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.

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

Michael W. Mehaffy

Yulia Kryazheva, Andrew Rudd, Nikos A. Salingaros

Sustasis Press

In this brief, accessible volume, the authors -- an urban philosopher and a mathematician-physicist -- explain the surprising new findings from the sciences that are beginning to transform environmental design in the modern era. Michael Mehaffy and Nikos Salingaros explore fractals, networks, self-organization, dynamical systems and other revolutionary ideas, describing them to non-science readers in a direct and engaging way. The book also examines fascinating new topics of design, including Agile, Wiki, Design Patterns and other "open-source" approaches from the software world. The authors conclude that a profound transformation is under way in modern design -- and today's students and practitioners will need to be aware of its implications for our future.

Design for a Living Planet: Settlement, Science, and the Human Future

Nikos A. Salingaros

Sustasis Foundation

In 1965, the architect and design theorist Christopher Alexander published a landmark theoretical critique of modern urban design, and by extension, modern design in general. His critique was different from others of the day in that it was not based on a social or political argument, but rather, on a structural analysis, rooted in then-emerging insights from the fields of mathematics and cognition. Here, published again on its fiftieth anniversary, is Alexander's classic text, together with new interpretive commentaries and discussions by leading theorists and practitioners. This volume is destined to become an invaluable resource for a new generation of students and practitioners.

A City is Not a Tree: 50th Anniversary Edition

Politics & Social Sciences

Christopher Alexander

Social Sciences

Cities are experiencing a renaissance today, because we've begun to understand how they really work -- and how to make them work better for people. This book is a lively, readable account of two revealing figures in the history of that renaissance: the urban economist Jane Jacobs and the architect Christopher Alexander. Their key insights have shaped several generations of scholars, professionals, and activists. However, as the book argues, this renaissance is still immature, and more must be done to achieve its promise -- especially in an age of rapid, often sprawling urbanization. The author is a noted scholar on both Jacobs and Alexander, and a participant in the development of the "New Urban Agenda," a historic United Nations agreement emphasizing the pivotal role of cities and towns in meeting the challenges of the future. As the book documents, Jacobs and Alexander played key roles in formulating the conceptual insights behind the New Urban Agenda, and they continue to offer us crucial implementation lessons for the years ahead. This book is ideal for students, professionals, government officials, activists, and anyone who is interested in the future of cities.

Cities Alive: Jane Jacobs, Christopher Alexander, and the Roots of the New Urban Renaissance

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Michael W. Mehaffy. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Michael W. Mehaffy

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Michael W. Mehaffy. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

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

Design for a Living Planet: Settlement, Science, and the Human Future

A City is Not a Tree: 50th Anniversary Edition

Cities Alive: Jane Jacobs, Christopher Alexander, and the Roots of the New Urban Renaissance