Timeline: Functionalism as a Theory of Form

What seems unique about Functionalism among all the artistic movements is that there is no one definite definition for it. The most commonly used description for Functionalism states that, “Form follows function.” However, what defines “function” of an object still remains a questions and may be responded with our own answers.
　
Heisinger, the author of Design Since 1945 wrote, “Functionalism is the idea that beauty in useful objects is defined by their utility and honesty to materials and structure.” Although this is my favorite quote that I found about Functionalism, I think it is more complete to say that Functionalism is the idea that beauty in useful objects is defined by their utility, honesty to materials and structure, and visual language which speaks for the users’ desire.
　
　
　
　Reference Links:

• Peter Dormer, Design Since 1945 (NY: Thames & Hudson Inc., 1993)
• Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History: Stacking Side Chair(http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/dsgn3/ho_1986.425.htm#)
• Museum of Modern Arts Collection: Red Blue Chair(http://moma.org/collection/browse_results.php?object_id=4044)
• Museum of Modern Arts Collection: S Chair(http://moma.org/collection/browse_results.php?criteria=O%3AAD%3AE%3A7938&page_number=1&template_id=1&sort_order=1.)
• Wikwpedia: Barcelona Chair (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcelona_chair)
• Wikipedia: De Stijl (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl)
• Wikipedia: Bauhaus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bauhaus)