Functionality as the base

Today when I was at the UC Davis ARC, admiring its beautiful construction, I realized that I was analyzing its design. The architects had to take into account that it had to be both functional and beautiful and the same time.

Functional in that the building serves a purpose--as a mini-store, with office buildings, waiting area, and a fitness gym. Also functional in that it needs to keep standing and not leak or break or fall apart. I believe these functional elements are a key to every design whether it is a large building, such as this, or a small piece of artwork; it had to not fall apart and serve its purpose.

But the beauty must always be taken into analyzing a design, in other words the aesthetics of the design. The ARC’s open ceilings and it’s construction with much glass and steel give it a very modern open feel. This goes along well with its functionality of a fitness gym. When I am working out, I do not feel claustrophobic and overwhelmed by all the other sweaty bodies. The open air atmosphere letting in multitudes of light allows for a very calming outdoor atmosphere but still being social and indoors.

The functionality of a piece is the base of which a design is built. Without the building blocks, the design would fall apart and would not be able to be appreciated to its full extent.

(Thanks for the picture: http://ucdavismagazine.ucdavis.edu/issues/sp08/graphics/arc_exterior.jpg)