Catechism
During the Renaissance period, art wasn’t just for decoration. It served a deeper purpose—to
teach, guide, and inspire people in their faith.
For example, the Sistine Chapel ceiling that was painted by Michelangelo Buonarroti between
1508 and 1512, commissioned by Pope Julius II. It’s located in Vatican City and remains one of
the most visited and admired works in Western art history.
The Sistine Chapel served a religious and educational function during the Renaissance. The
paintings on its ceiling and altar wall visually communicated biblical stories to a largely illiterate
population. Its purpose was to teach catechism, to inspire awe and reverence, and to reflect the
power of the Church.
So instead of books or lectures, paintings and sculptures became the visual Bible of the people.
Artists painted stories from the Old and New Testament to explain religious values.
Michelangelo’s creation in the Sistine Chapel includes scenes from Genesis such as The
Creation of Adam, The Fall of Man, and The Last Judgment. These aren’t just beautiful images
— they are theological narratives designed to inform and spiritually move viewers. The imagery
makes abstract religious ideas tangible and accessible.
(Next slid)
The phrase “Form follows function” was popularized by architect Louis Sullivan in the late 19th
century. It means that the shape and appearance of a building or object should be primarily
based on its intended use or function, not on style or decoration alone.
(The House Blueprint)
A house blueprint is a detailed architectural plan that shows the layout of a home, including
walls, rooms, doors, windows, plumbing, and more. But more than just a drawing, it is a visual
philosophy of how space should be used — and it's a perfect example of functional design in
architecture.
In the blueprint shown, each part of the house is purposefully assigned:
Living Room – designed as a communal area for family interaction and guest reception. It is
large and centrally located.
Kitchen – located near the dining area to allow smooth flow of food preparation and serving.
Bedrooms – placed in quieter, more private parts of the house for rest and personal space.
Bathrooms (T&B) – strategically placed near bedrooms and common areas for accessibility.
Closets – designed to be near bedrooms for convenient clothing storage.
Garage – located near the entrance of driveway for direct access to the outside.
Terrace / Walkway/Foyer – outdoor spaces designed for relaxation or transition from one part of
the house to another.
Study Room - Often placed away from noisy zones like the living room or kitchen.
Windows for daylight, which is good for reading and reducing eye strain.
(Next slide)
the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. This building is a prime example of functionalist
architecture, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and it perfectly reflects the principle of “form
follows function.” It was completed in 1959. Located on Fifth Avenue, New York City.
Commissioned by Solomon R. Guggenheim to house his modern art collection. Home to works
by artists like Kandinsky, Picasso, and Van Gogh
The function of the Guggenheim Museum is to display and circulate art in a way that enhances
the viewer’s experience. Wright was tasked not just to build a container for art, but to create a
building that interacted with the artworks and guided the visitor’s movement.
As mentioned in here, Wright created 749 drawings for this project. This shows how deeply he
considered function before finalizing the form. Every angle, light source, and space had to serve
the museum’s mission: to elevate the art-viewing experience.
(Blueprint and Layout Explanation)
Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Guggenheim with a unique spiral blueprint — a dramatic
departure from traditional, rectangular museum layouts. Here's how each part of the blueprint
reflects its function:
1. Spiral Ramp
Function: To guide visitors through the exhibit in a natural flow. Visitors take an elevator to the
top and walk down a continuous spiral ramp. This design eliminates stairs, room to room
transitions, and directional confusion.
2. Central Atrium (Open Rotunda)
Function: To provide orientation and a sense of openness
The central void lets you see the entire structure at once from almost any point. It prevents the
museum from feeling closed or claustrophobic — unlike many traditional museums.
3. Glass Dome (Skylight)
Function: To illuminate the museum naturally
At the top of the spiral is a large skylight, flooding the museum with diffused sunlight. This
eliminates the need for harsh artificial lights that can distort or damage artworks.
4. Gallery Walls
Function: To display art, mostly paintings
Although curved walls were criticized at first, Wright included slight vertical panels for hanging
flat artwork. The continuous ramp allows art to be viewed from multiple distances and angles —
unlike static, wall-bound gallery setups.
The blueprint of the Guggenheim Museum is not just a plan — it is a philosophy in physical
form. Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision shows us that architecture, when truly functional, becomes an
extension of human experience. In the Guggenheim, every curve, every space, every light
source serves the function of elevating art and the viewer’s journey through it.
