A New Pattern Language for Growing Regions: Places, Networks, Processes

by Michael Mehaffy, NIkos Salingaros, Yulia Kryazheva

The 1977 book A Pattern Language was a landmark in the design world, introducing a methodology that has become influential across many fields. Among them are software and “design patterns,” and important spinoff technologies like wiki (the basis of Wikipedia) and Agile Methodology. Yet curiously, the field where pattern methodology began – the built environment – has lagged conspicuously. As one remedy, a number of long-time collaborators with the original book’s lead author have followed the explicit guidance of the book, and developed a new collection of 80 patterns offering tools and strategies for a new era of urban challenges. This new collection emerged in part from a five-year collaboration with UN-Habitat to address new urban challenges, including rapid urbanization, slum upgrading, sustainable urbanism, and new technologies. Together with the launch of an online companion pattern “repository” (available at npl.wiki) this volume aims to expand the capacity of pattern languages in support of a hopeful new era of open-source, human-centered, life-enriching technology.

“This is really exciting work… it is just what is needed.” –Setha Low, Professor of Anthropology and Environmental Psychology, City University of New York

“Have just been looking at your pattern language book – amazing! Hard to describe the feeling, after 40+ years, of seeing a new fresh version with contemporary concerns, not just patterns but multi scale, and self-build and processes etc. What a new lease of life it will also give to the original.” –Stephen Marshall, Professor in Urban Morphology and Urban Design, University College London

“The technology of A Pattern Language launched Wikipedia and the other programming methods we advanced. We are pleased to be a part of the cyber life of this work, returning again to have an impact on the built world.” –Ward Cunningham, inventor of wiki, and co-developer of software design patterns and Agile Methodology

About the authors:

The authors are former collaborators with Christopher Alexander, the main author of the original A Pattern Language, or colleagues who have worked together to develop new patterns and associated documentation. Michael Mehaffy, lead author and editor, was manager and research associate at the Center for Environmental Structure – Europe, Christopher Alexander’s office in Binsted, UK. Mehaffy is also a long-time published scholar on Alexander’s work as well as collaborator with Ward Cunningham, inventor of wiki and father of pattern languages of programming (AKA “design patterns”). Mehaffy has held appointments in teaching and/or research at seven universities in six countries, and is on the editorial boards of two international journals of urban design. He earned his PhD in architecture at Delft University of Technology.

Genres: Architecture

363 pages, Perfect Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Pattern Language for Growing Regions is a continuation of the Pattern Language work of Christopher Alexander applied to the specific problems of having sustainable growth, while allowing for sustainability, affordability, and in general supporting successfully growth. Patterns are a good form for discussing this set of problems because issues related to growth , including zoning, are interconnected and complex, and it is important to capture the reality that no one solution works: you need two examine and understand the present state, and what results from each change you made.

The material is, for the most part, available on the books’s web site: http://npl.wiki/ , and that site is continually evolving. The book is worth getting, not just to support the effort, but also because it it a well presented book, that provides you a path through the web of material. And people interested in exploring the subject more deeply will want to explore the site as well.

If you are interested in urban planning (either as a professional, or as a citizen participant -- and (informed) citizen participation is essential to success in any urban planning endeavor-- you should read the material in the pattern language. The book itself is helpful if you are not an expert in the subject or well versed in pattern languages. I read this book right after reading The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America, and I think that anyone engaged in conversations about zoning, affordability, and community should consider reading both.

[Alexandria Blaelock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously I haven’t read every single page, but followed one point to another as it relates to my renovation. Interesting to read the “facts” that underpin my intuitions and opinions. More information here than on the website.

[Elise Orre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastisk. Avsnitten tåls att ögnas, läsas och studeras om och om igen. Borde vara en del av (arkitekt)utbildningen.

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