Pattern Language for community architects

Nicholas Albery

The right tools for 'community architecture' are beginning to be recognised. 'Pattern Language' by architect Christopher Alexander (published by OUP, New York) allows any group of people to take an informed part in the design of their own houses or neighbourhood.

It is as simple as painting by numbers, with the book containing more than 250 patterns to choose from. The patterns put flesh on the bare bones of the principles for human scale architecture that the Prince of Wales has advocated.

'Pattern Language allows any group of people to take an informed part in the design of their own houses or neighbourhood. It is as simple as painting by numbers, with the book containing more than 250 patterns to choose from'

For instance the committee of the Bramleys Housing Co-op in London W11, when planning their new housing, were circulated some 40 of the most relevant patterns, and could give each a grading as to its importance for them. After further debate, the result took shape as a small cluster of low houses, plus flats all with balconies, with overhanging roofs and decorated brickwork, surrounding a totally enclosed communal garden. As architects Pollard, Thomas, Edwards and Associates admitted (although one of their partners criticised 'Pattern Language' for its 'whimsicality'): 'We would not have built such a particular solution without a specific client. We tend to be tamer.'

'Pattern Language' tends to be in stock in the UK at the Town and Country Planning Association bookshop, 17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD (tel 071 930 8903).

You can rate how well you like this idea. Click 0-10 below and press the Submit button.
Bad Idea <- 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 -> Great Idea
As of 05/28/96, 22 people have rated this page with the overall rating (0-100%) of: 81%

Previous / Next / Table of Contents