Form Follows Function

“It is the pervading law of all things organic, and inorganic, of all things physical and metaphysical, of all things human and all things super-human, of all true manifestations of the head, of the heart, of the soul, that the life is recognizable in its expression, that form ever follows function.  This is the law.” - Louis Sullivan

“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you..” - Frank Lloyd Wright

“Always design a thing by considering it in its next larger context.” - Eliel Saarinen

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When I traveled thru parts of Asia in 1994, my sense of intrigue in other cultures seemed to expand rapidly.  As a young man aspiring to travel and study architecture I knew of many great works throughout the far east and whenever possible, arranged all my travel plans around seeing them.  I always knew there were things I aspired to do, create and build.  In order to “be” and “do” I felt one of the best forms of education was experience, to see what had been done, whether it be a historic structure, a successful international business or an ocean wave meeting the shore made to be ridden properly.

The design (Heritance Ahungalla) on the cover of this post represents many themes to be expanded upon.  The pool / garden serves dual purposes of physical and visual pleasure; as it contrasts the bright expansive emerald blue Indian Ocean adding a sense of structural art while praising its wild and seeming endless natural surroundings.  “If the world were flat, you would be able to see Africa” Architect and designer Geoffrey Bawa himself observed.

“Bawa’s buildings are said to be not just bricks and mortar, but the expression of intangible emotions…  characterised by a sensitivity to site and context. He produced ‘sustainable architecture’ long before the term was coined, and had developed his own ‘regional modernist’ stance well in advance of the theoreticians. His designs broke down the barriers between inside and outside, between interior design and landscape architecture and reduced buildings to a series of scenographically conceived spaces separated by courtyards and gardens.” [G.B. Trust]

The contrasting themes of precision design and uninhibited natural elements will be often referenced in this journal.

• Perception versus reality
• Forceful control of a medium (water) versus natural flow
• Chaos theory (order versus pandemonium)
• Form versus function
• Indigenous/natural elements mixed with modern technology
• Magnitude versus minimalism

There has always been a healthy burning desire inside me to find a way to achieve my creative aspirations (form) with a sense of reason (function).  Perhaps wise words from past friends and luminaries’ helped me realize many goals were possible seeking alternative routes.  The term “venture” held a special meaning to those that had “dared to do something or go somewhere that may be dangerous or unpleasant” yet may have reaped great rewards.  Many changes in technology, commerce and lifestyles today may provide exciting opportunities I never thought possible.

Centered within the elements of air (blue sky) and water in the opening picture is the “right” breaking wave.  The act of successfully riding energy in the ocean requires many forms of preparation, knowledge and practice.  One my spend a lifetime trying to master this skill for the knowledge the dynamic “dance”  with nature requires an understanding and respect of nature.

Survival and success amid challenges is a great feeling that one can hold on forever.  History has shown that many of the greatest changes come when least expected by the masses but  embraced by the contrarian.

“Plus ça change plus c’est la même chose.” (Alphonse Karr)

Christopher