1. Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf, 28.03.20091 Theories of Architecture(EAPS4202) Lecturer 7 19 th Century Architecture (Part 3) Functional Theory Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf University of Palestine Faculty of Applied Engineering & Urban Planning Dept. of Architecture, Interior Design & Planning

2. THEORY OF FUNCTIONALISM Mies Van Der Rohe His thought revolved around 4 particular themes as follows: The impact & importance of glass through which Mies defines Architecture as a Melody comprised of steel & glass; The composition of the building in horizontal layers as an expression of its inner structure; The house is developed and/or organized in accordance with its inner function; and The external walls have actually no structural function. Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf, 28.03.2009 2

3. THEORY OF FUNCTIONALISM Mies Van Der Rohe Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf, 28.03.2009 3 Le Courbusier: Starts from a very basic geometric shape that is as significant as function. Mies Van Der Rohe: Considersfunction very essential from which form/shape should actually evolve.

4. THEORY OF FUNCTIONALISM Mies Van Der Rohe The design does overall emphasize originality & being distinguished Reflects the means of freedom that has been bound by conditions imposed shortly after the 1 st WW. Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf, 28.03.2009 4 Apartment houses at Lake Shore Drive in Chicago Space: Free and flowing space divided only by free standing walls; services. Form: Developed new form that actually exist in spatial expression; Materials: steel and glass, both of key consideration while using other materials in different colors; The absence of any decorative treatment is fundamental; Simplicity in form Less is more, and purity of form; ( It does not mean the simplicity of no design but simplicity is a result of knowing the true solution towards approaching a good piece of architecture) and Proportion is one of the classic solution of the modern buildings. In the latest buildings, Mies reduced partitions to establish the term of one room theory (Universal Space) using inverted beams; and In apartment buildings, a separation between living area and bed rooms should be there in the design by having fixed elements: such as

5. THEORY OF FUNCTIONALISM Mies Van Der Rohe Seagram Tower Iron elements are on display in the elevation Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf, 28.03.2009 5 The building emphasizes transparency through the use of glass

6. THEORY OF FUNCTIONALISM Mies Van Der Rohe Crown Hall Free interior space achieved by structural system above the roof Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf, 28.03.2009 6 The entrance is accessible through a classical stair located between the 2 sides of the structural system.

7. THEORY OF FUNCTIONALISM Mies Van Der Rohe Fransworth House The building has 2 surfaces, the floor & the ceiling. The rest is virtually empty except the 6 columns that connects the floor surface with the roof. Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf, 28.03.2009 7

8. THEORY OF FUNCTIONALISM Conclusion Objections : Simplicity and absence of ornaments (The coldness of buildings). Repetition of building models and the absence of individuality and character. If this architecture suitable for Western long – lasted traditions. Found in the best buildings and in the bad buildings, therefore, it could not be considered as a judge when evaluating. As far as architecture is concerned, there are many solutions and all of them are indeed functional. Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf, 28.03.2009 8

9. THEORY OF FUNCTIONALISM Conclusion Reasons for spread out regardless of objections: Intellectual movement with many benefits Detailed and exact analysis Freed designers from traditions and imitation. There was no better than such concept at the time The bad need for utility ideas, especially after the War Encouraged the level of architectural design and accordingly architects could design good works Separate and reject wrong design (such as radio and TV ), it proves the truth behind design. There are many alternatives for the same issue and all of them are actually functional. Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf, 28.03.2009 9

10. THEORY OF FUNCTIONALISM Salivan: Form follows function, the function of the form is its source for existence Frank Loyed Right: Form & function are one Walter Gropious: has made a call for functionality in architecture but rejects being functional Le Courbusier: has believed in the new faith of architecture in modern times and provides architects with three elements to remember when designing: form, surface and floor plans Le Courbusier considers ornament as a crime, as architecture has more serious goals to achieve, like the perfect play of various shapes in the design Prepared by Dr. Hazem Abu-Orf, 28.03.2009 10