Architect and Builder August 2016 | Page 22

BRENDAN LOWEN Brendan Lowen started the Advanced Building platform in 2011 after experiencing a shortage of credible and impartial content relating to the local Building Materials industry. Focusing specifically on lightweight construction and facades at the time, he recognised that the materials industry itself lacked useful content for both the Homeowner and the Professional, especially content that had not originated from the manufacturer itself. As Head of Business Development at everite, his daily focus remains close to the materials industry as well as the trends and disruptions that it is constantly faced with. Advanced Building is “an extension of his thoughts” where he looks to drive more specifically, the genre of content marketing. the impartial perspective that Brendan provides gives insight into this industry, the role players, the manufactures and indeed those who attempt to influence on a daily basis. Why then should form follow function? In a sector that has embraced the benefits of what Green Star rated buildings offer both the occupants and the environment, I believe we have enough talented Cell: 082 449 3239 [email protected] Twitter: @AdvBuilding www.advanced-building.org designers, architects, builders, carpenters and visionaries capable of creating visually appealing structures where their visual appearance has been determined by its function. We face this challenge right now in that we have various sustainable issues that require forethought and action in order for these issues to be addressed. Building materials may be the sum-of-the-parts that assist in the performance of “the whole”, but sound design and forethought is critical at conceptual stage. The operational performance of structures will, today, play as big a role in the success of the project as its traditional aesthetical legacy attributes. “Functionalism” may, in time, become a new movement in architecture or in art or in whatever creative space allows for a movement or specific genre to be recognised. It is circumstance with substance that has been brought to the fore; what better way to embrace it, then by applying function to our own building industry where the form will be a true representation of functional forethought. I challenge the designers, architects, manufacturers and developers to follow this philosophy when considering their next project and ask whether they have the capability, the technology and, if nothing else, the willpower to follow through with this in mind. 20 Should Form Follow Function?