Functionalisme

Functionalisme is a term used in several disciplines to denote a focus on how and why things work as they do. In sociology and anthropology, functionalism is a perspective that interprets social practices, institutions, and norms as parts of a larger system, with each part performing functions that contribute to social stability, cohesion, and continuity. In architecture and design, functionalism is a design philosophy that holds that the form of a building or object should derive from its purpose, often emphasizing efficiency, rational layout, and the elimination of unnecessary ornament.

In sociology and anthropology, functionalism emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Durkheim laid groundwork on how social facts preserve order, while Malinowski and Radcliffe-Brown developed theories about how cultural practices meet the needs of individuals and maintain social integration. Functionalist accounts typically analyze institutions such as family, education, and religion in terms of the functions they serve for society as a whole. Critics have argued that functionalism can overlook conflict, power dynamics, and historical change, treating societies as harmoniously balanced rather than as sites of struggle.

In architecture, functionalism rose to prominence in the interwar period and beyond, associated with modernist movements in Europe and North America. The guiding idea is that architectural decisions should be dictated by rational concerns—structure, materials, climate, and user requirements—leading to principles such as minimal ornament and an emphasis on utility. The phrase form follows function is often attributed to this tradition, though its exact origins and interpretations vary. Functionalist architecture has been celebrated for efficiency and clarity but criticized for perceived coldness and neglect of cultural context.

Overall, functionalisme denotes a mindset that emphasizes purpose-driven analysis across social and design domains, while inviting ongoing debate about balance between function, form, and social meaning.