When designing a building, the most important factor is the intended use of the building rather than its outward appearance. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample 1:

It is widely believed that a building’s function should be considered more important than its exterior in the design stage. Although an attractive appearance is beneficial sometimes, I would argue that the true function of a building should have higher priority.

On the one hand, there is no doubt that magnificent outer space can bring about the immense commercial value. For example, with shopping centers or apartments for rent, it is the outward appearance that attracts the customers’ attention. A person who gets a positive first impression of the exterior is more likely to enter the building to ask for services. Therefore, the outlook of the constructions is always regarded as an effective advertising tool that brings considerable revenues for their owners. In addition, some buildings symbolizing the history of the city they are located in also need to be beautiful from the outside. Take the Hanoi Opera House as an example, it has long been considered a Vietnamese cultural site, so maintaining its attractive exterior is undoubtedly an essential task.

On the other hand, the function is also of significance to a building. The first reason is that every construction needs to be safe and comfortable. For instance, a shopping mall has to possess a wide walkway, a good lighting system, and adequate emergency exits. Furthermore, each building has its own practical use, so architects have to design it with a view to satisfying the requirements of the building’s users. A theatre, for example, is supposed to have a well-designed sound system and a scientifically-arranged hall so that everyone in the audience can conveniently enjoy movies or shows.  

Although both factors are important, I accept that without a proper function-based design, the gorgeous appearance of a building is only a waste of investment.

Sample 2:

Some individuals opine that the most vital aspect when designing a building is its function rather than its outer aesthetics. I somewhat agree with this viewpoint as although a good-looking building enhances the beauty of its surroundings, without meeting its basic function, it would be a waste.

On the one hand, a building with an appealing appearance may be a source of beautification of its locality that may encourage people to visit it as it may serve as an incentive for tourism, leisure, or work. For example, the bathhouses of Brighton are well-known for their bright and colourful designs and promote tourism in the state of Victoria. Similarly, attractive university campuses and office spaces are deemed to be popular study and work destinations among young adults.

However, the function of a building is of pivotal importance when considering its design. A building needs to accommodate the needs of its owners, residents, and patrons. Specifically, one basic necessity of any building is safety; that is, it needs to be sturdy and durable. However, nowadays, there are many fashionable styles of buildings that compromise their stability and safety. For example, in India, an architectural firm gained popularity for its one-of-a-kind designs and, a few years later, the designs were claimed as unsafe when many of the buildings collapsed during a minor earthquake. As a result, several resources were wasted, and many lives were endangered in light of the importance given to the outward appearance of the buildings over their basic functionality.

In conclusion, I agree to some extent that the purpose of a building is of utmost importance instead of the external aspects when designing it, as without serving the primary functions, a building would be a waste of essential resources and even risky.

Sample 3:

It is believed that the exterior appearance of the building is of less importance compared to its original use. I strongly agree with this statement because it is more of an output-oriented view, facilitating efficient service and economic development.

Prioritization of the intended use over appearance brings more value benefits to the users of the building because they can start exploiting it purposefully from the very beginning. Moreover, it is a win-win approach as it favours not only the people working in the building, but also the government, if it requested the construction. For instance, doctors can definitely start working in public hospitals and concentrate on helping or even saving people’s lives, even if the outward is rudimentary or even incomplete, since inward facilities are more vital for them. Furthermore, it is obvious that everybody benefits in this case. Patients receive the needed care; doctors have paid jobs and the government collects taxes on doctors’ salaries and VAT from the provided medical care. I believe that all these factors make such an approach advantageous.

In addition, if the main emphasis is put solely on the interior, it helps bring the most out of it. Industrial areas can be a good example of this. Factories and administrative buildings with repetitive and plain outward design can successfully operate, though they might not look inspiring and breath-taking. In other words, when a factory focuses on its outer appearance, it might hamper its proper internal setup, because the production mechanism depends on how efficiently the machineries and manufacturing process function, not how they look like. That means, the buildings can appear less attractive, more grey and even soulless at some point, but still, they can add incredible value to the economy. Therefore, such establishments might be considered captivating neither for local residents nor for tourists; but still, because of their output and employment generation, they are the economic engines for the respective nations.

To conclude, this essay reasserts that the intended use of the building is of high importance in design, because it yields benefits for all the stakeholders by providing efficient workplace environment and overall national economic growth.

