Form Follows Function. Function Follows Form

According to Wikipedia "Form follows function is a principle associated with modern architecture and industrial design in the 20th century. The principle is that the shape of a building or object should be primarily based upon its intended function or purpose"




SO by right, the function of  a design or a layout should come first, and followed by the form, meaning how it looks like. Logically, it's a way that works to prevent wastage or unnecessary items. and as most striaghtforward  booths and exhibitions or even buildings go, straight up all the basic is usually key. 


I have looked at certain buildings and wonder, why is this here? it doesn't do anything. Now, had it been aesthetically pleasing, it wouldn't be half bad. But if it's a random corner that is out of place and totally nonfunctional, the question is why? So when it comes to this sort of issues, form does need to follow function.


But to bend the laws, function can also follow form. I believe that a design can come first, and once that is settled, the function can be fitted accordingly. If the aesthetic and design achieves the goal of the exhibition or is parallel to the brand/ sponsor, then its a go. Like oversized Golden Arches in a mall, it works, it attracts attention and is relevant to the cause. So oversize works when appropriate, in terms of function following form.


If we can imagine 'wide' enough, there's so many things we can do from a particular form without firstlyhaving a function in mind.