Go BackGeometry and Fifteen Fundamental Properties
Christopher Alexander recognized the importance of the geometry of centers and for years he was looking for the common structural features among buildings, paintings, streets, carpets, doors, windows, etc. which have "life" and "wholeness". He identified fifteen structural features which appear again and again in things which have life, and concluded that these are the ways in which centers can help each other in space. The fifteen fundamental properties act as a glue in creating a unified and connected whole.
Areas of focus:
Structure of Space
Guiding idea:
Centers and Fields of Centers
Thoughts and Arguments Explored and Developed
The fifteen fundamental properties
The fifteen properties in nature
Centers and local symmetries
The density of local symmetries
Simplicity
Symmetry, simplicity, and just what is required
References
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Christopher Alexander - The Search for a New Paradigm in Architecture
1983
Authors:Stephen GrabowPublisher:Oriel Press Ltd. (Routledge Kegan Paul, PLC), Stocksfield, U.K.No of pages:306 ppDr. Stephen Grawbow, Director of the Architecture Program at the University of Kansas, had been closely associated with Alexander and, in full collaboration with him, has produced a biographical and philosophical study, which examines the development of Alexander’s ideas, from ...
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A Foreshadowing of 21st Century Art - The Color and Geometry of very Early Turkish Carpets
1993
Authors:Christopher AlexanderPublisher:Oxford University Press, New York, NY, U.S.A.No of pages:351 ppThe seventh volume of “The Center for Environmental Structure Series” on architecture published by Oxford University Press is a book about carpets. Alexander assembled what many believe to be one of the finest collections of early Turkish carpets in the ...
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The Nature of Order - An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book One - The Phenomenon of Life
2002
Authors:Christopher AlexanderPublisher:The Center for Environmental Structure Publishing, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.No of pages:476 pp“The Phenomenon of Life”, the first volume of “The Nature of Order” series proposes a scientific view of the world in which all space-matter has perceptible degrees of life and sets this understanding of order as an intellectual basis for ...
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The Nature of Order - An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Two - The Process of Creating Life
2002
Authors:Christopher AlexanderPublisher:The Center for Environmental Structure Publishing, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.No of pages:636 pp“The Process of Creating Life”, the second volume of “The Nature of Order” series presents a dynamic theory of living structure. It begins with an analysis of transformations, which occur in nature, and the distinction between structure-preserving transformations, responsible for ...
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The Nature of Order - An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Three - A Vision of a Living World
2005
Authors:Christopher AlexanderPublisher:The Center for Environmental Structure Publishing, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.No of pages:697 pp“A Vision of a Living World”, the third volume of “The Nature of Order” series, presents, for the first time, a full spectrum of Alexander’s and CES built and unbuilt works. The book describes hundreds of buildings, plans, neighborhoods, drawings, ...
SEE ALL Books
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Chapter 15. Emergence of Formal Geometry, 10 / A Generative Process for Middle-Ranfe Order in the Building Structure
Publication,Book title:
The Nature of Order – An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Two – The Process of Creating LifePages:427-428 -
Chapter 15. Emergence of Formal Geometry, 11 / What Seems as an Imposition of Geometry is Necessary as a Part of Every Living Process
Publication,Book title:
The Nature of Order – An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Two – The Process of Creating LifePages:428-430 -
15. Emergence of Formal Geometry, 2 / Formation of Brutal and Massive Chunks in the Visitor Center at West Dean
Publication,Book title:
The Nature of Order – An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Two – The Process of Creating LifePages:403-406 -
Chapter 15. Emergence of Formal Geometry, 4 / The Aperiodic Grid
Publication,Book title:
The Nature of Order – An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Two – The Process of Creating LifePages:408-412 -
Chapter 15. Emergence of Formal Geometry, 5 / The Sapporo Building
Publication,Book title:
The Nature of Order – An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Two – The Process of Creating LifePages:412-416 -
Chapter 15. Emergence of Formal Geometry, 6 / What is Really Happening in such a Case
Publication,Book title:
The Nature of Order – An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Two – The Process of Creating LifePages:417-420 -
Chapter 15. Emergence of Formal Geometry, 7 / Outward Simplicity of Form and Packing of Form
Publication,Book title:
The Nature of Order – An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Two – The Process of Creating LifePages:421-422 -
Chapter 15. Emergence of Formal Geometry, 8 / A Further Structural Example
Publication,Book title:
The Nature of Order – An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Two – The Process of Creating LifePages:422-426 -
Chapter 16. Form Language and Style, 11/ Possibility of a Form Language for all Future Time
Publication,Book title:
The Nature of Order – An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Two – The Process of Creating LifePages:455-457 -
Chapter 16. Form Language and Style, 5/ The Style Needed for Unfolded, Living Form
Publication,Book title:
The Nature of Order – An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Two – The Process of Creating LifePages:437-439 -
Chapter 17. Simplicity, 4 / Doing the Simplest Thing: The Basis of Structure-Preserving Transformations
Publication,Book title:
The Nature of Order – An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Two – The Process of Creating LifePages:467-469 -
Chapter 17. Simplicity, 6 / Symmetry, Simplicity, and Just What is Required
Publication,Book title:
The Nature of Order – An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Two – The Process of Creating LifePages:471-476 -
Chapter 17. Simplicity, 7 / The Idea of a Νatural System of Symmeries
Publication,Book title:
The Nature of Order – An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Two – The Process of Creating LifePages:476-479 -
Chapter 17. Simplicity, 8 / At Each Step Get Rid of Everything That is not Required; "Making Life" and "Being Simple" are the Same
Publication,Book title:
The Nature of Order – An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Two – The Process of Creating LifePages:480-483 -
Chapter 2. Structure Preserving Transformations, 2 / Structure Preserving Transformations Further Discussion
Publication,Book title:
The Nature of Order – An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Two – The Process of Creating LifePages:55-58 -
The Morphology of Living Architecture, 2 / A Collection of Examples
Publication,Book title:
The Nature of Order – An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Three – A Vision of a Living WorldPages:641-654 -
The Morphology of Living Architecture, 3 / Process and Geometry: The Origin of Archetypal Form
Publication,Book title:
The Nature of Order – An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Three – A Vision of a Living WorldPages:655-662 -
The Morphology of Living Architecture, 4 / Centers and Symmetries
Publication,Book title:
The Nature of Order – An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Three – A Vision of a Living WorldPages:662-668 -
The Morphology of Living Architecture, 5 / The Feeling-Symmetry Principle within these Examples
Publication,Book title:
The Nature of Order – An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe.
Book Three – A Vision of a Living WorldPages:668-671
SEE ALL Book Chapters
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Etna Street Cottage
1974
Etna Street, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Residential, Realized , Construction completed in 1974Client:Center for Environmetal StructureC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander with his students in the 1974 Spring studio class Arch. 209, including Walter V. Wendler and Donald CornerContractor:Center for Environmetal StructureProject cost:$3.000Project stages:Pattern language for the project by C.E.S. Layout on the site No drawings were produced Users involved in the construction Innovative construction methodsExperimental building project, two-story 400 sq. ft. cottage, with a hollow wooden structure filled with concrete and featherweight concrete vaults. Completed in ten weeks, without a building permit at the back of the C.E.S. office on Etna Street, and was ...
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Linz Café
1980
Linz , AustriaCommercial, Realized , Construction completed in Jul-1980Client:Forum Design; Österreichisches Institut für Visuelle Gestaltung - Angela HareiterC.E.S. staff:Christopher AlexanderContractor:Construction management by the Center for Environmental Structure with local subcontractorsProject cost:$35.000Project stages:Layout on the site by C.E.S. Use of full scale mock-ups Design Development drawings done after layout Direct construction management and on-site design decisionsBuilt as part of the international exposition "Forum Design" and designed to be "portable". Wooden building overlooking the Danube, with the first floor of the building raised to clear the ten-foot-high river embarkment. Yellow and red exterior, three stories, 2,300 ...
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House for John and Mara Lighty
1981 to
1989
2675 Harness Drive, Berryessa Estates, Pope Valley, Napa County, CA, U.S.A.Residential, Realized , Construction completed in Aug-1989Client:Mr. & Mrs. John and Mara LightyC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Gary Black, Gernot MittersteinerContractor:Center for Environmetal StructureProject cost:$72,788Project stages:Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Design Development and Building Permit drawings done after layout Use of full scale mock-ups Direct construction management and on-site design decisions Users involved in the construction Innovative constructiTerraced house built for a couple; the house consists of six building volumes, gracefully positioned on a wooded slope among white oak trees, and includes the living room - kitchen volume, the studio volume, the bedroom - library volume, a ...
