postmodern aesthetics, the paper provides examples of how this hybrid approach has proved durable. It suggests future design solutions could ideally integrate social agenda, usefulness, and a larger organic vision through an equilateral approach combining form and function.

1. Abstract of Emerging Trends in Scientific Research, 2015, Vol.3
DOI: 10.18488/journal.1002/2015.3/1002.3
3rd International Conference on Emerging Trends in
Scientific Research
25-26 April, 2015
Pearl International Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Conference Website: www.pakrdw.com
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Paper ID: 640/15/3
rd
ICETSR
Considering Hybridisation of Form and Function in
Overarching Movement and Designed Objects
Stephen T.F. Poon1
1
Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
Abstract
Dogma and stylish aesthetics are familiar rivals and have often clashed in the applied
fields of architecture, industrial design and the visual arts. A key question from whence
this dispute arises posits on whether “form follows function”, or “form swallows function”.
The former theory was the basic groundwork for the modernist design approach, as
architecture and the applied arts attempt to achieve sustainable outcomes by
distinguishing versatility and pragmatic functionality from beauty. This principle was
espoused by such crafts masters as William Morris and architect Adolf Loos, as well as
artists and designers of the Bauhaus School. Modernists‟ ideological contribution
recognises the intrinsic social inequality that exists in nature, the same which human
relations and working conditions are subject to and governed by. This accorded well
with European architectural principles in the post-World War I era. Advocating utility and
the principle of beauty in austere usefulness, Modernists simplified and reduced what
they deemed as „ornamentation‟ – and thus broke away from gilded medieval structures
and historical augmentations that have little in the way of practicality. Steel and iron
were preferred materials for construction; structural design aesthetics was explored as
well, with height rather than interior spatial function bearing its beauty.Morley and
Robins argue that aesthetics was revolutionised in function, too: becoming the servant
rather than master of the state system that needed to “reimagine their spaces of
identity”. In contrast, a study of the “form swallows function” position provide alternative
views on the same subject. Postmodernists, embracing divergent thinking, democratise
the semiotic essence of forms by inviting a pluralised, contextualised interpretation of
lifestyles, cultural spaces and objects. The „form vs. function‟ debate has left indelible
imprints on architecture and industrial design. Authentic architectural spaces have
moved beyond naturalistic landscapes to cold skyscrapers, while machine production
technologies and a platitude of cultural-imbued semiotics have wrought a set of fresh
implications for mass-produced lifestyle ad consumer goods. Although modernism and
postmodern structuralism approach the processes of architectural craftsmanship and
mass production differently, this paper argues for a hybridisation of the twin pillars of
form (ornamentation) and function (content) as the ideal end goal of modern
architecture and design practice; that neither technological rationalism, spatial
dynamics, historical significance nor social function should predominate in legitimising
today‟s cultural forms, but that all play complementary roles. The methodology of
research chosen for discussion is a series of case studies to explore the hybrid forms
and structures that have proved the endurance of both ideologies. Some element of
“referential content” can be seen when politics, history, science and social influences
are fused with postmodernist design sensibilities, ranging from stripped-down home

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furnishings and the classic tubular steel armchairs, to buildings that show the integrative
possibilities of fluid aesthetics and rigorous functionality. These evidence support the
researcher‟s suggestion for a hybridisation of social agenda, usefulness, and a larger
organic vision, where equilateral design solutions which integrate form and function
could be idealised.
Keywords: Bauhaus, Form, Function, Modernism, Postmodern.
Contribution of study
This paper is established to discuss the importance of multidisciplinary innovation and its role in overall growth
and sustainability of the fields. Also, the study is expected to provide the bases for joint venture among different
fields to serve the society in a better way.