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According to the reading “Form Follows Function,” “Whenever art has function, the function influences and often determines the form (Form Follows Function, p.1). This means that for whatever purpose the object has, the manner in which it is made allows the object to perform what it is made for. In terms of architecture, the same principle applies. There are many types of architectural designs for certain buildings and other structures, therefore it is important to take note of how these designs compliment the purpose of the structure. According to an excerpt from “Form and Content in Architecture,” the author cited an example of Geoffrey Scott’s criticism on The Architecture of Humanism (1914). The criticism cited Longhena’s Church of Sta. Maria della Salute, wherein the church was designed in such a way that its metaphors of lost sailors reflected the construction of the chapels and adornments (Form and Content in Architecture, p.122). The principle of form follows function in terms of architecture means that the practical use of the structure precedes the manner in which it is created. In other words, the architect must determine the functionality and use of the structure before actually designing it in order to provide harmony between form and function.

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The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous architectural structures in the world located in India. It is a mausoleum commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan as a final resting place for his wife after she died (Khan Academy, n.d.). Deeply saddened by his wife’s death. Shah Jahan wanted to create something monumental and permanent to commemorate his late wife.

The purpose of the Taj Mahal being built influences the physical structures that make up the mausoleum. Since it was intended to be a burial ground for the wife of the emperor, each structure and ornament reflect religious beliefs and passages to the afterlife. This is manifested through the materials used, interior and exterior construction and orientation, ornaments, and more. The Taj Mahal is one of the most visually stunning architectural structures in the world; what makes it remarkable is its harmony between form and function.

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The entrance into the mausoleum is a monumental gate made of sandstone containing grand ornaments. This gives guests an initial impression of brilliance and nobility. This contributes to the vision of Shah Jahan of creating a distinctively opulent structure to commemorate his late wife.

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The complex is divided into four parts: North, South, East, and West. Each represents a passage from the most terrestrial to celestial life (Symbolism of the Taj Mahal, n.d.).  The southernmost part represents the caravanserai--a place for trade--with no reference to the spiritual life. The northernmost side represents the Jilaukhana, a place to prepare for the spiritual life (Symbolism of the Taj Mahal, n.d.). Furthermore, the complex comprises one central dome reaching 73 meters high, surrounded by four slender towers, four smaller domes, and an arched entrance (Taj Mahal, 2019). It is primarily made of pure white marble decorated with opulent stones(Taj Mahal, 2019).

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The main structure of the mausoleum is made entirely of white marble, while its auxiliary buildings are made of red sandstone. The use of white marble for tombs was reserved for the holy and priestly class, while red sandstone was used for the warrior class, according to Hindi text (Khan Academy n.d.). The slender towers are significant to Islamic architecture because they are places of prayer (Khan Academy n.d.). Around the interiors of the structure has Qur’anic verses inscribed into the walls, incorporating semi-precious stones to add magnificence to the structure (Hohensee n.d.). These inscriptions are primarily floral, which follows the theme of paradise.

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Inside the mausoleum exists a floor plan called hasht bishisht, meaning “eight levels.” Here, eight halls and side rooms connect to the main hall where the remains of Shah Jahan and his wife lie (Khan Academy, n.d.). This principle represents the eight levels of paradise that exists as a result of the belief of the afterlife (Levels of Jannah, 2017).

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Khan Academy. (n.d.) The Taj Mahal [Online]. Available at https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/south-east-se-asia/india-art/a/the-taj-mahal (Accessed 22 September 2019)

History.com Editors (2019). Taj Mahal [Online]. Available at https://www.history.com/topics/india/taj-mahal (Accessed 22 September 2019)

Koch, E. (2005). ‘The Taj Mahal: Architecture. Symbolism, and Urban Significance’, Muqarnas: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World, vol. 22, p. 128-149.

Form and Content in Architecture (n.d.) p. 120-125

Form Follows Function (n.d.). p. 105-107