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Sala House
1981 to
1983
700 Hillside, 94706, Albany, CA, U.S.A.Residential, Realized , Construction completed in Jun-1983Client:Mr. & Mrs. Andre and Anna SalaC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Gary Black, Bob Smith, David Turtle, Seth Wachtel, Andre SalaContractor:Center for Environmetal StructureProject cost:$180.000Design and construction process:1) Personal vision: C.E.S. worked with the Sala family to gain an understanding of their needs and to derive from them a deep and personal vision of their house. 2) Layout on the site: several sessions on the site, laying out the exterior edges of the house volume along with outside courtyards, completed by C.E.S. staff working with the Salas. The interior rooms of the ground floor were also laid out on the site. 3) Preparation of drawings: At the end of the layout process it was possible for C.E.S. to prepare a set of drawings for the building permit from the City of Albany. 4) Construction commences and design continues; C.E.S. was the general contractor, and so the design process which had been begun in the first phase was carried through the construction phase, with many crucial on-site design decisions being made weekly, even daily, while the house was under construction. 5) Finishing touches: Hand-painted woodwork, color, details, furnishings, were done by C.E.S. staff and construction crews.Project stages:Pattern language for the project by clients and C.E.S. Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Design Development and Building Permit drawings done after layout Use of full scale mock-ups Direct Construction management along with on-site design decisThree-story tower, 20 feet by 20 feet in plan on each floor, on a wooded, sloping site. The interior structure of the house is wood post and beam with pine panelling and hand-painted surfaces, and the exterior is a red ...
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Sapporo Apartment Building
1981 to
1982
Minami-7-joh, Nish-2-chome, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, JapanResidential, Designed , Not builtClient:Mrs. Keiko Inoue and familyC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Gary BlackProject cost:Expected construction cost: $2,000,000Project stages:Preliminary DesignTen-story apartment building, with forty-five one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, with shops and offices on the first three floors. The building, of concrete-encased steel, was to be built over an existing clinic. The structural frame consists of twenty enormous columns ran all ...
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Eishin Campus - High School
1982 to
1995
Nihongi 112-1, Iruma-shi, Saitama Prefecture, JapanEducational, Realized , The first largest part was completed in 1985, the second part in 1988, and one more building was added in 1995Client:Higashino High School - Hisae Hosoi, Managing DirectorC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Hans-Joachim Neis, Gary Black, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Artemis Anninou, Astrid Chwoika, Neville Mathias, Eleni Coromvli, Ken Petermann, Robert M. Walsh, Randall Schmidt, Hajime Odagiri, Kohsuke Izumi, Hiroshi Nakano, Takeshi Ishikubo, Tamio ShioharaContractor:Fujita Corporation, Tokyo, JapanProject cost:$11,000,000 in 1985 $14,000,000 in 1988Design and construction process:The work on the design and construction of the project performed by C.E.S. was divided in five phases. 1) Creation of a pattern language; 2) Layout on the site; 3) Design of the individual buildings; 4) Working drawings; 5) Construction 1) The first step in the project was to create a pattern language for the school. This was achieved by spending a total of 1200 man-hours discussing the many requirements with the various teachers, professors and staff of the Eishin School. The results of these interviews and discussions were condensed into a coherent vision, which was written up in the form of patterns (a written documentation that describes a physical reality). A copy of the pattern language that was created had been included as part of the submission to the client. 2) The next step in the process was to lay out the various buildings and outdoor spaces on the site. The main goal in this step was to position the buildings so that they form positive outdoor spaces, and to use stakes to mark the corners so that all of the concerned parties can get an actual physical sense of how the site will feel when the buildings were built. When the site felt as though it was laid out just right, the position of each building was recorded. From this record an overall site plan was drawn. At the same time that this process was going on, a large-scale site model was under continuous development in the C.E.S. office in Japan, where the users could see it and discuss it, day by day, as the work proceeded. This played an important role in helping to establish a direct connection between the users, and the site plan of the finished campus. 3) The third step in the process was the design of the individual buildings. In the Eishin School project, 35 buildings in all were designed. During this phase, various types of construction were considered which could capture the vision of the project. Some of the buildings were designed as concrete block, some were plastered concrete, and others were constructed out of heavy timber. 4) In the fourth stage, preparation of working drawings and permission, C.E.S. did its own engineering and construction estimation. Many of the buildings have unique engineering behavior, which was developed on the C.E.S. computer programs by the C.E.S. engineering staff. C.E.S. also did extensive full-scale mock-ups of crucial materials and construction details during this stage, to guarantee that the final buildings would have the emotional reality with project staff was seeking. 5) In the construction phase of the project C.E.S. worked with Fujita Construction Company, the sixth largest construction company in Japan. During this phase, C.E.S. kept a full scale on-site office in place throughout the work, and had its own staff working closely with the details of the buildings, every single day. Many on-site changes, decisions and details of the buildings were made as the construction proceeded. Because of our method of cost accounting, these changes were made without increasing the cost of the finished project.Project stages:Pattern language for the project by clients and C.E.S. Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Generic rules for urban growth process Use of full scale mock-ups Design Development and Construction Drawings done after layout Construction management aThe High School is the part of the Eishin Campus that was constructed, with a total construction area of 12,000 square meters. It is a complex of thirty-five buildings, with pedestrian colonnaded streets, gates and gardens, and a lake with ...
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Eishin Campus - High School: Central Hall
1982 to
1985
Nihongi 112-1, Iruma-shi, Saitama Prefecture, JapanEducational, Realized , Construction completed in 1985Client:Higashino High School - Hisae Hosoi, Managing DirectorC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Hans-Joachim Neis, Gary Black, Ingrid Fiksdahl-KingContractor:Fujita Corporation, Tokyo, JapanProject stages:Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Use of full scale mock-ups Design Development and Construction Drawings done after layout Construction management along with on-site design decisions Innovative construction methodsThe Central Hall is located at the end of the homebase street. Α student gathering area with four-foot-thick concrete base walls and arched openings, with built-in benches, which double as entrances to the building. Arches and seats form alcoves, and ...
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Eishin Campus - High School: Great Hall - Auditorium
1982 to
1986
Nihongi 112-1, Iruma-shi, Saitama Prefecture, JapanEducational, Realized , Construction completed in May-1986Client:Higashino High School - Hisae Hosoi, Managing DirectorC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Hans-Joachim Neis, Gary Black, Ingrid Fiksdahl-KingContractor:Structural contractor: Fujita Corporation, Tokyo, Japan; Finish contractor: Center for Environmental Structure, JapanProject stages:Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Use of full scale mock-ups Design Development and Construction Drawings done after layout Construction management along with on-site design decisions Innovative construction methodsA large ceremonial building located at the main square and forming one edge of the lake. The main bridge that crosses the lake starts next to its massive podium. Its floor area is 14,000 square feet and has a three-story ...
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Eishin Campus - High School: Dining Hall
1982 to
1985
Nihongi 112-1, Iruma-shi, Saitama Prefecture, JapanEducational, Realized , Construction completed in 1985Client:Higashino High School - Hisae Hosoi, Managing DirectorC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Hans-Joachim Neis, Gary Black, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Artemis AnninouContractor:Fujita Corporation, Tokyo, JapanProject stages:Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Use of full scale mock-ups Design Development and Construction Drawings done after layout Construction management along with on-site design decisions Innovative construction methodsThe Dining Hall is located on a high point of the site overlooking the lake, with an extensive lawn in front of it, and the bridge crossing the lake leading into it. It is a wooden, long and narrow building ...
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Eishin Campus - High School: Judo Hall
1982 to
1985
Nihongi 112-1, Iruma-shi, Saitama Prefecture, JapanEducational, Realized , Construction completed in 1985Client:Higashino High School - Hisae Hosoi, Managing DirectorC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Hans-Joachim Neis, Gary Black, Ingrid Fiksdahl-KingContractor:Fujita Corporation, Tokyo, JapanProject stages:Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Use of full scale mock-ups Design Development and Construction Drawings done after layout Construction management along with on-site design decisions Innovative construction methodsThe Judo Hall was initially part of the College Complex, located at the edge of the south ridge. It is a wooden building, with a floor area of 3,000 square feet, 80 feet long, 30 feet high, used for judo ...
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Eishin Campus - High School: Campus Pedestrian Streets Network
1986 to
1989
Nihongi 112-1, Iruma-shi, Saitama Prefecture, JapanEducational, Realized , Construction completed in 1989Client:Higashino High School - Hisae Hosoi, Managing DirectorC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Hans-Joachim Neis, Gary Black, Ingrid Fiksdahl-KingContractor:Center for Environmental Structure, JapanProject cost:$1,500,000Design and construction process:The design of the landscape for the Eishin School Campus is created by, and influences the buildings on the site. The intent was to create a complete environment to compel learning and creativity in the most positive and beautiful way. Various elements designed into the landscape work to create this harmonious atmosphere, of which the following are examples. Gates were designed to invite the visitor to continue along the paths and streets of the site, as well as to create an act of entrance and passage. The main homebase street is formed by the individual homeroom buildings. It is a wide, lively, sunny street, which creates a forum where the students can come together outdoors, as a larger group, and where lively activity can unfold. In between the buildings, small gardens are created, separated from the activity of the street by fences. Other gardens are formed along the galleries which connect the rooms of the faculty hall. In front of the lounge is a teacher's garden for resting and enjoyment. The lake was created as a major element of the campus. In the early phase of design for the school, teachers and students indicated that one element they felt most important to be a part of the school, was a body of water. It is a focus for activity, with ducks and boats accessible by students, as well as for quiet reflection and beauty. A wooden bridge arches over the lake, making the entire campus accessible.Project stages:Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Direct construction management and on-site design decisions Budget and subcontractors under C.E.S. controlThe Eishin Campus pedestrian network includes a main square connected to the homebase wide street, narrow streets, arcaded alleys, paths and courtyards, fences, gates and terraces. It starts with a small square in front of the small gate, continues with ...