(Petronas tower)
Fast Facts
Name: Petronas Twin Towers
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Architect: César Pelli
Height: 452 meters (1,483 ft)
Floors: 88 stories
Completed: 1998
Purpose: Main office building for Petron Corporation and a symbol of Malaysia’s growth and
global presence
Function of the Petronas Towers
Corporate Headquarters
The towers serve as the main offices of Petronas, Malaysia’s national oil and gas company. The
structure needed to support high-capacity commercial work, executive suites, and advanced
technology infrastructure.
Cultural and National Symbol
Beyond function, the towers were meant to be a symbol of Malaysia’s modern identity, Islamic
heritage, and economic ambition.
Public Attraction & Urban Landmark
Includes a public skybridge, a shopping mall (Suria KLCC), a concert hall, and a park, serving
public and tourist functions.
Interior Functions by Floor
Lower Floors: Retail, commercial shops (Suria KLCC mall)
Mid Floors: Business and corporate offices
Upper Floors: Executive spaces, meeting rooms
Basement Levels: Parking and utilities
Skybridge (41st and 42nd Floors)
Function: Connects both towers and serves as an emergency evacuation route.
Also used as a public viewing deck, offering panoramic city views.
Islamic Design Motif
Floor plans are inspired by Rub el Hizb (overlapping squares), a motif used in Islamic art.
High-Strength Materials
Steel and glass facade reflects the high-tech image of a modern oil company.
Base designed with super-strong concrete, suited to Kuala Lumpur’s soft soil conditions.
The building's vertical zoning makes sure each section of the tower is used effectively according
to its function.
“Form Follows Function” in the Petronas Towers
The Petronas Towers are:
Structurally efficient – designed to withstand wind, weight, and movement.
Symbolically powerful – representing Malaysian progress and Islamic roots.
Functionally diverse – combining business, culture, and tourism in one blueprint.
Everything in its form — from the shape of the towers, the placement of the skybridge, to the
geometric layout — is designed to serve a function, while still expressing beauty.
(Taj Mahal)
Location: Agra, India
Built by: Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
Completed: 1643 (main structure), surrounding buildings completed in 1653
Purpose: A mausoleum built to entomb Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and later, himself
Architectural Style: Mughal architecture — a blend of Persian, Islamic, and Indian influences
Purpose and Function
Primary Function:
It functions as a space for mourning, reflection, and eternal memory.
Secondary Functions:
Acts as a symbol of love and imperial power.
Serves religious purposes with Islamic calligraphy and a mosque included in the complex.
Today, it also functions as a cultural and historical monument.
Central Mausoleum
Houses the sarcophagi of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan.
The building has a central dome (35 meters tall) symbolizing heaven.
The octagonal chamber allows movement around the tomb for ritual mourning.
The Taj Mahal is a perfect example of the Functionalist Theory of Art in architecture. It is a
sacred space, a cultural treasure, and a functional structure — where every artistic decision is
guided by its purpose.
Pyramid
Basic Facts about the Pyramids
Location: Giza Plateau, Egypt
Built for: Pharaohs (kings of ancient Egypt)
Oldest Pyramid: Djoser’s Step Pyramid (c. 2667–2648 BCE)
Most famous: The Great Pyramid of Khufu (c. 2580–2560 BCE)
Material: Limestone blocks (some weighing over 2 tons each)
Architectural Style: Monumental, geometric, functional
1. Satellite Pyramid
- Function: A smaller pyramid adjacent to the main pyramid, often built for the queen or for
symbolic purposes.
- : This reflects the social hierarchy and the importance of family in maintaining the social order.
It supports the main pyramid's function by reinforcing royal lineage and power.
2. Ka Chambers
- Function: These chambers were designed to house the "Ka" or spirit of the deceased Pharaoh.
- : The Ka chambers are crucial for religious beliefs, ensuring the Pharaoh’s spirit could live on.
This belief system helped unify society with shared rituals and values, promoting social
cohesion.
3. Antechamber
- Function: A transitional room leading to the burial chamber.
- : Acts as a buffer zone, controlling access to the sacred burial chamber. This maintains the
sanctity of the Pharaoh’s resting place, reflecting the importance of order and respect in society.
