Form follows function is a principle associated with 20th-century modernist architecture and industrial design which says that the shape of a building or object should primarily relate to its intended function or purpose.   

This principle was mostly part of the teaching - learning process of architectural design too till the digital world evolved. Today it has become easier to explore possibilities of visualizing a form first followed by figuring out how the functions could be incorporated in the form as quick representation of architecture is possible using different softwares.

When Function follows form, the result can be innovative. In the days of manual drawings it would take great effort and talent to make representational drawings.

Just once, in my student days, I had taken this approach to design... a restaurant on a small lake opposite the Technology Students' Gymkhana at I.I.T. Kharagpur. It was a short time problem, an esquisse, in fourth year architecture in 1977.   

My inspirational moment to explore the form came while playing tennis, when I raised the ball for a serve. 

When Function follows form, often it possible to create a visually provocative form that can reveal its function...

---- Dr. Harimohan Pillai