Sample 4:

In the realm of architecture, the debate between form and function is perennial. This essay posits that while aesthetic appeal holds its value, the practical utility of a building is paramount. The ensuing discussion will delve into the primacy of purposeful design over aesthetic considerations, followed by an exploration of how functionality ensures sustainability and user satisfaction.

Central to the argument is the notion that a building’s utility should be its cornerstone. Architectural marvels across the globe, from the pragmatic simplicity of Scandinavian design to the intricate functionality of ancient aqueducts, underscore this principle. For instance, educational institutions designed with ample natural lighting and acoustic considerations significantly enhance learning outcomes. This emphasis on utility does not diminish aesthetics but rather integrates them within a framework that serves the building's primary function. Hence, the utilitarian approach to design does not preclude beauty but ensures that it is not the sole focus.

Furthermore, functionality is inextricably linked to sustainability and occupant satisfaction. A building that is energy-efficient, leveraging natural resources like sunlight and wind, not only reduces operational costs but also contributes to environmental preservation. The Edge in Amsterdam, heralded as the greenest building in the world, exemplifies this harmony between functionality and sustainability, boasting a design that optimizes energy use while providing a stimulating work environment. Such examples illustrate that a building's design, rooted in its intended use, achieves a sustainable balance between form and function, ensuring long-term satisfaction for its users.

In conclusion, while the aesthetic appeal of a building can enhance its character, the essence of architectural excellence lies in its functionality. Buildings designed with a focus on their intended use, sustainability, and occupant satisfaction stand as testaments to the wisdom of prioritizing function over form. This approach not only meets the immediate needs of its users but also addresses broader environmental concerns, marking the true hallmark of architectural success.

Sample 5:

The architectural discourse often oscillates between the visual aesthetics of a structure and its intended functionality. This essay advocates for the primacy of a building's purpose over its external appearance, arguing that the true value of architecture lies in its ability to serve the needs of its users efficiently. The subsequent analysis will focus on how prioritizing functional design enhances the utility and longevity of buildings, and the interplay between purposeful architecture and environmental sustainability.

At the heart of this debate is the conviction that a building must first and foremost fulfill its intended function. Historical and contemporary architectural practices provide ample evidence that prioritizing function does not preclude aesthetic excellence but rather complements it. For example, the design of hospitals prioritizes hygiene, accessibility, and patient comfort, factors that directly impact health outcomes. Similarly, the innovative use of space and natural materials in residential buildings can significantly improve the quality of life for its inhabitants. These examples illustrate that an emphasis on functionality can lead to innovative design solutions that are both practical and visually appealing.

Moreover, the significance of functional design extends beyond immediate utility to encompass environmental sustainability and adaptability. Buildings designed with a focus on energy efficiency, such as the use of passive solar design or green roofs, not only reduce operational costs but also minimize their ecological footprint. The Crystal in London serves as a paragon of sustainable design, combining cutting-edge technology with efficient use of resources to create a building that is both functional and environmentally friendly. This holistic approach to architecture ensures that buildings can adapt to changing needs over time, thereby extending their usefulness and mitigating the need for costly renovations or replacements.

In conclusion, while the aesthetic appearance of a building contributes to its character, the essence of architectural excellence lies in its functionality. Prioritizing the intended use of a building ensures that it meets the needs of its users, promotes environmental sustainability, and stands the test of time. This pragmatic approach to architecture underscores the importance of designing spaces that are not only visually striking but also profoundly functional and adaptable.

Sample 6:

When it comes to building design, architects often have to make compromises between form and function. Many feel that the purpose of the building should dictate these decisions. I agree that how the building will be used is a key factor, but I think that how it looks is just as important.

Those who argue that a building should be constructed according to its function are mainly thinking about the people who will later use the building. If a building is unable to perform its most basic functions, then it is undoubtedly a failed project. For example, if an architect is building a primary school, then they must consider parking areas, how cars will pick up and drop off children, where to put the playground, access for people with disabilities, and that is just the area around the school. A beautiful parking lot that only has room for a handful of cars is useless. Inside the school, they also need classrooms that are large enough, hallways that do not get easily too crowded, a good number and location of restrooms and many other pragmatic concerns. If the architect is overly focused on how the school looks, then they may sacrifice ease of use and practicality.

