The aim of this essay is to shed light on the modernist dictum form follows function. Taking the dictum as the gist of the modernist principle of design, I would like to pursue this question: Was the dictum ever feasible as a design precept, a precept which promised to bring an end to formalism? The answer of the exponents of the modernist philosophy of design was an unequivocal ‘yes’. They claimed their architecture and design were not a result of stylistic intentions, but of a new anti-formalist design principle. Such claim poses a problem, however. If we happen to accept such understanding, our writing regarding modernist architecture and design will almost unavoidably be reduced to repeating, or at best embellishing upon, what modernists said about themselves. On the other hand, if we deem this design dictum not feasible, we have to suggest an alternative reading of their architecture and design.
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