4. Burial Chamber
- Function: The central room where the Pharaoh’s sarcophagus is placed.
- : This is the heart of the pyramid’s purpose — to protect the body for the afterlife. It symbolizes
the cultural emphasis on life after death, reinforcing religious beliefs that stabilize society.
5. Vestibule
- Function: An entry area or small hall near the burial chamber.
- : Serves as a space for rituals or ceremonies. It functions as a social space within the pyramid,
supporting religious practices that strengthen community bonds.
6. Portcullises
- Function: Heavy stone slabs that could be dropped to block passageways and protect the
tomb.
- : These security features reflect the need to protect sacred spaces from robbers, preserving
the integrity of religious and social practices.
7. Entrance Chapel
- Function: The area where offerings and prayers were made to the Pharaoh’s spirit.
- : This space facilitates religious worship and communal activities, reinforcing shared values
and collective identity within the society.
"Every part of the pyramid is designed to serve the eternal function of preserving the king and
helping his soul rise to the heavens.”
The Pyramids of Egypt are not just majestic structures — they are masterpieces of functional
design. Their form — from the outer shape to the hidden chambers — follows their spiritual and
practical function with incredible precision and intention.
(CCP)
Background of the CCP
Architect: Leandro V. Locsin, National Artist for Architecture
Year Completed: 1969
Commissioned by: Former First Lady Imelda Marcos
Location: Roxas Boulevard, Manila
Purpose: A national venue for performing arts, exhibitions, and Philippine cultural identity
Purpose and Function of the CCP
Primary Function:
To serve as a center for performing and visual arts — hosting concerts, operas, plays, ballets,
film screenings, and art exhibits.
Promote Filipino culture and national identity. Support artists and cultural workers. Provide
space for artistic training, production, and presentation
1. Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater)
1,815 seats, used for large-scale concerts, operas, and theater productions
Designed with excellent acoustics, high stage, orchestra pit, and tiered seating
Form follows function: Built for visibility, sound projection, and grand artistic performances.
2. Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater)
413 seats, for more intimate plays, ballets, and lectures
More compact, bringing performers and audiences closer together
Form follows function: Ideal for smaller productions requiring close interaction.
3. Tanghalang Huseng Batute (Studio Theater)
240 seats, flexible stage setup for experimental and alternative performances
Black box design allows seating and stage to be rearranged
Form follows function: Encourages artistic freedom and adaptability.
4. Tanghalang Manuel Conde (Dream Theater)
100 seats, used for film screenings, lectures, or student performances
Designed for audio-visual presentations
Form follows function: Small scale, multimedia-ready for film and digital art.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines is not only a building — it’s a functional embodiment of
the Filipino soul.
From its bold concrete form to its precisely designed theaters, every element serves an artistic,
educational, or national purpose.
(Sydney Opera House)
Background Information
Architect: Jørn Utzon (Danish architect)
Construction Period: 1957–1973
Location: Sydney, Australia
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Designed as a multi-venue performing arts center
Purpose and Function of the Opera House
Primary Function:
To host a wide range of performing arts, including:
Opera
Symphony concerts
Ballet
Theater
Public events
It also serves as a national symbol of Australia, representing creativity, innovation, and artistic
excellence.
The Sydney Opera House is globally famous for its bold and futuristic design — most notably its
“shell” or “sail-like” roof structure. However, this ambitious design led to engineering and
acoustic challenges.
The shell-like roof is admired worldwide — but it caused significant delays and cost overruns.
The unique form made interior acoustics difficult to manage.
It took years of revisions and engineering breakthroughs to make the form usable for its
intended function.
Acoustics in some venues were not ideal for their original purpose.
The roof shape, although stunning, created large unusable empty spaces inside.
Critics argue that the structure was designed for the eye, not the ear
Despite early issues, later renovations addressed many problems:
Acoustic panels and architectural modifications improved sound quality.
Digital technology and adaptive uses made spaces more versatile.
Today, it functions well — but only after adapting the form to meet the function.
The Sydney Opera House teaches us that architecture must always balance visual innovation
with functional needs.
While the Opera House is a triumph of artistic vision, it is also a cautionary tale about what
happens when form races ahead of function.
In functionalist philosophy, beauty is not just how a building looks — but how well it serves its
purpose.