However, the look of the building is also important because of the role of art in everyday life. Architecture is often considered one of the original and purest forms of artistic expression. I am reminded of a quote from Pablo Picasso who said, ‘Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.’ Imagine a city filled with ugly, utilitarian structures like many Soviet-era buildings. These buildings will not lift people’s spirits or encourage them to contemplate the intended message. Contrast this with a city where architects have been given free rein to be artists. As long as the buildings are also functional, you will find a city filled with beauty and provocation that enhances life for its inhabitants. The outward appearance does not have to be beautiful, but it has a responsibility to contribute something to enrich the lives of everyday people.

In conclusion, how a building works is equally as important as how that same building looks. Form should not follow function but be fused together in order to add to the aesthetic dimension of a city. It is undoubtedly more challenging, expensive and time-consuming to achieve this kind of balance, but it is also worth the effort.

Sample 7:

It is evident that while designing any building its function and utility plays an important role as compared to its outer beauty. According to my viewpoint both should be kept in mind. Its outer appearance as well as its intended use. Both are of great importance.

I believe that the outer appearance of the building must be full of creativity. Many voyagers and tourists visit to see just the infrastructure of the building. It would also be beneficial for the government. It will be a source of income for the government as well as the local community. There are many buildings and monuments like Taj Mahal and Burj Khalifa. People from all over the world visit there to experience its beauty. While designing a particular building many factors are considered. Such as the number of rooms and other area slots are counted. It ensures that the person going to buy it has a comfortable life. Houses are not generally made to show outer beauty.

Outer appearance can sometimes backfire. Many people tend to only see outer beauty while buying a house. Just to impress others by the outer appearance many health issues might be faced. What is the use of beauty if one is unable to breathe? It is often seen that computer beauty leads to uncomfortable spacing inside. Also, the surroundings must be kept in mind. When complexes, malls, medical and cosmetics shops are designed and constructed their surroundings become the prime priority. Because if the outside is somewhere away in a non populated area. There won't be any customers getting attracted to it. If the shop is in the market, then many customers visit.

To conclude, the outer appearance and surroundings must also be considered. The utilization and inner matters the most. But also their outer should not be ignored.

Sample 8:

Infrastructure plays an important role in the development and economy. Many are of the opinion that the utilization of the building plays a greater role. It is believed that outer appearance is not important. I completely agree with this point. The following arguments are presented in the same regard.

There is no doubt that a beautiful and magnificent outer appearance attracts many profits. Many tourists visit different places just to explore the design and infrastructure. Many profits can be gained due to outer experience. The local community also gets benefited from it. An example of any mall or store can be considered. The customer gets attracted by the outer appearance of any store or mall. If the outer appearance is appealing, customers like to get to know about its services.

The outer design and infrastructure of the building is considered an effective tool. Many buildings and places display the whole culture of the city or country. It contains a cultural significance. Example of St. John's Cathedral can be taken. Tourists visit there not because of its cultural significance., But also because of its infrastructure.

Secondly, beauty will be of no use if the inside is not comfortable. Theutilization and inner design must also be focusedArchitecture must keep in mind the client’s requirements while designing any building. The outlier appearance must not interfere with the inner need. The inner needs should never be compromised. For example, if a mall is very appealing for the outside. But it does not have proper ventilation and does not properly exist. The outer appearance will not be taken into focus. Customers will see their comfort.

To conclude, outer appearance matters. Because it attracts many people. It should have an appealing look. It should represent the architecture's thoughts. It must be a place where people like to visit. But the inner design should not get compromised due to the outer beauty.

Sample 9:

Many experts say that utilization of a building must be kept in mind while creating its design. The outer appearance should be ignored if the utilization needs are not fulfilled. I totally agree with this viewpoint. The outer aesthetic plays a profitable role in the market. Many visitors and travelers visit that place just to see its appearance. It benefits the government and also increases the tourists to that place. It helps the local community as well. It might be beneficial if seen as a development thing.

The outer aesthetic displays the creativity of the designer. It not only represents a beautiful infrastructure but also it can represent a culture. Many places hold some religious or cultural significance. It is rightly said that a building depicts a story. A story which cannot be heard but only seen and felt. The well-known Taj Mahal in Agra is the best example of this. It holds a story within it. Its infrastructure is famous all over the world. People visit here to see its beauty. The city is also known for its famous monument.