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Eishin Campus - High School: College Buildings D and E
1982 to
1987
Nihongi 112-1, Iruma-shi, Saitama Prefecture, JapanEducational, Realized , Construction completed in Jun-1987Client:Higashino High School - Hisae Hosoi, Managing DirectorC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Hans-Joachim Neis, Gary Black, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Artemis AnninouContractor:Fujita Corporation, Tokyo, JapanProject cost:$1,500,000Project stages:Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Use of full scale mock-ups Design Development and Construction Drawings done after layout Construction management along with on-site design decisions Innovative construction methodsThe two college buildings on the north side of the College Complex were incorporated into the High School; they are located to the right and left of the Central Hall, flanked by the Arts and Science buildings. Each two-storey college ...
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Eishin Campus - High School: Single Homebase Buildings
1982 to
1985
Nihongi 112-1, Iruma-shi, Saitama Prefecture, JapanEducational, Realized , Construction completed in 1985Client:Higashino High School - Hisae Hosoi, Managing DirectorC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Hans-Joachim Neis, Gary Black, Ingrid Fiksdahl-KingContractor:Fujita Corporation, Tokyo, JapanProject stages:Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Use of full scale mock-ups Design Development and Construction Drawings done after layout Construction management along with on-site design decisionsThe Homebase Buildings form the homebase street. They are two-story masonry buildings with pitched tiled roofs and concrete ornamental wall friezes. Each one has its own garden, with a stair leading to the second floor classrom. There are five such ...
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Eishin Campus - High School: Double Homebase Buildings
1982 to
1985
Nihongi 112-1, Iruma-shi, Saitama Prefecture, JapanEducational, Realized , Construction completed in 1985Client:Higashino High School - Hisae Hosoi, Managing DirectorC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Hans-Joachim Neis, Gary Black, Ingrid Fiksdahl-KingContractor:Fujita Corporation, Tokyo, JapanProject stages:Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Use of full scale mock-ups Design Development and Construction Drawings done after layout Construction management along with on-site design decisionsThe Homebase Buildings form the homebase street. They are two-story masonry buildings with pitched tiled roofs and concrete ornamental wall friezes. Each one has its own garden, with a stair leading to the second floor classrom. There are two double ...
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Eishin Campus - High School: Administration Building
1982 to
1985
Nihongi 112-1, Iruma-shi, Saitama Prefecture, JapanEducational, Realized , Construction completed in 1985Client:Higashino High School - Hisae Hosoi, Managing DirectorC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Hans-Joachim Neis, Gary Black, Artemis AnninouContractor:Fujita Corporation, Tokyo, JapanProject stages:Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Use of full scale mock-ups Design Development and Construction Drawings done after layout Construction management along with on-site design decisions Innovative construction methodsThe administration building is located on the main suare, opposite from the Great Hall. It is a masonry building with an intricate ornamental lattice-like pattern on its second floor exterior wall. Within its 5,430 square feet floor area, it includes ...
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Emoto Apartment Building
1986 to
1989
Tokyo, JapanResidential, Realized , Construction completed in 1989Client:Mrs. Sugiko EmotoC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Hansjoachim Neis, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Miyoko TsutsuiContractor:Kibe Construction Company, with subsidiary management by Center for Environmental Structure, JapanProject cost:$1,500,000Project stages:Use of full scale mock-ups Preliminary Design and Design Development drawings Direct Construction management along with on-site design decisions Subcontractors under C.E.S. controlAn apartment building laid out to enhance the two streets of the Komagone neighborhood, not far from downtown Tokyo. The site is surrounded with large buildings, and a local neighborhood behind, with lower buildings and much narrower streets. It is ...
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Nyingma Buddhist Monastery
1988 to
1989
Kathmandu, NepalCivic, Designed , Not builtClient:Tibetan Nyingma Meditation Center - David A. French Construction Mgr. and Ann M. Bergfors CoordinatorC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Ismet Khambatta, Keiko InoueProject cost:Expected construction cost: $1,500,000Project stages:Preliminary DesignTibetan Buddist Study Center, a monastic and educational facility for 300 monks, at the outskirts of Kathmandu, to be built by the monks themselves using 70% self help and 30% professional labor. Approximate area of construction 122,000 square feet, ...
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Tokyo International Forum: Conference Center for City of Tokyo
1989
3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, JapanCivic, Designed , Invited Competition, Not builtClient:Tokyo International Forum Project Office, Bureau of Citizens and Cultural Affairs, Tokyo Metropolitan GovernmentC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Hansjoachim Neis, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Eleni Coromvli, Gary BlackProject cost:Expected construction cost: $750,000,000Project stages:Preliminary Design drawings Construction innovation methodsInvited design competition entry for a complex of conference halls, auditoria, exhibition halls, and other public facilities at a central site in downtown Tokyo, occupied by the City Hall, which was to be razed to make way for this project. ...
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Exhibition Galleries: Ancient Color and Geometry, De Young Museum
1990
San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.Other, Realized , Construction completed in Oct-1990Client:Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, M.H. de Young Memorial Museum - Mr. Harry Parker IIIC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Bob Theis, Annie der BedrossianContractor:Center for Environmetal StructureProject cost:$7,000Project stages:Layout on the site by C.E.S. Preliminary Design drawings done after layout Direct construction management and on-site design decisions.Four gallery reconstruction and installation in the De Young Museum, San Francisco, including interior construction, color, lighting, and installation and hanging of the carpets.
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Neighborhood of Five Houses: Heisey House
1992 to
1996
Lake Travis, Austin, TX, U.S.A.Residential, Realized , Construction completed in 1995Client:Mr. & Mrs. James and Sylvia HeiseyC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Saul Pichardo, Randall SchmidtContractor:Center for Environmetal Structure with Carl LindbergProject stages:Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Use of full scale mock-ups Design Development and Building Permit drawings done after layout Direct construction management and on-site design decisions Budget and subcontractors under C.E.S. controlDesign and construction of a family house for Jim and Sylvia Heisey, with an area of 2.000 square feet.
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Neighborhood of Five Houses: Goddu House
1992 to
1996
Lake Travis, Austin, TX, U.S.A.Residential, Realized , Construction completed in 1995Client:Mr. & Mrs. Michael and Patricia GodduC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Saul Pichardo, Randall SchmidtContractor:Center for Environmetal Structure with Carl LindbergProject stages:Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Use of full scale mock-ups Design Development and Building Permit drawings done after layout Direct construction management and on-site design decisions Budget and subcontractors under C.E.S. controlDesign and construction of a family house for Mike and Patricia Goddu, with an area of 2.500 square feet.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center
1994 to
1996
Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Civic, Realized , Construction completed in Nov. 1995Client:Edward James FoundationC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, John Hewitt, students from "The Prince of Wales's Institute of Architecture", students from Portsmouth UniversityContractor:Center for Environmetal Structure, as Management Contractor and General Contractor of record, with John Hewitt as Project ManagerProject stages:Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Use of full scale mock-ups Design Development and Building Permit drawings done after layout Direct construction management and on-site design decisions Budget and subcontractors under C.E.S. control InnovativThe West Dean Center is a simple one-story masonry building with a large red-tiled roof and intricate brickwork for its thick walls. The building is surrounded by gardens, and its south facing wall has large arched windows overlooking the garden ...
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George House
1997 to
1998
Pleasant Hill, CA, U.S.A.Residential, Realized , Construction completed in 1998Client:Mr. & Mrs. Brian and Xilin GeorgeC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Randall SchmidtHouse and cottage with large outdoor terraces with custom concrete walls.
SEE ALL Projects
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Tile with white slips on black glaze
1980
Personal Work of Art, Hand-glazed TileworkCreated by:Christopher AlexanderPorcelain tile glazed in black with white slips; made at the same tile with the Linz café and resembles the painting on its interior walls.
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Alhambra tile fragment in the Alexander collection
Art Collection, Hand-made TileworkTile fragment from Alhambra purchased by Christopher Alexander in the early 1980s for its beauty of geometry and color, and for advancing his research on Geometry and its Fundamental Properties.
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Tile with dark bluish glaze and green eyes
1984
Personal Work of Art, Hand-glazed TileworkCreated by:Christopher AlexanderOrnamental repeating tiles from Christopher Alexander's workshop; ceramic paint on white porcelain tile.
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Repeating tiles with white flowers
1990
Personal Work of Art, Hand-glazed TileworkCreated by:Christopher AlexanderHand-painted and hand-glazed repeating tiles with white flowers on dark bluish background; ceramic paint on white porcelain tile.
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The Green Bird, painting
1991
Personal Work of Art, PaintingCreated by:Christopher AlexanderOil painting on wooden panel.
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Series of drinking glasses for Dutch Glassworks
1997
Personal Work of Art, GlassworkCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Katalin Bende, Henk WervegSeries of drinking glasses commissioned by Stichting Glasmanifestatie at Leerdam in The Netherlands in 1996, following an international glass event focused on the drinking glass.
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Christopher Alexander's carpet collection, at its final state included about 80 carpets, most of them Turkish carpets, or carpets with a pronounced "Turkic" character
Carpet CollectionChristopher Alexander started collecting carpets because of his desire to learn from them. He felt that they had something to teach him. He was never interested in the classification of carpets, where they came from, or on their type. He ...
