FORM & FUNCTION

Architectural design relies on the ideas of form and function to create sophisticated designs without compromising the functional requirements. Form and function are two different elements of architecture, but they play hand in hand when it comes to the design process. Form focuses on the aesthetic design of the building, while function refers to the purpose or operation of the structure.

In this project we explore the principle of "form follows function", which states that the shape of a structure should relate to its function. Using the functions of everyday household items, we relate them to the form of different bridge types.

SPAN PROTOTYPES/DIAGRAMS

Sydeney Harbour Bridge

Sydney, Australia

Quebec Bridge

Québec, Canada

Francis Scott Key Bridge

Baltimore, Maryland

MOVEMENT ANALOGIES/DIAGRAMS

Eyelash Curler

Mic Stand

Hoberman Sphere

COMBINATION TABLE

PRELIMINARY DESIGN

The goal is to design a bridge and mechanism that would allow a 30 x 40 foot object to move through. My design consisted of the Sydney Harbour Bridge combined with the function of the eyelash curler. I was able to reframe the bridge to place the mechanism of the eyelash curler, while maintaining the arc of the bridge. The mechanism uses a pulley system to pull up the road deck and make way for objects to pass through.

Transformation Process

Moving Mechanism

FINAL DESIGN

Elevation (Closed)

Elevation (Open)

3D VIEW

1/4

Functional Movement Animation

3D RENDERING