Form & Function Introduction

How does function influence form? The different functions carried out in a church influence the shape of the building. There are different places for baptisms, where the celebrant during the service and sometimes where the choir sits. Can you find these and identify any other places that have a specific function?

Consider What is a church used for? How is this reflected in the space? What is the purpose of the different areas within the church complex? Why is the entrance in the west and the high altar to the east? What is the purpose of different parts of the church? Where does the celebrant come from at the beginning of the service? Why is the building decorated?

Task Using a plan of the church, identify the different parts of the building and explain what takes place in each. Or Each group take an area of the church that they are to research and then prepare to teach their peers what this area of the church was used for and how this has affected it’s design.