From One-dimensional Functionalism to Multivalent Place-based Architecture

An analytical look at modern architecture literature suggests that its most important slogan "form follows the function" was changed to such a slogan to explain the weak function of modern architecture followers. Sullivan's slogan was not correctly understood by pioneers of modern architecture in different aspects of humanitarian needs and it's just used to describe the appearance of humanitarian needs for function. This slogan is a basis for showing the relationship between form and function in order to present a limited model between human and his needs. This study utilizes a librarian documents and analytical method with the aim of analyzing the concept of function against the slogan of "form follows the function". The question is that: what is the relationship between needs assessment of human being and function? By investigating the temporary literature of architecture it can be found that architectures and theorists tried to present different slogans in order to challenge with the slogan of modern architecture in order to offer a better model of human needs to show the relationship between form and function. Therefore, the modern architecture tried to find out a complete model of human needs and training designers in order to not only learn related science and technology to the designing but also to pay attention the most basic needs of humans in global level. A one-dimensional view of most modern architects to the function shows that they considered psychological and spiritual needs of human as well as biological needs. But choosing the wrong model of human needs and lack of sufficient knowledge about psychological and environmental needs can be the main cause of lack of achieving a comprehensive definition of function. Today, in contrast to the modern era, various models of human needs in the realm of related knowledge to architecture have defined which are associated with the development of theoretical foundations of architecture models. Therefore paying attention to the needs, behaviors and human activities and creating a variety of potential capacities in architectural environment, can appropriate mechanisms with a specified range regarding to its origin or concept. What will guide the behavior are external motivations although the behavior sustainability depends on the final goals of the organism. The ultimate goals of organisms are the basic needs that Maslow refers to.Studying the needs of humans reveal that the concept of beauty, encompassing all levels of human needs and it is present in all stages and therefore it is impossible to distinguish between beauty and function. Function which basis is the human needs can include different aspects: social, psychological, semantic and aesthetic at any moment and give more capabilities to the space to provide a richer places. The place determines human behaviors while physical constraints and limitations and too much specialization will reduce the manner of a place. Moreover human try to meet his needs through connection with the environment and change its potential based on his internal Maslow's need and he can create a proper place through change in levels of physical environment and its potentials. This paper, based on ecological psychology and humanist psychology as well as content analysis of expert's opinions and normative theories and experimental architecture will be examined. The findings of this research presents that function in a form depends on internal needs of users and their needs as well as the potential ability of shape and form of the environment. So on the one hand, the concept of function-oriented has involved with a wide range of human characteristics such as symbolism and semantics and on the other hand the architect's attitude is related to a set of phenomena. Therefore, a plan includes a range of human needs as a part of function; which in the modern architecture description had been removed from the function. Modern architects compare the function with the scientific and mechanical analysis which cannot be a good indicator to meet the present and potential needs of users of buildings. Therefore, instead of the narrow concept of functionalism, Multivalent quality of a Place- most of forms and objects not only have original usages but also additional potential and value which will increase their efficiency-which is based on the human needs and environmental requirements can present a paradigm to wider understand of form and function relationship and also meet human potential and present needs in architecture.