Function
In relation to the built environment, the term ‘function’ refers to the purpose of a building or structure. It can also relate to the proper operation, process or performance of something and how it works, such as plant, tools, lift, building services.
In architecture, functionalism (or ‘form follows function’) is the principle that rather than buildings being designed in accordance with past precedents or stylistic trends (aesthetics), the underlying purpose of the building should determine its form.
Buildings have a wide range of different functions, for example, a house is to be lived in, an office serves as a place of work for business activities, a shopping centre is for consumers to access retail outlets, a school is for pupils and teachers to undertake education, and so on.
Buildings may have a range of different functions (for example, a factory may include offices, a restaurant, assembly lines and so on) and some functions may conflict with one another, for example, access vs security, views vs privacy and so on.
Products, materials, components and systems, can be assessed in terms of their functionality, that is, the suitability and capability with which they serve a particular purpose or practicality for which they were intended.
See also: Primary function.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.