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Endless Knot Design Hispano-Moresque carpet
Carpet Collection12th century Spanish carpet fragment, 62cm x250cm, South Spain; purchased in 1982 and sold on 7-Nov-2017, at Sotheby’s auction.
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Flaming Animal Spirit carpet with Vultures
Carpet Collection14th century, 132cm x 281cm, Karapinar District, South Central Anatolia; sold on 2018, at Sotheby’s auction .
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Archaic Arrowhead Blossom carpet
Carpet Collection15th century remaining fragment of a carpet, 109cm x 159cm, Ushak, Central Anatolia; sold on 2018, at Sotheby’s auction .
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Seljuk Gul carpet
Carpet Collection15th century carpet, 133cm x 147cm, Karapinar, South Central Anatolia; sold on 7-Nov-2017, at Sotheby’s auction .
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Star carpet with Flowers
Carpet Collection15th century carpet, 144cm x 238cm, Karapinar, South Central Anatolia; sold on 7-Nov-2017, at Sotheby’s auction .
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Seljuk Prayer carpet
Carpet Collection13th century fragmentary prayer rug, 127cm x 170cm, Konya, Central Antolia; sold on 7-Nov-2017, at Sotheby’s auction.
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Coupled Column Prayer Rug with Eight Columns
Carpet Collection16th century prayer carpet, 194cm x 264cm, Konya District, South Central Anatolia; sold on 7-Nov-2017, at Sotheby’s auction .
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Scarlet and Yellow Lotto carpet
Carpet Collection16th century Lotto fragment, 133cm x 97cm, Western Anatolian; sold on 7-Nov-2017, at Sotheby’s auction .
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Byzantine-Timurid prototype
Carpet Collection13th to 16th century, reconstructed rug fragment, 114cm x 195cm, Istanbul; bought in 1983 and sold on 2018, at Sotheby’s auction.
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Yellow carpet with Stepped Medallions
Carpet Collection16th century, 108cm x287cm, Konya.
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Green Field Mongolian Village carpet
Carpet Collection17th century, 162cm x 367cm, Central Anatolia; sold on 7-Nov-2017, at Sotheby’s auction.
SEE ALL Works of Art
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Linz Café: "Aperiodic" grid of the timber post and beam structural frame
1980
Construction System, Timber FrameworkCreated by:Christopher AlexanderPost and beam structural system which fits the structure of the spaces initially conceived, and is based on a structural grid with differentiated spacing of the grid lines in both directions, long and short, keeping the variations regular. The use ...
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C.E.S. Office - Martinez House: Fireplace
1981
Work of Art for Project, All Concrete FireplaceCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Jonathan FeffermanCount Rumford all concrete fireplace, has a flat and broad fire chamber, a very wide opening and a curved fire back; the flatness results form the exceptionally narrow hearth, which is the cause for the high heat effectiveness.
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Sala House: Ornaments on the east and south facing walls of the house
1982
Work of Art for Project, OrnamentCreated by:Christopher AlexanderWhite precast concrete ornaments embedded in the rose colored concrete walls; secured on the formwork during the concrete pouring. A series of small ornaments spaced in equal intervals in the rose perimeter concrete band running on top of the windows; ...
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Sapporo Apartment Building: Structural order in the concrete-encased steel load bearing structure
1982
Construction System, Steel StructureCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Gary BlackThis innovative structural scheme arose from the careful unfolding of the design with respect to user requirements, the impact of surrounding buildings, coupled with the fact that there was an untouchable small clinic on the site which had to be ...
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Eishin Campus - High School: Great Hall with massive columns and rather small space between them.
1983
Construction System, Reinforced ConcreteCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Hansjoachim Neis, Gary BlackThe size and spacing of the columns in the Great Hall was determined primarily by working out the solid-void relationship, which was done in a 1:20 scale model of the building. The space between the columns came to play an ...
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Eishin Campus - High School: College Buildings structural design of flat ceiling beams in large classrooms, within the aperiodic structural grid of the building
1985
Construction System, Reinforced ConcreteCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Hansjoachim Neis, Artemis Anninou, Ingrid Fiksdahl-KingThe ceiling designed with massive concrete crossbeams at first to cope with the wide span, and a horizontal mat of wide and flat beams in close spacing, acting as a horizontal moment-resisting diaphragm, provides resistence to horizontal forces caused by ...
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Eishin Campus - High School: College Buildings structural design of columns and flat ceiling beams in ground floor arcades, within the aperiodic structural grid of the building
1985
Construction System, Reinforced ConcreteCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Gary Black, Hansjoachim Neis, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Artemis AnninouThe design of the massive columns along the College Building arcades was not sufficient to take all the moment of the vertical shear forces coming down the outside wall of the building, and then transferring through the ceiling into the ...
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Eishin Campus - High School: College Buildings & the aperiodic structural grid
1985
Construction System, Reinforced ConcreteCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Gary Black, Hansjoachim Neis, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Artemis AnninouThe spatial and dimensional requirements of the large classrooms on the first floor, the long arcades on the ground floor, and the entrance volume led to an asymmetrical division of spaces to accomodate the differentiated shapes and sizes. The two ...
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Eishin Campus - High School: Central Hall massive concrete piers
1985
Construction System, Heavy Timber Load Bearing Structure, Reinforced ConcrteCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Hansjoachim NeisFour-feet thick concrete base walls with arched openings create an alternating repetition between massive piers and deep openings, with positive space and good shape both on the piers and the arches. Arches and seats form alcoves, and the piers support ...
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Eishin Campus - High School: Ornamental wall frieze for the homeroom buildings
1985
Work of Art for Project, OrnamentCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Hansjoachim Neis, othersCast concrete ornaments on the wall frieze of the Homeroom buildings.
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Eishin Campus - High School: Roof eave detail for the homeroom buildings
1985
Building Detail, Roof & EaveCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Hansjoachim Neis, othersHeavy concrete cornice on the Homeroom buildings, when roof meets wall.
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Eishin Campus - High School: Main Gate terrazzo wall surface
1985
Work of Art for Project, Terrazzo WorkCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Hansjoachim NeisThe main gate with checkered diagonal terrazzo surface made of cement and marble dust, ground to a polish.
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Eishin Campus - High School: Great Hall lighting fixtures
1986
Work of Art for Project, Lighting FixtureCreated by:Christopher AlexanderDesign, fabrication and installation of the lights of the Great Hall. A single row of hanging lights down the middle of the nave. Each light fixture is a circle of lights, hanging from a point, in the form of candelabras ...
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Martinez Heavy Timber Carpentry Workshop: Giant white star
1986
Work of Art for Project, OrnamentCreated by:Christopher AlexanderGiant white star on the exterior wall of the carpentry workshop made of enamel painted wood.
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Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Exterior wall made of repetitive recessed bays framed by massive columns
1987
Building Detail, Wall TreatmentCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Gary Black, Carl Lindberg, James MaguireA long wall along the main street; the first floor wall is organized as an alternating repetition of cast concrete columns and plain recessed wall bays, all on a thick wall base, in contrast with the second floor wall, all ...
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Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Column capitals with ornamental details
1987
Work of Art for Project, OrnamentCreated by:Christopher AlexanderHand-made cast-concrete column capitals with ornamental details, his mouth being the water flow hole.
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Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Courtyard fountain with lion's head
1988
Work of Art for Project, OrnamentCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Robert M. WalshCast-concrete lion's head on the back wall of the tiled fountain located in the courtyard of the Julian Street Inn.
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Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Courtyard fountain with hand-painted and hand-glazed tilework
1988
Work of Art for Project, Hand-glazed TileworkCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Kleoniki Tsotropoulou, Robert M. WalshTilework with diagonal squared pattern with four-petal flower in interchanging green and salmon, cladding the base wall of the fountain.
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Tokyo International Forum: Giant Vierendeel trusses in the Convention Hall
1989
Construction System, Steel StructureCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Hansjoachim Neis, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Eleni Coromvli, Gary Black, Annie der BedrossianPrecast Vierendeel box beams, six meters deep, spanning 50 meters at a height of 20 metters. The beams are pierced by huge chrysanthemum-shaped voids, which are illuminated.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center: Arches in the transverse load bearing walls
1994
Construction System, Structural WallCreated by:Christopher Alexander, John HewittThe four thick cross-walls are pierced by low arches, to make the openings between the spaces. The size of the openings differ, and so the curve of the arches differ as well. The final curvature of each arch was finalized ...
