A Pattern Language

When we have experienced a space that has a higher  degree  of life, how can we explain  why we feel that  way to others? How do we express the positive qualities in such a way that they can easily be shared? In A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction, published in 1977, Alexander (withco-authors Sara Ishikawa and Murray  Silverstein)  suggested a system  of fundamental building blocks  that  can  be  combined to  create wonderful spaces that “make  people  feel alive and human.” This system  consists of 253 patterns that  lead to rooms, streets, and districts that  work. Each pattern consistsof a specificproblem that  occurs over and  over again  in our  environment.The pattern provides “the  core  of the solution” and  is described so  that  “you  can  use  this  solution a million  times  over,  without ever  doing  it the  same  way twice.” Thepatterns are numbered andarranged within  a hierarchy that stretches from a macro  lookat large regions down to a micro look at the proper placementfor climbing  plants.Each pattern isscored by importance with up to two asterisks. There  are  approximately one-third ofthe  patterns marked with two  asterisks. Two  asterisks  suggest the  connection  between place  and  experience  is  an  “invariant.” Those  patterns are  a “deep  and  inescapable property ofa well-formed environment.” Patterns marked with one  asterisk are  valid but  subject tomore research. Patterns that are unmarked are based  on empirical data.When used  properly,  the patterns can be used  like an alphabet; various  combinations provide  the abilityto tell an infinite variety of stories. As outlined in A Pattern  Language,  the  combination of patterns can provide  an infinite array of solutions for environmental design.What  do  I  mean   by  combining patterns?  Let  me  use   this example. When  preparing a  gourmet meal,  you  must  combine theingredients just right. Addingtoo much  of the wrong  thingor mixing the ingredients improperlywill spoil the result.  When you get it right,  the  result  is something that  is greater than  the  sum of its parts. That is when  you have  achieved ahigher  degree  of life. The urban plannerand  architect want  to achieve  the  same result  with the built environment that  a great  chefachieves with the meal.
Alexander ’s book teaches us how to discern or create clarifying patterns within complex mixtures. Pattern recognition isa crucial skill for an architect or urban plannerwho must  create a highly ordered environment amid  many  competing and  frequently nebulous design  considerations.
Read more: Walt and the Promise of Progress City