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Embodied in the books "A Pattern Language" and "The Oregon Experiment", pattern theory inspired many, but also failed to consistently lead to beautiful building
by 13ren 18y ago
Embodied in the books "A Pattern Language" and "The Oregon Experiment", pattern theory inspired many, but also failed to consistently lead to beautiful buildings. [...] Although most of his buildings have effectively supported his theories, Alexander has mainly influenced the architectural profession through his writings and teaching rather than through his completed buildings.
http://www.archiplanet.org/architects/Christopher_Alexander.html http://www.archiplanet.org/architects/Christopher_Alexander....
It may be that he's a brilliant/inspiring communicator and a competent practitioner. Others like this (to my mind) are Douglas R Hofstadner and David Flanagan. We need inspiring writers; it's a good thing.
- martian 18y agoYeah, I'd always considered Alexander more of an academic than a practitioner, but it's interesting to look at what he and his colleagues actually produce. His buildings don't look amazing, but perhaps they work really well for their intended audience? http://www.katarxis3.com/Gallery/community/community.htm http://www.katarxis3.com/Gallery/community/community.htm http://www.patternlanguage.com/pbrochure/purplebrochurehead.htm http://www.patternlanguage.com/pbrochure/purplebrochurehead.... Ha, this is my first time to the Pattern Language website... It's clear that while Alexander may understand patterns in architecture, he has very little understanding of patterns in web design.