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Subsymmetries
01/02/1968
Publication, ArticleAuthors:Christopher Alexander, Susan CareyPublished in:Perception and Psychophysics, Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 73-77
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C.アレギザンダー理解のために 「パタン ランゲージ」の思想的背景 / Understanding Christopher Alexander - Pattern Language Ideas and Background
01/06/1985
Publication, ArticleAuthors:Masaharu ItoPublished in:Kenchiku Bunka 建築文化 - Architectural Culture, Vol. 40, No. 464, pp. 55-60Publisher:Shokokusha Publishing Co. Ltd., Tokyo, JapanLanguage:Japanese
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Exactness and Roughness, Fitness and Variation
01/12/1989
Publication, ArticleAuthors:David WeekPublished in:Paradigm A Newsletter, Vol. 4, pp. 3-6Publisher:Gerrit Kelhout, Roland Angenent, Enschede, Netherlands
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On Precision: Comments Prompted by David Week's Article
01/12/1989
Publication, ArticleAuthors:Howard DavisPublished in:Paradigm A Newsletter, Vol. 4, pp. 6-8Publisher:Gerrit Kelhout, Roland Angenent, Enschede, Netherlands
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Christopher Alexander and Contemporary Architecture
01/08/1993
Publication, ArticleAuthors:Ingrid Fiksdahl-KingPublished in:A+U Architecture and Urbanism - Special Issue, pp. 7-151Publisher:A+U Publishing Co. Ltd., Tokyo, JapanLanguage:Japanese, English
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The Bead Game, Rugs and Beauty: Part 2
01/10/1994
Publication, ArticleAuthors:Richard P. GabrielPublished in:Journal of Object-Oriented Programming, pp. 44-49Publisher:SIGS Publications Group, Denville, NJ, U.S.A.
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The Bead Game, Rugs and Beauty: Part 1
01/06/1994
Publication, ArticleAuthors:Richard P. GabrielPublished in:Journal of Object-Oriented Programming, pp. 74-78Publisher:SIGS Publications Group, Denville, NJ, U.S.A.
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Part I. Patterns of Software - excerpt from "Patterns of Software: Tales from the Software Community" by Richard P. Gabriel
01/01/1996
Publication, Reference, OnlineAuthors:Richard P. GabrielPublished in:https://dreamsongs.com/Files/PatternsOfSoftware.pdf, pp. 3-98Publisher:Oxford University Press, New York, NY, U.S.A.
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Christopher Alexander - The Search for Beauty; introductory presentation at Stanford of Christopher Alexander's work
01/01/1996
Publication, Paper, OnlineAuthors:Richard P. GabrielPublished in:https://dreamsongs.com/Files/AlexanderPresentation.pdf, pp. 165 pp
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A Center-Forming Calculus
16/12/2006
Publication, PaperAuthors:Christopher AlexanderPublisher:Center for Environmental Structure, Binsted, West Sussex, U.K.
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The Nature of Order - IBM Research
02/03/2010
Publication, Paper, OnlineAuthors:Richard P. GabrielPublished in:https://dreamsongs.com/Files/NatureOfOrder2.pdf, pp. 256 ppPublisher:IBM Research, Stanford, CA, U.S.A.
SEE ALL Articles
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Introduction to Geometry
1979
Academic,University Program:Master of ArchitectureCourse type:Graduate SeminarCourse number:Arch. 207Instructors:Christopher AlexanderEnrolled students:Carrie Kingman, David DavisThree part course: 1) Structure of space with harmony and order in it; 2) Fundamental properties of space, the necessary and sufficient preconditions for this order to occur; 3) Designs which have this harmony and order in them.
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Advanced Topics on Geometry and Wholeness
1980
Academic,University Program:Master of ArchitectureCourse type:Graduate SeminarCourse number:Arch. 207Instructors:Christopher AlexanderEnrolled students:Artemis Anninou, Hansjoachim Neis, Nili PortugaliTopics studied: 1) How to generate and attain wholeness; 2) Definiton of “whole”; 3) Centering process; 4) Simplicity seeking process and not-separateness; 5) Geometric properties.
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Independent Study Course in City Planning and Psychology Departments
1980
Academic,University Program:Master of PsychologyCourse type:Independent StudyCourse number:IDS.242Instructors:Donald Appleyard / Prof. CraikEnrolled students:Hansjoachim Neis, Ralf WeberCourse organized between the City Planning and Psychology Departments, attended by Alexander’s students.
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Advanced Topics on Geometry - Special Problems
1980
Academic,University Program:Master of ArchitectureCourse type:Graduate SeminarCourse number:Arch. 207Instructors:Christopher AlexanderEnrolled students:Artemis Anninou, Walt Holmes, Hiroshi Nanako, Hansjoachim Neis, Nili Portugali, Bob Randolph, Ralf WeberOn Unbroken Wholeness: eleven week seminar on the Centering Process and the Geometric Properties.
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Geometry and Color
1980
Academic,University Program:Master of ArchitectureCourse type:Graduate SeminarCourse number:Arch. 207Instructors:Christopher AlexanderEnrolled students:Hiro Nakano, Nili Portugali, Ralf WeberGraduate seminar on the anaysis of the structure of geometric patterns and the rules for color distribution on them.
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Introduction to Geometry: Properties of Form
1981
Academic,University Program:Master of ArchitectureCourse type:Graduate Design StudioCourse number:Arch. 201Instructors:Christopher Alexander, Ingrid Fiksdahl-KingTen theoretical topics accompanied by ten separate design problems, each lasting one week; results of student’s work to be submitted weekly on a single 20×30 board. The calendar of topics as presented was: 1) Order; 2) Mirror of the Self; ...
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Design studio on "The Nature of Order"
1983
Academic,University Program:Master of ArchitectureCourse type:Graduate Design StudioCourse number:Arch. 201/203Instructors:Christopher AlexanderEnrolled students:Gregory C. Tung, Wei-jen Yang, Michael Robinette, Stuart MacDonald, Carl Sanders, Gunnar Johann Brinck, Tom Carnegie, Jerri HolanThe focus of the studio was on “The Nature of Order”, at that time being a draft in one volume. Christopher Alexander distributed a xerox copy of his book manuscript to the students, for sharing with them his views on ...
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Lecture on "The Nature of Order", given during Fall 1991
19/09/1991
Academic, Audio, TapeCreated by:Christopher Alexander, University of California Berkeley, College of Environmental Design, Department of Architecture, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Cassette tape of the seventh Fall semester lecture by Christopher Alexander on the first part of “Structure of Space – Geometric Properties,” part of a series of lectures on “The Nature of Order”; the duration of the lecture is one ...
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Lecture on "The Nature of Order", given during Fall 1991
24/09/1991
Academic, Audio, TapeCreated by:Christopher Alexander, University of California Berkeley, College of Environmental Design, Department of Architecture, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.2-sided cassette tape of the eight Fall semester lecture by Christopher Alexander on the second part of “Structure of Space – Geometric Properties”, part of a series of lectures on “The Nature of Order”; the duration of the lecture is ...
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Lecture on "The Nature of Order", given during Fall 1991
26/09/1991
Academic, Audio, TapeCreated by:Christopher Alexander, University of California Berkeley, College of Environmental Design, Department of Architecture, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Cassette tape of the ninenth Fall semester lecture by Christopher Alexander on “The Geometric Properties in Nature”, part of a series of lectures on “The Nature of Order”; the duration of the lecture is about one hour and fiftten minutes.
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The Campus of Eishin - High School: Design Development Drawings - College Building D
27/04/1984
Architectural Design, Project, Design Development, Floor PlanDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:BlueprintSize:24"x42"Scale:1:50Two sheet of drawings of College Building D, noted as Building No. 32, with the ground floor and second floor plans.
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The Campus of Eishin - High School: Design Development Drawings - College Building D
27/04/1984
Architectural Design, Project, Design Development, SectionDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:BlueprintSize:24"x42"Scale:1:50One sheet of drawings of College Building D, noted as Building No. 32, with three sections, one longitudinal and two cross section.
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The Campus of Eishin - High School: Design Development Drawings - College Building D
27/04/1984
Architectural Design, Project, Design Development, Framing PlanDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:BlueprintSize:24"x42"Scale:1:50One sheet of drawings of College Building D, noted as Building No. 32, with framing plans of the ground and second floor ceilings.
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Civic Center & Town Hall for Mountain View: Presentation Drawings - Set of selected drawings submitted as boards for the competition entry
01/01/1986
Architectural Design, Project, Presentation Drawing, Perspective, Site Plan, Floor Plan, Section, Elevation, DetailsDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:BlueprintSize:32"x40"Set of five drawings submitted among others for the competition entry to convey the overall character and feeling of the building complex. The 1st drawing includes the Site Plan, highlighting the main centers of the project, together with perspectives and ...
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Civic Center & Town Hall for Mountain View: Presentation Drawings - Sections
01/01/1986
Architectural Design, Project, Presentation Drawing, SectionDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Size:24"x50", 24"x42"Scale:1/8"=1'Three sections of the project as follows: 1) Main section through the City Hall lobby and the Theater, 2) Section through the Theater, 3) Section through council chamber and plaza.
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The Sala House: Ornaments on south facing wall, along the kitchen terrace - Presentation Drawings
01/01/1982
Construction Innovation, Presentation Drawing, DetailsDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Gary Black, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on VellumTwo drawings, one showing part of the south facing wall and the other the detail of the ornament embedded in the concrete band.
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Eishin Campus - High School: College Buildings structural design of flat ceiling beams in large classrooms, within the aperiodic structural grid of the building - Design Development Drawings
27/04/1984
Construction Innovation, Design Development, Framing Plan, Section, DetailsDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Hansjoachim Neis, Artemis Anninou, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:BlueprintSize:Extract from 24"x42" drawingScale:1:50, 1:10Four detailed drawings of the large classrooms, including a) the ceiling framing plan of the room with the wide and flat beams and the massive cross beams, b) the longitudinal section, c) the cross section, and d) a construction detail.
