Functionalism, in architecture, is the principle that architects
should design a building based on the purpose of that building.
This statement is less self-evident than it first appears, and
is a matter of confusion and controversy within the profession,
particularly in regard to modern architecture. The place of
functionalism in building can be traced back to the Vitruvian
triad, where 'utilitas' (variously translated as 'commodity',
'convenience', or 'utility') stands alongside 'venustas'
(beauty) and 'firmitas' (firmness) as one of three classic goals
of architecture. Functionalist views were typical of some gothic
revival architects, in particular Augustus Welby Pugin wrote
that "there should be no features about a building which are not
necessary for convenience, construction, or propriety" and "all
ornament should consist of enrichment of the essential
construction of the building". The debate about functionalism
and aesthetics is often framed as a mutually exclusive choice,
when in fact there are arch