Function
In relation to the built environment, the term ‘function’ refers to the purpose of a building or structure. It can also relate to the proper operation, process or performance of something and how it works, such as plant, tools, lift, building services.
In architecture, functionalism (or ‘form follows function’) is the principle that rather than buildings being designed in accordance with past precedents or stylistic trends (aesthetics), the underlying purpose of the building should determine its form.
Buildings have a wide range of different functions, for example, a house is to be lived in, an office serves as a place of work for business activities, a shopping centre is for consumers to access retail outlets, a school is for pupils and teachers to undertake education, and so on.
Buildings may have a range of different functions (for example, a factory may include offices, a restaurant, assembly lines and so on) and some functions may conflict with one another, for example, access vs security, views vs privacy and so on.
Products, materials, components and systems, can be assessed in terms of their functionality, that is, the suitability and capability with which they serve a particular purpose or practicality for which they were intended.
See also: Primary function.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.