Form and Function

The relationship between Form and Function is central to the study of biology. George Cuvier, the ‘father of comparative anatomy’ laid out in his theory of ‘the correlation of parts’ that similarly appearing anatomical structures should have similar functions and this similarity should be used to group or diagnose organisms and their structures (1). Further exploration of four examples in this paper will more clearly show that the function of any ‘thing’ is related directly to the form of its construction.

To exemplify this connection between form and function let’s look at the construction of the largest organ of the body, specifically the layers of tissues found in the Skin or Integumentary System, as it’s known in scientific terminology. Constructed of two major layers (Epidermis and Dermis) the skin contains several types of epithelial and connective tissues. From a very cursory examination it’s clear that the skin is a durable, flexible and strong substance. Go a bit deeper and examine these layers for a more in depth evaluation of their form and the layers of the Epidermis and Dermis clearly declare their function from their form. The Dermis, constructed of a layer of connective tissue in the Reticular Layer, underneath the Papillary layer filled with capillary networks of blood vessels feeding the Epidermis up above. The Epidermis then is comprised of multiple layers of cells comprising four or five layers made up of Stratified Squamous Epithelial tissue whose form allows for constant re-growth of new Keratinized cells ready to replace those rubbed off during life’s bumps and bruises at the top, or surface, layers. This layered construction literally defines and sets forth the function of the skin.
Another biological example more simply identified as declaring the connection between form and function is the skeletal system. Most everyone recognizes that bones are the ‘tinker toys’ that give our bodies their shape and allow us to move the way we want. Beyond the obvious, however, is the substance of the bones themselves. Take the content of the bones of the cranium for instance. Made up of spongy bone between super-hard compact bone layers the cranial bones provide a strong, cushioned substance that protects our brain and absorbs impacts while staying light enough for us to bear on our shoulders. The form of smooth, curved, lightweight bony material that provides the function of protection, impact absorption and shape of our cranium show the directly interrelated correlation of the form and function of this portion of the skeletal system.

Stepping back from Biology this concept of a direct relationship between form and function extends to man made materials as well. In architecture a very famous saying states that “Form Follows Function”. The full quote is quite telling.

It is the pervading law of all things organic and inorganic,
Of all things physical and metaphysical,
Of all things human and all things super-human,
Of all true manifestations of the head,
Of the heart, of the soul,
That the life is recognizable in its expression,
That form ever follows function. This is the law.[2]
~Louis Sullivan (2)

This was written in 1896. While Cuveir’s investigation of form and function in Anatomy came well before Sullivan’s observations it is clear that their conclusions were similar. (3) So it seems obvious that an architectural example would be applicable to our discussion.
Take the walls and roof of a home—the basic skeletal structure; you might call it—forming the outline or shape of a building. The two-by-fours, struts and other pieces of the frame outline the rooms and footprint of a home. In a simplified manner these ‘bones’ of a building hold up the roof and shape the structure. Protection from the elements, keeping the outside out and the inside stuff in…very similar to the Integumentary System…is all based on the weight bearing strength of the square-rectangular shaped wall systems and triangular shaped strut structures.

Moving further in our Architectural example for a fourth specific instance of Form and Function, let’s move to the specific structure of a roof. Layered from the struts on out to the shingles the various layers provide specific functions of protection, insulation and strength. First struts, triangular in shape and constructed of two-by-fours provide the shape of a steep roof, let’s say. This steepness allows for rain and snow run off very specifically offering function by force of form. Next level out would be the insulation layer. The foamish, air-pocket filled layer constructed of insulating fibers offers the form which feeds the function of insulation. Next a layer of firm boards such as particle board—smooth, wide, thinner than two-by-fours—covers the insulation and provides the basement layer for the remaining roof layers. On top of this base layer there will be at least two more layers—covering tar paper and some sort of shingle material to seal out the elements and provide a smooth surface for rain and snow to slip right off the roof. Here each layers is both constructed to perform a function and formed to facilitate this very function.

Concluding our examination of Form and Function the observation of these four examples should make clear the contention that each of these is dependent on the other. Without a full examination of the relationship between the structure and work of an item or organ or substance it’s impossible to truly understand either the form or function of anything. This is never more obvious than when applied to Anatomy and Physiology, literally another way of stating ‘form and function’, yet is also obvious in Architecture as well.

Works Cited

(1) The genomic 'inner fish' and a regulatory enigma in the vertebrates
By John Malone and Brian Oliver, Journal of Biology 2009, 8:32 doi:10.1186/jbiol131

(2) Wiki Quote . org on Louis Sullivan, http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Louis_Sullivan

(3) Wikipedia . org on Georges Cuvier, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georges_Cuvier