Of course, there is something to be said for the medium as art. That is, form for its own sake.
Function-only is also short-sighted, as it demeans the environment.
However, I would argue that the best architecture is hyper-rational, derived from raw need, and designed with a skill of an artisan. The real art is fulfilling the need and looking good doing it.
The example of architecture is a good one.
Of course, there is something to be said for the medium as art. That is, form for its own sake.
Function-only is also short-sighted, as it demeans the environment.
However, I would argue that the best architecture is hyper-rational, derived from raw need, and designed with a skill of an artisan. The real art is fulfilling the need and looking good doing it.