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Eishin Campus - High School: College Buildings structural design of columns and flat ceiling beams in ground floor arcades, within the aperiodic structural grid of the building - Design Development Drawings
27/04/1984
Construction Innovation, Design Development, Framing Plan, SectionDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Hansjoachim Neis, Artemis Anninou, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:BlueprintSize:Extract from 24"x42" drawingScale:1:50, 1:10Two detailed drawings of the College Buildings arcade, including a) the ceiling framing plan of the arcade with the wide and flat beams and b) the cross section.
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Courtyard fountain with hand-painted and hand-glazed tilework - Sketches
01/01/1988
Construction Innovation, Sketches, ElevationDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Kleoniki Tsotropoulou, Robert Walsh, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on PaperSize:4"x8 1/2"Sketch of the tile pattern used for cladding the base wall of the fountain. Diagonally arranged square tiles include four-petal flowers placed on two alternating color backgrounds .
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Courtyard fountain with hand-painted and hand-glazed tilework and Courtyard Fountain with Lion's Head - Sketches
01/01/1988
Construction Innovation, Sketches, Perspective, ElevationDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Robert Walsh, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:8 1/2"x11"One page with two sketches, one being a schematic perspective view of the courtyard fountain with a lion’s head depicting the water spouting element and a grid of diagonally placed pattern suggesting the tile layout. The second image depicts the ...
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Tokyo International Forum - Giant Vierendeel Truss: Sketches
01/01/1989
Construction Innovation, Sketches, PerspectiveDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on Tracing PaperSize:11"x14"Pencil sketch of the Vierendeel truss and its connection to the wall.
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Tokyo International Forum - Giant Vierendeel Truss: Drawings of the Convention Hall interior
01/01/1989
Construction Innovation, Presentation Drawing, PerspectiveDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Hansjoachim Neis, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Eleni Coromvli, Gary Black, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:17"x23 1/2"Color perspective view of the interior space of Convention Hall A, depicting the six pairs of Vierendeel bent type of beams with chrysanthemum hollow cuts in them, as submitted to competition. Two additional perspectives, one similar to submitted one but ...
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Tokyo International Forum - Giant Vierendeel Truss: Sketches of the Convention Hall interior
01/01/1989
Construction Innovation, Sketches, PerspectiveDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on PaperSize:8 1/2"x11", 11"x17"Three preliminary color perspective sketches of the interior space of Convention Hall A; the first gives a rather complete but roughly drawn overview, while the other two provide the basic elements of space, with focus on the Vierendeel beams with ...
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Tokyo International Forum - Giant Vierendeel Truss: Drawings of the Convention Hall interior
01/01/1989
Construction Innovation, Presentation Drawing, PerspectiveDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Hansjoachim Neis, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Eleni Coromvli, Gary Black, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on VellumSize:24"x36"Two black and white perspective views of the interior space of Convention Hall A, depicting the six pairs of Vierendeel bent type of beams with chrysanthemum hollow cuts in them, as submitted to competition. The first is an early perspective ...
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Tokyo International Forum - Giant Vierendeel Truss: Sketches of the Convention Hall interior
01/01/1989
Construction Innovation, Sketches, PerspectiveDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:5 3/8"x7", 4 5/8x5 1/2"Two perspective sketches depicting an aerial view of Convention Hall A. The first view is a sketchy closeup of the Vierendeel bent type beams with chrysanthemum hollow cuts in them; the second view is more generic in content including the ...
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Arch. 201 Design I Design with Pattern Languages: Student sketches
15/11/1978
Academic, Presentation DrawingDesigners:Mahn Oh, Hubert Froyen, Leslie Moldow, Diana Martinez, Carsten Schmunk, Hermann Diederich, Alice Sung, Hye Myoung Kim, Hansjoachim Neis, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on PaperSize:VariousStudent studio work includes eleven geometric pattern studies of ornaments.
SEE ALL Drawings
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Etna street Cottage: Photographs of the building
01/01/1974
Project, Exterior ViewPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, Print, NegativeCharacteristics:8"x10", 4"x5", 35mm, Color, B&WTwo images depicting the front view of the cottage.
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C.E.S. Office - Martinez House: Photographs of sketches
01/01/1977
Project, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:Print, NegativeCharacteristics:8"x10", B&W“First Sketch of Martinez”; pencil sketch of the side elevation of the house, drawn by Christopher Alexander.
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The Linz Café: Photographs of Christopher Alexander at work
01/01/1980
Project, Design ProcessPhotographer:Erich Pichler, Linz, AustriaSource:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WTwo photographs of Christopher Alexander at the time the building was under construction, working on the geometry of the café alcove by developing cardboard mock-ups, for testing its shape, dimensions and the feel of comfort.
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Civic Center & Town Hall for Mountain View: Photographs of project model
01/09/1986
Project, Design Process, ModelPhotographer:Dan Oshima, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, Print, SlideCharacteristics:5"x8", ColorFive views of the project model, prepared for the invited competition; three from the entrance side along the street and two from the park side. The model portrays clearly the presence of centers in the volumetric arrangement of buildings, throughout ...
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Civic Center & Town Hall for Mountain View: Photographs of drawings
01/09/1986
Project, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WThe main building section through the whole building complex, depicting the City Hall lobby and the theater. Its geometry and articulation are fresh and carry the features of the fifteen properties.
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Civic Center & Town Hall for Mountain View: Photographs of project model
01/09/1986
Project, Design Process, ModelPhotographer:Dan Oshima, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:Print, SlideCharacteristics:8"x10", ColorTwo views of the project model, prepared for the invited competition, both from a bird’s eye view. The model portrays clearly the presence of centers in the volumetric arrangement both of buildings and outdoor space, throughout a range of scales.
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Civic Center & Town Hall for Mountain View: Photographs of project working model
01/07/1986
Project, Design Process, ModelPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:SlideCharacteristics:ColorThe first rough project model, in a small scale made out of small wooden blocks, exploring the volumetric configuration of the project.
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Civic Center & Town Hall for Mountain View: Photographs of project working model
01/07/1986
Project, Design Process, ModelPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:SlideCharacteristics:ColorLarger scale paper working model of the project, exploring an initial scheme which was not adopted.
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Civic Center & Town Hall for Mountain View: Photographs of project working model
01/07/1986
Project, Design Process, ModelPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:SlideCharacteristics:ColorLarger scale paper working model of the project, with the final scheme included in the competition.
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The Campus of Eishin - High SchooI: Great Hall - Photographs of building details
01/01/1986
Project, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorTwo views of the Great Hall interior before it was painted, focusing on its natural and artificial lighting and the shaping of its columns and capitals, which create multiple centers.
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Civic Center & Town Hall for Mountain View: Photographs of drawings
01/01/1986
Project, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:PMT, NegativeCharacteristics:20"x21", ColorOne images depicting the hardline drawing of the general site with the building complex laid out.
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Civic Center & Town Hall for Mountain View: Photographs of drawings
01/01/1986
Project, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WTwo images of the ground floor plan depicting the gardens and courtyards of the building.
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The Campus of Eishin - High SchooI: Photographs of the campus landscape and the secret garden
01/01/1987
Project, Garden ViewPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorThe first image looks into the secret garden at the back of the administration building and faculty hall; the other three show the view into the garden, when sitting on the veranda of the Faculty Hall, and looking towards the ...
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Nyingma Buddist Monastery : Photographs of drawings
01/01/1989
Project, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WPhotograph of the monastery site plan.
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Nyingma Buddist Monastery : Photograph of model
01/01/1989
Project, ModelPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WPhotograph of the monastery volumetric model, which shows the way this large building respects and honors the land in a natural way.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center: Photographs of building interior
01/01/1996
Project, Interior ViewPhotographer:Nicolas Kane, Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorImage of the long and narrow upper gallery with a sequence of sitting alcoves in front of each window.
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George House: Photographs of building and gardens
01/01/1998
Project, Exterior View, Garden ViewPhotographer:Randall Schmidt/C.E.S., Pleasant Hill, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorOutdoor room and terrace of the house; the character of this outdoor room has been affected by its position. It arose from the site, a saddle on the hill and the great trees around it, it was a natural point ...
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Tile with white slips on black glaze: Photograph
01/01/1980
Work of Art, Hand-glazed TilePhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorPhotograph of the tile made by Christopher Alexander.
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Linz Café: Wooden building, post and beam construction - Photographs
01/01/1980
Construction Innovation, Interior ViewPhotographer:Ferd Reif, Linz, AustriaSource:PrintCharacteristics:19 3/4"x23 3/4", ColorView of the post and beam structural system used, clearly visible in the interior; based on a perfect grid, with a spacing that is fitted organically to the nature of the spaces in the building. The photo was exhibited during the ...
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Sala House: Ornaments on the east and south facing walls of the house - Photographs
01/07/1983
Construction Innovation, Exterior ViewPhotographer:Mark Darley/Esto, Albany, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorProfessional photograph of the south facing wall detail with its precast white terrazo ornaments embedded in the rose concrete band that surrounds the building volume over the ground floor windows, and another one of the top of the east wall ...
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The Campus of Eishin- High School: Great Hall with massive columns and raher small space between them - Photographs of model
01/01/1983
Construction Innovation, ModelPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WClose-up views of the Great Hall first large scale model of its interior, at 1:20 scale, to enable the vizualization of its interior with as much detail as possible. It was used for working out and testing the size and ...
