Pattern Theory: Introduction and Perspectives on the Tracks of Christopher Alexander

by Helmut Leitner

This book “Pattern Theory” summarizes the work of an important contemporary thinker, the architect and systems theorist Christopher Alexander, an emeritus professor at the University of Berkeley, California. In 1979 one of his books, "A Pattern Language", an 1100-page-essay on architecture and human life, became a non-fiction best seller that attracted half a million readers and continues to inspire people from many disciplines. The still broader four-volume essay "The Nature of Order" was published 2002-2004 as magnum opus. The life work of Alexander is outstanding. He develops a general theory of living systems, a systems theory based on the concepts center, wholeness and transformation by using design patterns and pattern languages as parts of the method. There is a whole new cosmos of thinking with astonishing Alexander suggests a new scientific paradigm that stands in opposition to the traditional causal mechanistic paradigm of natural science – and he offers a new knowledge format as a way to enable people and support their participation in design processes.Alexander's theories have already proven useful in education, organizational development, permaculture, and in software the design patterns have even become mainstream. Many disciplines are about to follow in this development. Pattern theory allows us to change our thinking, to rethink our world and to move towards a fairer society. This leads to more participation and higher sustainability. Alexander's concepts form a mental toolbox for societal change and innovation.

Genres: Philosophy

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 10, 2015

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a conceptually large and lightly explored project, necessarily so to keep reasonable length.

Leitner starts with an overview of Christopher Alexander's thinking on space, the formulation of pattern languages, and the nature of living systems. Then a look at the shape and implications of a more general "pattern theory," removed from its initial context of architecture.

The introduction to Alexander's ideas is descriptive and topically complete, not so explanatory or persuasive except when quoting Alexander directly. There are new, interesting implications of a pattern theory as it relates to society, and critical perspectives on pattern theory's alignment, or lack, with contemporary lines of thinking (e.g., causal-mechanistic sciences, religious worldviews, Marxism, etc.)

This is not a practical guide to the application of a pattern theory to current systems, but an interesting call to further explore and understand the implications/opportunities/use of a working pattern theory.

[Viktor · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing The Timeless Way of Building, I felt curios to broaden my understanding about pattern theory and its usage, not only in architecture, but in any other field as well. Of course, Christopher Alexander has written a handful of books and they are on my list, but I also wanted to explore the topic from other perspectives.

Unfortunately, as one can find out, there isn't a lot literature from other authors. "Pattern Theory: Introduction and Perspectives on the Tracks of Christopher Alexander" is one of the first works that pops out when doing related searches.

Helmut Leitner, in this brief book, has done a very good job summarizing what pattern theory is and how it can be useful. The discussion about the relationship between pattern theory and various others fields of thought and problem areas of contemporary life is interesting and hopefully will be further developed.

Unfortunately, as the previous review mentions, the book isn't practical guide and doesn't provide a lot of ideas on how to apply the pattern approach to one's particular area of work.