THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE DESIGN
Form and functions have long been in the debate as if either one of them should be considered more than the other. Architecture is not always about form, but instead it is more about functionality and spatial quality. The building would look deadly without the functionality and spatial quality. When comes to various elements of the renovations, it was a battle between form and function; a tug of war between what it would end up looking like and how it worked.
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Function creates form, but what is to be done with the form when the function has disappeared? Both building forms and functions can be successfully adapted or even changed to enhance the transformation process.
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Adaptation of existing buildings for new functions is not a new phenomenon. It started to approach towards adaptive reuse as early as at the beginning of the 19th century. At the end of a building's programmatic lifecycle, it is typically no longer used for its original purpose. Even at this point, many buildings continue to hold significant worth materially, historically, and culturally. The redesign and reuse of existing buildings calls for critical thinking, not only to accommodate completely new uses, but also to adapt to modern mechanical systems and remain what element needs to be remain.
The shophouse evolved from the late 18th century during the colonial era. After the colonial era, shophouses became old and dilapidated, leading to a fraction of them abandoned. The purpose, use and function of the building changes as the human activity in the site change. Shophouses nowadays are no longer needed as a residential. Although the quality of the spaces has faded , there must be something valuable, which is essential that has to be preserved
The architect decided to restore and extend the building to create a new function. The spaces are mostly naturally lit and ventilated, which suits the tropical climate. Skylight is also introduced. A series of canopies and balconies along the length of The Row protects the visitor from the tropical elements, thus bringing back the function of the old five- foot-way, albeit in a contemporary manner. It continued uses the material of the original building which is brick to adapt the existing building. The windows and doors remain, just that it frame changes it to metal. There are still many existing architectural elements used like pitched roof , wooden door etc. The usefuness of the space has changed , so they might need to renovate this area into a funtionalism space and suit contemporary architecture.
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In my opinion, I will keep function front of mind. Building should fulfill the purpose, function and use. Architecture in future should be “form follows change or evolution”. The form of building might change after adaptive reuse, but one thing for sure, the function change.
Nowadays, there are many renovated buildings which designed by architect to serve a better uses of space , or totally changes the lifestyle of the users , or remain unchanged of the function. The Row comprises twenty-two 1940s shophouses on Jalan Doraisamy, Kuala Lumpur which were previously known as ‘The Asian Heritage Row’. It was formerly the epicentre of KL’s nightlife scene. However, it is now home to cool cafés, restaurants, shops and live music venues, a new approach of business and lifestyle.