Role of Structuralism
Does Form follow Function or does Function follow Form? Neither. The correct answer is that architecture at large is a tri-faceted formulation encompassing structuralization, form, and functionality. The three cores of architecture. These three core elements are not independent factors but instead interdependent factors. Functionality, Structuralism, and Aesthetics must be equally considered to create a harmoniously working architectural design that ensures security, practicality, and artistry. To be considered functional, a building needs to cater to human needs, effectively utilise space and resources, provide a sense of comfort, and be adaptable to the environment. Structural forms bring more than just support and stability to a building. The above-mentioned functions can be improved by utilising structural elements to their full potential. The adaptability and flexibility of the building, along with its space optimization and energy efficiency can all be improvised by innovative usage of the building structure.
Historical References
Travelling back to as early as the 5th Century BC, classical columns, now majorly used as a structural addition, formed a huge part of a building structure and were utilised for all its functionality and aesthetic capabilities. Taking the Parthenon as one of the earliest examples, it showcases the derivation of building functions using structural requirements. The structure was meant to serve as a temple and the widespread doric columns along the periphery of the structure provided for an openness that was integral to building functionality. Going even back, the Ziggurats of Mesopotamia, a multi-layered structure built along the terraced layers, serve both as a structural component and a functional addition. A similar observation can be made from The Roman Aqueducts (circa 300 BCE–100 CE) where the arches make up more than just a support system, they make up the entire form of the structure. The arches of the Pont du Gard support the water channels flowing through long distances while holding the entire structure together.
Structure as a Resilient Framework
The building structure plays a crucial role in making the building more resilient to environmental stressors such as earthquakes, storms, and floods. Adaptability to the environment around is one of the many functions a building plays, and the durability that the structure contributes towards the same. Steel tubes and frame structures are prime examples of resilience-based structural components. Steel tubes are used for skyscrapers and high-rise buildings to withhold strong wind and storm-led horizontal loads and make them durable in extreme environmental conditions. As for seismic loads, multiple regions face severe earthquakes on a regular basis and the buildings in these zones need to be prepared to mitigate the issue. This function is served by the structurality of these buildings, the strength offered by the base isolators, cross bracing and shear walls provides the building with a core strength to endure the conditions, maintain the safety of its occupant, and remain functional.
Building Structure and Energy Efficiency
The planning and framework of the building can assess in curating an energy-efficient sustainable structure. With the use of smart systems, correct materials, and passive building methodologies the function of a building can be expanded as an efficient structure. Providing High-performance insulations, green roofing, using the structural system to add multiple openings through the building, and using the structure to attach a solar thermal system all are solutions to this problem. These innovative structural strategies when implemented along with well-thought-out designs contribute to the overall functionality of the building.
Structure as a base of Functionality
Many renowned architects such as Frie Otto, Tadao Ando, and Norman foster through their works time and again have focused on emphasising transparency and maximising the efficiency of the building structure. Their utilisation of minimal materials paired with innovative, and advanced structural features explain the usage of structural components to their utmost ability.
The Centre Pompidou, Paris
Renzo Pianos’ pioneering Centre Pompidou is an architectural marvel under the Hi-Tech Architectural Movement which focused primarily on building functionality and integration of technology. The Centre Pompidou, Paris strikes out amongst all other buildings in this movement as the building features an exposed structural system. The structural system included brightly coloured pipes, all services provided in the building, and the support systems shining as the building facade. This move by Piano provided the building interiors with immense flexibility. The building served as a cultural centre and required vast spaces that could be reconfigured as required, with no service cores or structural components blocking the interiors. The external escalators and elevators add to the functionality of the building as it provides a panoramic view of the city of Paris while the visitors travel across the structure.
Munich Olympic Stadium, Munich, Germany
While all stadiums may look like an elliptical plan with seating along their perimeter, Frei Otto’s Munich Olympic Stadium features a tensile roof structure which differs from a conventional stadium design. The roof is a minimal transparent membrane creating a lightweight tensile structure attached to steel cables. This cable net structure allows a multi-purpose structure featuring an airy, open, self-lit space that does not require any artificial lighting during the day. The stadium’s structure is so built, that it doesn’t interfere with the span of it and allows ease of use for all spectators.
Structuralism and Functionality
Through the examples, it is inferred that a building structure not only enhances its functionality but is also an indispensable component. The functionality of a building highly depends on the manner of structural planning and the efficiency of it. Improper usage of structurality leads us to monotonous, and repetitive designs that are unable to fulfil their purpose. With constant development and innovation, it is a must to utilise that research and create spaces that offer comfort, accessibility, safety, and utmost usability.
REFERENCES:
- The role of structure in creating architectural space (2015). https://www.cwejournal.org/vol10noSpecial/the-role-of-structure-in-creating-architectural-space.
- (No date a) Energy efficiency in buildings – A comprehensive guide. Available at: https://www.workero.com/energy-efficiency-in-buildings-comprehensive-guide/ (Accessed: 11 September 2024).
- Naguib, I. and Elfakharany, M. (2022) ‘Mutual impact between building form and Structure’, JES. Journal of Engineering Sciences, 0(0), pp. 0–0. doi:10.21608/jesaun.2022.123912.1120.
- Terzic, V. and Villanueva, P.K. (2021) ‘Method for probabilistic evaluation of post-earthquake functionality of Building Systems’, Engineering Structures, 241, p. 112370. doi:10.1016/j.engstruct.2021.112370.
- Elbaiuomy, E., Hegazy, I. and Sheta, S. (2017) ‘The impact of architectural spaces’ geometric forms and construction materials on the users’ brainwaves and consciousness status’, International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies, 14(3), pp. 326–334. doi:10.1093/ijlct/ctx018.