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The Campus of Eishin- High School: Central Hall heavy timber truss with curved members - Photographs of model
01/01/1983
Construction Innovation, ModelPhotographer:Hansjoachim Neis/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorThe balsa wood model of the truss assisted in conceiving the structural behavior, especially under earthquake forces. It was exhibited at the 14th International Architecture Biennale Exhibition: “Office US”.
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Alhambra Tile Fragment: Photographs of the tile fragment and related sketches
01/01/1984
Work of Art, SketchesPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorThree photographs, one of the tile fragment and two of the sketches made by Christopher Alexander, presenting the gradual formation of centers by increasing the degree of life in them. They were exhibited at the Locus Manifesto-exposition “Re-enchant the World: Architecture ...
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The Campus of Eishin- High School: Central Hall heavy timber truss with curved members - Photographs
01/01/1984
Construction Innovation, Working in ConstructionPhotographer:Hansjoachim Neis/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorFour craftsmen having lunch, lying on the curved truss bents, before the bents were erected inside the Central Building. It was exhibited at the 14th International Architecture Biennale Exhibition: “Office US”.
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The Campus of Eishin- High School: Central Hall heavy timber truss with curved members - Photographs of drawings
01/01/1984
Construction Innovation, DrawingPhotographer:Mr. Sumiyoshi, Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WThe Central Hall truss drawing with details prepared by Mr. Sumiyoshi.
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The Campus of Eishin- High School: Central Hall massive concrete piers - Photographs of drawings
01/01/1984
Construction Innovation, SketchesPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WTwo sketches, the first of the pier and the second of the alcove, complimenting each other, from the point of view of positive and negative; what is positive for the first is the negative for the other, both maintaing their ...
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The Campus of Eishin- High School: Administration building exterior wall with οrnament - Photographs
01/01/1984
Construction Innovation, Construction ProcessPhotographer:Hansjoachim Neis/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorThree images showing the construction process of the concrete diagonal lattice on the second storey wall, using styrofoam formwork. In the fourth image the end wall of the building is shown when completed.
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The Campus of Eishin- High School: Administration building exterior wall with οrnament - Photographs
01/05/1985
Construction Innovation, Exterior ViewPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorTwo images of the second storey wall viewing the trellis of fine concrete splines, with the spaces between the splines plastered in white. In the second image we can also see the two storey wall with the arched gateway.
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The Campus of Eishin- High School: Ornamental wall frieze for the Homeroom Buildings & roof eave detail - Photographs
01/05/1985
Construction Innovation, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Hiroshi Nakano/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorRow of handmade ornaments, made of cast concrete and hand-filled with white plaster, with high contrast, and roof eave and cornice detailing.
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The Campus of Eishin- High School: Ornaments on the Dining Hall - Photographs
01/05/1985
Construction Innovation, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorRow of curved diamonds on the front wall, alternating brown diamonds made of wood with white plastered surfaces. Brown and white create a balanced feeling of positive space and negative space.
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The Campus of Eishin- High School: Central Hall heavy timber truss with curved members - Photographs
01/05/1985
Construction Innovation, Interior ViewPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorThe Central Hall, emptied from people to show off the beautiful curved wooden truss. The photo was exhibited at the Locus Manifesto-exposition “Re-enchant the World: Architecture and the City facing society´s transitions”, in Science Cabinet 2, and at the 14th International ...
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The Campus of Eishin- High School: Central Hall massive concrete piers - Photographs
01/05/1985
Construction Innovation, Interior ViewPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:Color, B&WOne B & W and one color photograph of the massive concrete piers, forming alcoves, arches and seats inside the Central Hall. Alternating repetion with positive space, centers and boundaries are clearly manifested on them. One of them was exhibited at ...
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The Campus of Eishin- High School: Central Hall massive concrete piers - Photographs
01/05/1985
Construction Innovation, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Hiroshi Nakano/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorThree views of the arched alcove and seats between the massive concrete piers.
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The Campus of Eishin- High School: Lamp for Great Hall - Photographs of mock-up
01/11/1986
Construction Innovation, Construction Experiment & Mock-upPhotographer:Hansjoachim Neis/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorThree photos from the making of a hanging simple lamp for the Great Hall. The first presents a sketch by Christopher Alexander, the second the prototype lamp, when first made on the floor of the hall, and the third when ...
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The Campus of Eishin- High School: Great Hall with massive columns and rather small space between them - Photographs
01/01/1986
Construction Innovation, Interior ViewPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorTwo views of the Great Hall interior before it was painted, with focus on the column shaping and the space formed between them, as well as on the natural light entering through the rather small winows, almost framed by the ...
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The Campus of Eishin- High School: Roof eave detail for the Homeroom Buildings - Photographs
01/01/1987
Construction Innovation, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Ruth Landy, Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:SlideCharacteristics:ColorView of the roofs of the Homeroom buildings with the stepped white cornices running all long the wall where it meets the roof.
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Exterior wall made of repetitive recessed bays framed by massive columns - Photographs of mock-up
01/01/1987
Construction Innovation, Construction Experiment & Mock-upPhotographer:Ismet Khambatta/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorImage of a full scale cardboard mock-up built early during the design and construction process, for testing shape and proportions of the recessed bay, the massive columns and their capitals, the embedded seat and the window.
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Exterior wall made of repetitive recessed bays framed by massive columns - Photographs
01/01/1988
Construction Innovation, Exterior ViewPhotographer:Artemis Anninou, San Jose, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorOne image of four recessed bays with the massive columns and their capitals, forming a place to sit and rest for those walking on the sidewalk, and another one focusing on the detailing of the capital and its connection to ...
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The Campus of Eishin- High School: Roof eave detail for the Homeroom Buildings - Photographs
01/11/1989
Construction Innovation, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorViews of the roof end walls of the Homeroom buildings with the stepped white cornices running all long the wall where it meets the roof.
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The Campus of Eishin- High School: College Buildings - Flat beam ceiling structural design in ground floor arcades - Photographs
01/11/1989
Construction Innovation, Exterior ViewPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorFour views of the College Buildings arcades; massive columns with base and capitals, and the ceiling beams embedded in the long building, create a positive space where geometry and function are tightly intertwined.
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Tokyo International Forum: Giant Vierendeel Trusses - Photographs of drawings
01/04/1989
Construction Innovation, DrawingPhotographer:Annie der Bedrossian/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, Print, SlideCharacteristics:6"x8", ColorTwo photographs of the perspective views of the Convention Hall interior, an enormous room 50 meters by 70 meters, with large columns. The roof is supported by Vierendeel box beams, pierced by giant chrysanthemum voids, which are illumunated. Two more ...
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Seljuk Prayer Carpet: Photographs
01/01/1993
Work of Art, Carpet, SketchesPhotographer:One of the four - Don Tuttle, Garry Muse, Bud Holland, Dennis Anderson Sketches by Christopher Alexander, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:Color, B&WSeven photographs, one color of the whole carpet, and another one with emphasis on details; also five black and white photos of sketches depicting carpet details and its overall structure, with emphasis on its field of centers.
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Byzantine-Timurid Prototype: Photographs
01/01/1993
Work of Art, Carpet, Carpet PatternsPhotographer:One of the four - Don Tuttle, Garry Muse, Bud Holland, Dennis Anderson, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:Color, B&WThree photographs, one color photo of the whole carpet, and one in black and white of a carpet detail with a duplicate of inverted contrast.
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Red and Yellow Carpet with Dragons and Fishes: Photographs
01/01/1993
Work of Art, Carpet Fragment, Carpet PatternsPhotographer:One of the four - Don Tuttle, Garry Muse, Bud Holland, Dennis Anderson, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorThree photographs, one of the two carpet fragments in relation to each other and two of carpet details.
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Early Carpet with Spotted Lobes - The Old Rug: Photographs
01/01/1993
Work of Art, Carpet, Carpet PatternsPhotographer:One of the four - Don Tuttle, Garry Muse, Bud Holland, Dennis Anderson, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorSeven photographs, one of the whole carpet and the others of details.
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Very Early Small Pattern Holbein: Photographs
01/01/1993
Work of Art, Carpet Fragment, Carpet PatternsPhotographer:One of the four - Don Tuttle, Garry Muse, Bud Holland, Dennis Anderson, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorThree photographs of the carpet fragment and of its details.
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Flowered Carpet with Giant Central Medallion: Photographs
01/01/1993
Work of Art, Carpet, Carpet PatternsPhotographer:One of the four - Don Tuttle, Garry Muse, Bud Holland, Dennis Anderson, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorFive photographs, one of the whole carpet and the others of details.
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Green Carpet with White Blossoms: Photographs
01/01/1993
Work of Art, Carpet Fragment, Carpet PatternsPhotographer:One of the four - Don Tuttle, Garry Muse, Bud Holland, Dennis Anderson, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:Color, B&WFour photographs, one of the carpet fragment and two of the carpet blossom detail both in color and black and white.
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Coupled Column Prayer Rug with Eight Columns: Photographs
01/01/1993
Work of Art, Carpet, SketchesPhotographer:One of the four - Don Tuttle, Garry Muse, Bud Holland, Dennis Anderson Sketches by Christopher Alexander, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:Color, B&WEight photographs, one color photo of the whole carpet, and another one in black and white. Two color photos of carpet details and three black and white with sketches of details.