But the outer appearance can only come into use if it is just made of appearance. In the case of a house, one cannot ignore its utilization. The house must have all the utilization needs fulfilled as asked by the owner. It must fulfill all the demands of its owner. If a house is beautifully designed as per appearance but is not properly ventilated it might cause serious health issues. The proper spacing inside the building or house is an important factor.

To conclude, inner utilization is an important factor to be considered. One must also look for pouyer appearance if it is only meant for appearance purposes. The place must not cause any health issues to the owner. Beauty is of no use if it is affecting and causing uncomfortability.

Sample 10:

People have different views regarding the importance of a building’s function in comparison to its exterior appearance. In my opinion, I agree with the idea that a construction’s purpose should be more highly valued than appearance for a number of reasons.

On the one hand, it cannot be denied that a magnificent looking structure can bring a wide range of benefits that should be taken into consideration. Firstly, it can remarkably raise the value of a building, especially a commercial or shopping center, as it looks more attractive, professional and high-class. The more customers are attracted to the building, the more profit it can potentially generate, which can benefit the building’s owners enormously. Secondly, a building with an aesthetic design can contribute a lot to the appearance of a city and may make it become one of the most distinguishing places on the map. A lot of cities nowadays which are well-known for their architectural beauty have become popular destinations for tourists.

On the other hand, the purpose of a building, in my opinion, is the key consideration when designing it. There are a variety of different building types such as office buildings, commercial buildings, shopping centers, hospitals and schools. Each one of these has its own purpose and a particular interior design to serve those purposes. Therefore, only by focusing on the functionality of a design first, can we bring out the best use of a construction. In addition, people use a particular place because of what it offers inside, not merely because of what it looks like on the outside. For example, if a company intends to erect a new office building, they will tend to choose the design based on the inner working spaces to enhance the operation of the staff and the enterprise.

In conclusion, while the exterior of a building is an important factor, I believe its function should receive greater attention.

Sample 11:

In the modern world, many of the buildings are designed and constructed with innovative and unique thoughts. Although many civil engineers are considering various factors while designing the house, I believe that higher precedence should be given to the purpose of the construction rather than just the appearance.

In the design of any building, the key factors such as space utilization and use of natural resources are most crucial. It is argued by many that some of these key parameters are given least priority during the design. In order to provide stylish designs for a better visual appearance, some of the buildings were constructed in a way that receives minimal sunlight. Due to this, the purpose of lighting is compromised and dependency on external power sources increases. Secondly, it is commonly observed in many of the office buildings that more spacing is allocated to corridors and lobbies and less space is allocated to the conference rooms or people to work. This would have an immense effect on the employee's productivity.

Furthermore, considering the best view of the building, the cost of the building drastically increases. To keep the building modern, it has to be considered that frequent design modifications would be necessary. As per one of the surveys, it was found that at least 23% of the expenditure goes towards the expenses of the outward appearance.

To conclude, while designing a building, it is essential to consider key parameters and also the funds allocated towards the stylish designs to enhance the beauty of the building should be kept low.

Sample 12:

Most people in the world live in cities and, as a result, are surrounded by architecture most of the time. It is worth considering, then, whether aesthetics or functionality is more important when designing a building. In my opinion, architecture is a form of artistic expression and therefore, appearance should sometimes be placed above function.

When asked to name their favourite building, most people would mention an iconic structure such as the Eiffel Tower or the Empire State Building. These are famous not because they perform their function especially well, but because of their striking appearance. The architects of these buildings have somehow captured the essence of the age, which is why they are held in such high regard today. The world would be a poorer place if the architect's artistic imagination had been constrained by purely practical considerations.

In making the case for aesthetics, I am talking about a small number of exceptional buildings that come to define a city. For the majority of buildings, such as apartment blocks or car parks, functionality is more important. Few of these buildings are remembered for very long. What is important is whether they fulfil their purpose at an appropriate cost. Nobody wants to live in an ugly city, so appearance should still be taken into account; however, for these types of building, it is a secondary consideration.

In conclusion, whether form or function is more important depends on the type of building that is being built. For a small number of iconic buildings, beauty should be the key criterion.