"A Pattern Language" and "The Real Meaning of Architecture" - Illustration of the Concept

 

This is an illustration of the essay called “A Pattern Language” and “The Meaning of Architecture” written by Christopher Alexander. The first tree represents what architecture is like without a pattern language, second tree is the pattern language, and the third tree is architecture with pattern language. The first tree is not fully grown and developed because it is the architecture that is losing its connection to the work process and human feelings. It does not address social, cultural, and environmental issues. Architects are losing their core values to money and only designing what their supposed to design. This is when architects need to use the pattern language to find solutions to the complex building problems. Patterns typically move from macro to the micro, which means it goes from larger scale projects to the smaller scale projects that are more detailed. All projects are in some way connected or linked to each other. Here we have some large circles at the top of the tree that represent independent regions or towns. As it goes down, smaller circles that contain more details are added to the large circles. The circles are connected by the branches of the tree. They come together at the end and connects to the root, which is the pattern language.

When this pattern language is applied, we get the third tree that is livelier and greener. Because of the pattern language, architects can design spaces that are well-planned and connected, related to the culture and tradition, and create aesthetics that are meaningful to the people. When architects learn to recognize a problem, they can use the pattern language to find a solution that works. It allows architects to make decisions that involve the owner and the users. Architects can study and gain knowledge of the site and select local materials based on the local conditions. It allows them to understand how the form and its functions work. When their design contains their own style, brings the community together, and relates to the location, it makes their work more successful.