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Scarlet and Yellow Lotto Carpet: Photographs
01/01/1993
Work of Art, Carpet Fragment, Carpet PatternsPhotographer:One of the four - Don Tuttle, Garry Muse, Bud Holland, Dennis Anderson, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorThree photographs, one of the carpet fragment and two of the carpet pattern details.
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Yellow Field Blossom Carpet: Photographs
01/01/1993
Work of Art, Carpet Fragment, Carpet PatternsPhotographer:One of the four - Don Tuttle, Garry Muse, Bud Holland, Dennis Anderson, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:Color, B&WThree photographs, one of the carpet fragment and two of the carpet blossom detail both in color and black and white.
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Carpet with Blue Lotus Blossoms on Green Field: Photographs
01/01/1993
Work of Art, Carpet Fragment, Carpet PatternsPhotographer:One of the four - Don Tuttle, Garry Muse, Bud Holland, Dennis Anderson, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorFour photographs, one of the carpet fragment and three of the carpet details.
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Konya Prayer Rug: Photographs
01/01/1993
Work of Art, Carpet, SketchesPhotographer:One of the four - Don Tuttle, Garry Muse, Bud Holland, Dennis Anderson Sketches by Christopher Alexander, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:Color, B&WFour photographs, two of the whole carpet, one in color and the other one in black and white; also two more with sketches of details.
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Very Early Small Pattern Holbein: Photographs of the carpet fragment border and related sketches
01/01/1993
Work of Art, Carpet Fragment, SketchesPhotographer:One of the four - Don Tuttle, Garry Muse, Bud Holland, Dennis Anderson Sketches by Christopher Alexander, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorTwo photographs focusing on the carpet fragment border and two sketches by Christopher Alexander, one explaining the force-field of the dominant centers and the other presenting some of the dominant centers. They were exhibited at the Locus Manifesto-exposition “Re-enchant the World: ...
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Back-of-the-Moon Community: Gioja House window detail - Photographs
01/11/1995
Construction Innovation, Exterior ViewPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Lake Travis, Austin, TX, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WImage of the dining room bay window, as viewed from outside.
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Zeitlose Art der Dinge / The Timeless Way of Things: Photographs of the exhibit mock-up boards
01/01/1980
Public Event, Exhibited ArtworkPhotographer:Nili Portugali, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalPhotographs depicting thirty-six draft boards prepared in the C.E.S. office for the exhibit; they basically include the final selection of the photographs to be exhibit along with the text, which provides the narrative of the exhibit theme. The sequence of ...
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De Young Museum Exhibit: Carpet exhibition photographs
01/11/1990
Public Event, Exhibited ArtworkPhotographer:Mark Darley, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorFour photographs of the main axis of the exhibition gallery and one of the niche, with the exhibited carpets.
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De Young Museum Exhibit: Carpet exhibition photographs
01/11/1990
Public Event, Exhibited ArtworkPhotographer:Mark Darley, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorSix close-up photographs of groups of exhibited carpets.
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Locus Manifesto-exposition "Re-enchant the World: Architecture and the City facing society´s transitions": Photographs of exhibition
01/04/2014
Public Event, Exhibited ArtworkPhotographer:Lily Alexander, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorSelection of thirteen photographs and objects, prepared specifically for this exhibit, to illustrate the manifestation of the fifteen fundamental geometric properties in nature, as formulated by Christopher Alexander; objects and photographs were exhibited in Science Cabinet 2 .
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Photographs of Christopher Alexander's sketches of the fifteen geometric properties
01/01/1990
Personal Archive, SketchesPhotographer:Christopher Alexander, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WPhotographs of Christopher Alexander’s original sketches of the fifteen fundamental geometric properties, with different versions for each one, all drawn on ten pages. They were exhibited at the Lotus Manifesto-exposition “Re-enchant the World: Architecture and the City facing society´s transitions”, in ...
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Photographs of Christopher Alexander's sketches of the fifteen fundamental geometric properties, for his selection of one sketch for each property
01/01/1990
Personal Archive, SketchesPhotographer:Christopher Alexander, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WFifteen photographs of sketches, each one presenting one of the following properties: 1. Levels of Scale; 2. Stong Centers; 3. Boundaries; 4. Alternating Repetition; 5. Positive Space; 6. Good Shape; 7. Local Symmetries; 8. Deep Interlock; 9. Contrast; 10. Gradients; ...
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Arch 280, Winter 1977 - The Relative "Oneness": Review of Results, Axioms, Assumptions
01/03/1977
Academic, Research Paper, Handout to StudentsAuthors:Christopher Alexander, University of California Berkeley, College of Environmental Design, Department of Architecture, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.8-page notes with 60 bullet points starting with the statement “There are some buildings which have more feeling than others” and through a series of sequential statements introduces certain recognizable geometric properties, and further continuing the trail of thought on ...
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The Identification of Good Buildings and their Physical Geometrical Properties: Test No. II
01/06/1980
Academic, Student Work, PaperAuthors:Hansjoachim Neis, Ralf Weber, University of California Berkeley, College of Letters and Sciences, Department of Psychology, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.40-page paper to be given to various experts who would decide if they agree upon the four proposed concepts: 1) Structural Hierarchy of Centers, 2) Symmetries, 3) Contrast, 4) Positive-Negative Space – Figure-Ground Relation. It contains analysis of the concepts ...
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Arch. 207, Spring 1980 - Advanced Topics in Geometry & Special Problems: Different versions of the Centering Process
02/04/1980
Academic, Research Paper, Handout to StudentsAuthors:Christopher Alexander, University of California Berkeley, College of Environmental Design, Department of Architecture, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.A compilation of fifty pages on the centering process approached through six different ways: 1) Definition of Centering Process, Fall 1979; 2) Example of Centering Process, Fall 1978, with shirt-tail design; 3) A Simplicity Seeking Process; 4) The Presence of ...
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Arch. 207, Spring 1980 - Advanced Topics in Geometry & Special Problems: Unbroken Wholeness
01/04/1980
Academic, Research Paper, Handout to StudentsAuthors:Christopher Alexander, University of California Berkeley, College of Environmental Design, Department of Architecture, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.12-page paper on the definition of a “whole” followed by the description of its geometric properties, which present a way of constructing a more complex whole; definition of a process in which unbroken wholeness is created .
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Arch. 207, Spring 1980 - Advanced Topics in Geometry & Special Problems: The Centering Process May 8, 1980
08/05/1980
Academic, Research Paper, Handout to StudentsAuthors:Christopher Alexander, University of California Berkeley, College of Environmental Design, Department of Architecture, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.14-page paper on the centering process used for generating a design; the ceiling of the seminar room used as an example. The 15 geometric properties are also introduced as part of the design process.
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The Identification of Good Places and their Physical Properties
01/02/1980
Academic, Student Work, PaperAuthors:Hansjoachim Neis, Ralf Weber, University of California Berkeley, College of Letters and Sciences, Department of Psychology, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.42-page paper on a test conducted in a class by the authors, with the task to identify a common understanding of what people consider to be “good” places, beautiful towns, buildings and rooms which have a “spirit of place”. The ...
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Arch. 201, Winter 1981 - Introduction to Geometry: "Dialogue on Ignorance" between C1 and C2
07/12/1981
Academic, Research NotesAuthors:Christopher Alexander, University of California Berkeley, College of Environmental Design, Department of Architecture, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.15-page essay, an early attempt to clarify the different ideas and versions of the theory through posing questions and looking for their answers; it touches on practical issues of design as well .
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Arch. 201, Winter 1981 - Introduction to Geometry: Three different typewritten texts with handwritten notes and corrections, all dealing with the ten topics of the studio class, or variations of them
07/12/1981
Academic, Research NotesAuthors:Christopher Alexander, University of California Berkeley, College of Environmental Design, Department of Architecture, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Three sets of research notes on the following topics: a) three pages on “Fundamental Geometry of Space” with the 10 topics list; b) twelve pages on the ten topics with slight variations, with main points, definitions, lists of properties and ...
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Arch. 201, Winter 1981 - Introduction to Geometry: Typewritten text on Order, with handwritten heading "Get Overall Questions?"
06/11/1981
Academic, Research NotesAuthors:Christopher Alexander, University of California Berkeley, College of Environmental Design, Department of Architecture, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.20-page text in the form of outlines with bullet points, consists of four sequential sections with different dates, written within the span of 10 days. The first 10-page section was written on November 6, 1980; the second 2-page section was ...
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Arch. 201, Winter 1981 - Introduction to Geometry: "Our Separation from the World"
07/12/1981
Academic, Research NotesAuthors:Christopher Alexander, University of California Berkeley, College of Environmental Design, Department of Architecture, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.44-page text, which presents an outline –most probably for the design studio class, building an overall argument on the ten topics; each page contains a heading and one or two sentences.
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Concrete Casting - Construction of Capital and Column
12/12/1986
Academic, Student Work, PaperAuthors:Masanori Tada, University of California Berkeley, College of Environmental Design, Department of Architecture, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.15-page paper describing the steps taken towards the making of a precast column and ornamental capital, for the first floor arcade of the residence building, in the San Jose Shelter for the Homeless project. Included are numerous photographs illustrating the ...
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