(Feminine beauty)
Venus of Willendorf (Prehistoric)
Era: c. 35,000 BCE
Function of Form:
Emphasized breasts, hips, and stomach
Symbol of fertility, motherhood, and abundance
Function: Reproduction and survival
Represents sacred life-giving power
No face or feet – focus is entirely on function, not personality or beauty
Form Follows Function:
Body is shaped to reflect the spiritual and biological function of reproduction.
Marie France Model (Modern Ideal)
Era: 21st Century
Vital Statistics: 36-24-36 (bust-waist-hip)
Function of Form:
Slim waist, hourglass shape
Marketed as the ideal of beauty, confidence, and desirability
Function: Visual appeal and commercial beauty standard
Promoted by fitness clinics, fashion, and media
Form Follows Function:
Body is shaped to fit social and economic function — to be “marketable,” “sexy,” or “confident-
looking” in a consumer society.
"From sacred fertility to commercial sexiness, the female body has always been shaped — and
valued — according to its function in society. Whether for giving life or selling products, form has
always followed function in the eyes of culture and art.”
Lucas Cranach – Adam and Eve (1526)
Renaissance German painter
In this painting, Eve is portrayed with a rounded stomach, even though she is depicted before
the fall.
This subtle bulge isn’t accidental. It’s a symbol of fertility, signaling that she is biologically ready
to fulfill her divine function: to reproduce and populate the earth.
Functionalist View:
Eve’s form is not just an aesthetic choice — it follows her divine function.
Michelangelo – Sistine Chapel Ceiling (1512)
This vast fresco includes The Creation of Adam, The Fall, and The Expulsion.
Female figures, especially Eve, are painted with soft, curved bodies, emphasizing reproductive
potential.
Feminine Beauty = Fertility
Michelangelo’s women reflect the belief that the divinely assigned function of womanhood was
childbearing, and therefore, beauty was tied to a healthy, fertile body — not slimness or sex
appeal, but reproductive capability.
Masaccio – The Expulsion of Adam and Eve (1425)
One of the earliest Renaissance frescoes to use naturalism and emotional expression.
Eve is shown naked and crying, with a visible rounded stomach — again, a visual symbol of
fertility.
The inclusion of that detail — even in a scene of punishment — emphasizes that her function as
a life-giver still continues, despite the fall from grace.
Eve’s bulging belly symbolizes not only shame (in context of the Fall) but also her continuing
role as the mother of humanity — her biological and spiritual function remains.
"Feminine beauty is not just about form. It is about what the body is meant to do — in this case,
to bring life into the world.”
Van Eyck – The Arnolfini Marriage (1434)
Artist: Jan van Eyck
Style: Northern Renaissance
Medium: Oil on oak panel
Subject: A wealthy merchant, Giovanni Arnolfini, and his wife, shown in what appears to be a
domestic setting — possibly a wedding or betrothal portrait.
Feminine Form: Is She Pregnant?
One of the most debated features of the painting is the woman’s prominent, rounded belly.
Important note: Art historians widely agree — she is not actually pregnant.
So why depict her that way?
Symbolic Function:
The bulging belly was an artistic convention of the time to symbolize fertility, health, and the
capacity to bear children.
In the 15th century, a plump, fertile-looking woman was considered ideal — a physical form that
reflected her biological and social function: to reproduce and secure lineage.
Functionalist Aesthetics:
The woman’s form follows her function — not in a literal sense (pregnancy), but in a cultural-
symbolic sense.
She is depicted as if she were capable of bearing life, fulfilling the primary expectation of women
in that historical and social context.
In The Arnolfini Portrait, Jan van Eyck used subtle visual cues — like a rounded belly and green
dress — to communicate fertility, readiness for motherhood, and the ideal female form of the
time.
Through the views of Functionalist aesthetics, her appearance isn’t random or purely decorative
— it reflects the social function of women in her time: to become mothers and caretakers of
family legacy.
1. Botticelli – The Birth of Venus (1482)
Subject: The goddess Venus emerging from the sea on a shell, symbolizing divine beauty and
love.
Key Feature: Venus is depicted with a curved, soft stomach and wide hips, even though she’s a
goddess.
Functional Interpretation:
Her body is not overly muscular or slim, but feminine and nurturing.
Her form symbolizes health, softness, and reproductive vitality, aligning with classical ideals of
fertility.
