FORM & FUNCTION II
The form-function relation in architecture always been a core issue addressed by many modern theories in architecture. However, this form-function relation is not the interests of architects and theorists, but also on a practical level is to large extent the interest of the users and people who live the consequences of failure of theories that do not meet the basics of good architecture that achieves commodity, firmness and delight. It’s sad but true, that the theoretical nature of the form-function relation in architecture mainly comes to public attention through failure. But what is the relationship between form and function over lifespan of an architectural work? From my knowing, basically the buildings which getting renovated, adaptive reuse or extended are the old style of architecture compared to architecture today.
​
In this case, we further look into another architectural trend which germinated silently in recent years, which is adaptive reuse. What is adaptive reuse? Adaptive reuse refers to the process of reusing an old site or building for a new purpose than which it was built or designed for. These new purposes can offer economic, cultural and social benefits to their environment. Once old structure become unsuitable for their function and programmatic requirements or has remained unused, adaptive reuse become a sustainable and economical option for reclamation of sites. The form and function of an old building is based on the understanding, knowledge and also the requirement and needs of the owner in the old days. The reason why the buildings getting renovated is because the "old" function and form of the building is not sustainable anymore nowadays. The acknowledge for the people from past and now on the function and form of a building is different. And the next argument would be how it relates with form and function and also how they works? Following case study neatly illustrate my point of view.
​
​
Sekeping Victoria by Seksan Design
A case study from the local contemporary architecture today, that shows the transformation of relationship between form and function from the past architecture period till now, which is Sekeping Victoria Penang. This building was originally a shop house created for trading purpose , it is then being adaptive reuse into guesthouse and café at the same time. Built before the modernization, intentionally to accommodate stocks and good, without much of art elements in architecture as during that period people were more focusing on function rather than aesthetics . Later on, the local architect Ng Seksan further develop and transformed its into a space with whole new programme with purpose up to date, as well as aesthetic arts. Other than just functional, every existing elements of the old building were remain in their way but the architectural content and senses bring to the users have changed.
 |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Hin Bus Depot Art Gallery
It was the best case study to showcaseh condition where form was adapt but function totally changed and whole building has turn over a new leaf. It was formerly a bus depot built in 1940 with art-deco style and believed to be the most good looking bus depot in Penang during 70’s. Admist the changes throughout the decades, the depot withstood time and changes. However, it was left to wither following its shutdown in 1999. It was then left abandoned until Ernest Zacharevic, the guy who introduced murals in Penang found it. Hin bus depot is now reviving and evolved into an international creative hub. There is an open space hall where its open concept always allow vary types of function such as exhibition, convention, meeting to carry on inside. While the semi-public outdoor space can readily be use as performances stage, pop-up market, outdoor dining and etc. Another mural garden where music performances and skating activities can be carry out here. The lawn, an open space allow outdoor performance and picnic events. The overall form of the of building was adopted but usage had changed , from an abandoned bus depot to a space where art gallery, event and cafe held.The whole scale was unchanged while new materials are added into the building at the same time encourage new conversation between users and buiding.
 |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Sinkeh by Vertas Architects
This case study reflects the adaptation to function and form and further introduce new function into it. Previously a late 19th century double storey Straits Chinese shophouse which located at the edge of Core Heritage Zone of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Georgetown.Some part of the was much deteriorated, especially the back part. Therefore, an entirely new three storey steel pavilion is insert at the rear of the typical long & narrow traditional shophouse site while the front block with historical street facades and original floor structure were remain. The original timber floor joists were salvaged and recycled to replace worn-down timber elements at the front section. New bakau piles foundation also be done without intervening with the existing party wall’s foundation. The courtyard of the building is fully-opened to the sky and is where the old wing of the front portion confronts with the new, intervention of new steel structure with historical 19th century shophouse was created. Besides, it is also the space which indoors and outdoors merge in celebration of tropical climate. Thus, connection between nature climate and architecture were achieved by this linkage of interior spaces and exterior spaces, just like
Frank L. Wright said “The sense if interior space made exterior as architecture transcended all that had gone before, made all the previous ideas only useful now as means to the realization of a greater ideal.”
 |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
As the conclusion of all the case study above show how the interrelation between form and function in local contemporary architecture by the term of adaptive reuse. Form and function are being redefine and translate into a more practical language, as the world change rapidly and architecture play a significant roles.
“A building is like a human, an architect has the opportunity of creating life.” -Louis I Khan
​
In my opinion, architects not only has the chances to creating life but also give the building second life as the world now is running shortage of natural resources and raw materials. The second lives of buildings around the world are only beginning, and they are being reborn as urban exemplars of style and sophistication.