Architectural Form

Structure

Multiple approaches were suggested to address the reflection of the structure in the appearance of the architectural form. In the 19th-century Germany, Karl Friedrich Schinkel suggested that the structural elements shall remain visible in the forms to create a satisfying feeling of strength and security, while Karl Bötticher as part of his "tectonics" suggested splitting the design into a structural "core-form" (German: Kernform) and decorative "art-form" (German: Kunstform). Art-form was supposed to reflect the functionality of the core-form: for example, rounding and tapering of the column should suggest its load-bearing function. In the tectonics as envisioned by Bötticher, the function (defined as requirements for internal space) had driven the design: the size determined the roof technology to be used, the latter in turn mandated the support requirements, creating a structural outline of the building, architecture was an art of resolution of the conflicts between the functional need and architectural forms that can be built.