She’s an allegory for life-giving power, not just romantic love.
2. Giorgione (Castelfranco) – Sleeping Venus (1510)
Often considered the first reclining nude in Western art history.
Venus lies peacefully on a red cloth with her hand over her genitals, symbolizing both modesty
and sexual power.
Her body is full, relaxed, and fertile-looking — not tense or posed artificially.
Functional Interpretation:
The peaceful sleep and undisturbed nudity show natural femininity, suggesting that beauty is
restful, nurturing, and fertile.
She is not objectified — rather, she is idealized as a source of life and sensual comfort.
3. Titian – Venus of Urbino (1538)
A direct visual descendant of Giorgione’s Sleeping Venus.
Venus is now awake, engaging the viewer with her eyes — a blend of fertility and sensuality.
Her rounded hips, soft belly, and relaxed posture evoke comfort, fertility, and intimacy.
Functional Interpretation:
The painting is sensual, yes — but also domestic. There’s a dog (symbol of loyalty) and
servants preparing clothes, hinting at marriage and motherhood.
She represents the ideal wife — fertile, sensual, and faithful.
These 3 artworks emphasize that feminine beauty during the Renaissance was not based on
modern ideals of slimness or fitness — it was based on health, fertility, and the ability to nurture
life.
Titian – Venus with an Organ Player and Cupid (c. 1530)
Description of the Painting
Venus is reclining nude on a bed, gazing toward the viewer.
A male musician plays an organ near her feet, his eyes turning toward her instead of his
instrument.
Cupid (the god of desire) is present, reinforcing the theme of love and attraction.
Venus’s body is soft, rounded, and full, particularly in the hips and abdomen.
Functionalist Interpretation
1. The Rounded Form: Fertility and Reproduction
Her curved belly and hips reflect not just physical beauty, but the capacity to bear children.
Like in other Renaissance works, the soft, fertile body symbolizes health, motherhood, and life-
giving power.
2. The Organ Player: Symbol of Earthly Pleasure
The presence of the organist introduces a contrast between spiritual and sensual pursuits.
The musician represents human desire — he is distracted from music (intellect) by Venus
(flesh).
3. Cupid: The Divine Function of Love
Cupid is the link between love and fertility.
His inclusion signals that the scene isn’t just about lust — it’s about reproduction and emotional
bonding.
Venus becomes a symbol of both physical love and future motherhood — love that leads to life.
"Beauty exists not for its own sake, but to fulfill a purpose — in this case, to inspire love, to
reflect fertility, and to symbolize the ideal woman of the time.”
(Peter Paul Rubens)
Who was Peter Paul Rubens?
A Flemish Baroque painter (1577–1640)
Famous for his dynamic, vibrant, and emotionally intense paintings
Known for painting voluptuous women, often described today as “Rubenesque”
He painted queens, goddesses, and mythological scenes — always celebrating feminine
fullness and fertility
Marie de Medici Cycle (1622–25)
A series of 24 monumental paintings commissioned by Marie de Medici, Queen of France
Shows her life, love, marriage, and royal power — blending mythological symbolism with real-
life biography
In one famous panel, she is shown arriving at Marseilles, welcomed like a goddess, surrounded
by nude female figures and divine symbols
How Rubens Depicts Women
Rounded hips, bulging stomachs, full breasts, rosy skin
The women are not slim — they’re curvy, soft, and fleshy, signaling wealth, health, and
reproductive power
His female nudes, unlike modern models, are designed to show life-giving abundance
Functionalist Interpretation:
These forms symbolize fertility and maternal capacity, not just sexual desire
In Rubens’ time, being well-fed and full-bodied was associated with health and prosperity —
important qualities for mothers and queens
In portraying Marie de Medici like a mythological goddess surrounded by allegorical figures,
Rubens:
Elevates her reproductive role as queen (bearing heirs)
Connects female beauty to power, showing how fertility equals influence
Uses voluptuous form to signify royal legitimacy and divine approval
Peter Paul Rubens gave us an image of feminine beauty that is biologically and socially
meaningful:
"In Rubens’ work, a woman is beautiful because she can give life, because she is strong, fertile,
and nurturing."
Form follows function: The female body in Rubens' paintings is idealized for its ability to perform
its natural, maternal, and symbolic roles, making it a perfect example of Functionalist aesthetics
in art.
