Form and Function

EXPRESSION OF TRUTH AND BEAUTY

The relationship between form and function of a structure is one of the most crucial ideas in architecture. Architect Louis Sullivan coined the contemporary phrase, "FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION…IT’S THE LAW." The shape and appearance of a structure may convert depending on the necessary needs of the design. In Project I, we analyzed “form follows function” idea by attempting to assimilate a moving object into an existing bridge design. We studied how the new movement transformed the structure of the design.

SPAN PROTOTYPES

RIO-ANTIRRIO BRIDGE

SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE

HOWRAH BRIDGE

MOVEMENT ANALOGY

The movement of these objects is intended to act as the means for opening the roadbed for boats or other water traffic to pass. They must be incorporated into the prototype designs to provide a 30'x40' gap in the span of the bridge.

COMBINATION TABLE

PRELIMINARY DESIGN

I made the left side longer than the original bridge, and I added the new structure to the bridge for allowing the new movement. After that, I attached the rollers and cables to have a stronger design of the bridge. The new additions will help to allow the 30x40 opening within the rotation of rollers and the scissor mechanism.

As you can see form follows function as it should be. Because of the need for the new structure/movement, the remaining parts of the design transformed based on it.