نظرية الوظائفية في التصميم

Functionalism Theory

• Functionalism theory is a theory of interior design.
• The idea means that manufactured objects fulfill their intended purposes and have forms consistent with their function.
• Function is a fundamental principle and intuitive, the benefit element is crucial in all human products.
• The suitability between form and function inspires assurance and confidence in a design's validity.
• Beauty is significant—alongside usability, durability, and economy—in design.
• Developed after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, leading to a need for quick reconstruction.
• Louis Sullivan was a key proponent at this time and advocated for the approach.
• The "form follows function" principle emerged and was accepted by contemporaries as a new discovery.
• The First World War influenced designers.
• This era is defined by science and industry with new materials and methods.
• Architecture and design for everyone; simplicity, economy, and efficiency are critical.
• Functionalism is an important intellect theory that removed architectural & design errors and freed designers from imitation of styles.

Principles of Functional Theory

• Modern era is an age of science and industry and demands leveraging new materials and methods.
• New materials give designers new choices, leading to designs derived from new qualities.

Importance of Functional Theory

• The central theory impacting contemporary architecture.
• It correctly addressed architectural and design issues.
• Eliminated the need for imitating styles.
• Offered a relevant solution compared to other approaches.
• It's a valuable solution for economic crises, providing both housing and cost-effectiveness.
• Helped to raise the standard of design and achieve good works.

Validity and Functionality

• Functional theory often validates design but sometimes reveals flawed solutions.
• Functionality determines the relationship between functions and parts in a product or building.

Principles of Functional Architecture

• Focus on utility.
• Focus on durability.
• Beauty stems from function and durability.
• Focused on space concept.
• Use of open and contiguous space.

Trends in Functional Theory

• Focus on advances in science and technology, including new materials.
• Emphasis on reducing machine control over human activity and valuing human considerations.

Obligatory Steps for Designers Before Starting

• Study human needs for the object's intended use.
• Analyze the functions and dimensions of human needs and bodies.
• Examine materials, colors, and their perceived sensations.
• Human needs are central, with humanitarian factors and usage.

First: Usage

• Ideal usage needs new ideas.
• Design should achieve safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• New rules for psychological comfort and ease of use are needed.

Second: Research

• Ergonomics studies human body measurements and sizes, especially for anatomical study, which helps determine internal and external design dimensions.
• Fashion is a phenomenon that carries new ideas, satisfying people and spreading globally.
• Manufacturing research studies how to implement design and use appropriate implementation techniques.
• Marketing research investigates marketing theories and customs, analyzing society to target design successfully.

Functional Efficiency

• Achieved through the integration of several design elements.
• Functional compatibility is crucial.
• Functional performance efficiency is necessary.
• Functional flexibility is required.

Functional Compatibility

• The compatibility between form and content is achieved by the forms' ability to perform their functions.
• Focus on the relationship between the product and the user.
• Efficient design will achieve all elements to function properly for the overall goal.
• Flexibility allows for future changes and expansions as needed.

Criticism of Functional Theory

• Functionality can exist in poor architectural designs.
• It's not a reliable judgment of architectural beauty or value.
• The theory has a weakness in its assumption that every issue has only one solution.
• It rejects elements not measured or demonstrable through calculations, measurements or experiments—specifically, concepts without quantifiable evidence.

Architectural Trends Before the 20th Century

• Architecture was dominated by Renaissance rules; its methods were detached from contemporary life and reality.

Classical Patterns in Architecture

• Images shown of Florence Renaissance Center and St. Peter's Cathedral—historical examples of classical architecture.

Architectural Trends at the 20th Century

• Rational thinking fostered functional design and modernism, represented as a new style.

20th Century Architectural Trends (continued)

• Numerous artistic and design movements followed modernism—including Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, Vienna Secession, etc.

Reaction to Modernism

• Movements reacted to modernism, including sculpture, high-tech, minimalism, and deconstruction.

21st Century Architectural Trends related to Functionalism

• Emphasis on environmental design (e.g., environmental architecture), green architecture, sustainable architecture and design quality are prominent.