The statement "form follows function" means function over form, form over function, form and function together, or function under form. I think it is form over function.
Function is decided first. For example, the oven door has to seal tightly. After that, you can form it in any design you want. Function takes precedence over form.
The statement "form follows function" means that the design of an object should primarily be based on its intended purpose or function. This principle suggests that the form or appearance of an object should be a direct result of its function, rather than being purely aesthetic. In other words, the way something looks should be determined by how it needs to work or what it needs to do.
To understand the meaning of this statement and its various interpretations, it is helpful to explore its origin. The phrase "form follows function" is often attributed to the American architect Louis Sullivan, who used it as a guiding principle in the late 19th century. He believed that a building's design should be driven by its purpose and the activities taking place within it. Instead of focusing solely on decorative or ornamental elements, Sullivan emphasized the importance of creating structures that were efficient, practical, and responsive to their intended uses.
Interpreting the statement, "form follows function" can depend on context and perspective. Here are the different interpretations you mentioned:
1. Form over Function: This interpretation suggests that the appearance or form of an object is prioritized over its practical function. In this case, aesthetics or style are considered more important than the object's intended purpose. However, this interpretation is not aligned with the original meaning of the phrase.
2. Function over Form: This interpretation aligns with the original intent of "form follows function." It emphasizes that the primary focus should be on the object's functionality, rather than its appearance. In this approach, the design of an object is driven by how well it serves its purpose.
3. Form and Function together: This interpretation recognizes the importance of both form and function, suggesting that they should be considered in harmony. It acknowledges that a well-designed object should not only perform its function effectively but also be visually appealing.
4. Function under Form: This interpretation suggests that the form or appearance of an object takes precedence over its function. It implies that the object's design is driven by its aesthetics, potentially disregarding its practical utility. Similar to form over function, this interpretation is not aligned with the original meaning of the phrase.
In conclusion, the correct interpretation of "form follows function" is that the design of an object should be primarily based on its intended purpose or function. While some interpretations may prioritize either form or function, the original intent was to emphasize the importance of functionality driving the design process.