Go BackStrong Centers in all Levels of Scale
A building can only amount to something as a living thing when the various physical elements which appear in it are profound centers. The dominant feature of the process that is working correctly is that new centers are formed, and as they form, the space re-arranges itelf, not only locally, but also in the neighborhood of the newly forming center, and in the structure as a whole. Centers are always formed within the whole and by the whole, which requires constant focus on larger wholes, and the awareness that in each small act the process is contributing to the significant shape and organization of larger wholes within the structure.
It is not only geometry and color that count when making a building; substance -- the materials a building is made from, and its detailing -- the way materials are put together, are the critical elements of a proper construction process in which building details contribute and enhance the big field of centers by creating centers at the scale of the very small.
A field of centers evolves through a by step-by-step creation of strong centers, local symmetries and positive space.
Areas of focus:
Design and Building Process
Guiding idea:
Structure Preserving Transformations
Thoughts and Arguments Explored and Developed
Every center is shaped by the next step in the differentiation process
Emerging centers which help to enhance the whole
Emergence of strong centers at fine scale
Position: starting with the most important room
The main centers of a room: Internal elements which create the room’s life
Fine structure determines the feeling in a room
Construction elements as living centers
Construction details and their physical substance unfold as centers
References
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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, ...
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Chapter 10. Always Making Centers, 10 / Emergence of Strong Centers at Fine Scale in the Julian Street Inn
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:293-295 -
Chapter 10. Always Making Centers, 9 / The Julian Street Inn
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:283-291 -
Appendix. A Small Example of a Living Process, 16 / Concrete Wall Details
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:588-590 -
Appendix. A Small Example of a Living Process, 34 / The Kitchen Fireplace Shape
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:612-613 -
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 -
Chapter 13. The Character of Rooms, 1 / What Makes a Good Room
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:412-413 -
Chapter 13. The Character of Rooms, 10 / Tranquility even in the Huge
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:442-443 -
Chapter 13. The Character of Rooms, 2 / Position: How Living Process May be Used to Shape a Room Through its Position
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:413-416 -
Chapter 13. The Character of Rooms, 3 / Position: Starting with the Most Important Room
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:416-417 -
Chapter 13. The Character of Rooms, 4 / Position: The Living Room of the Medlock House
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:417-420 -
Chapter 13. The Character of Rooms, 5 / The Main Centers of a Room: Internal Elements which Create the Room's Life
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:420-424 -
Chapter 13. The Character of Rooms, 6 / The Main Centers of the Carpet Gallery at the San Francisco Museum
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:425-427 -
Chapter 13. The Character of Rooms, 7 / Fine Structure which Determines the Internal Coherence and Feeling in the Room
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:428-433 -
Chapter 13. The Character of Rooms, 8 / Fine Structure: The Berryessa Staircase
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:434-435 -
Chapter 14. Construction Elements as Living Centers, 6/ Unfolding Building Details from the Fundamental Process
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:456-476 -
Chapter 4. Large Public Buildings, 11 / The Intricacy of Detail in a Living Process. Memos on Construction Method
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:127-131 -
Chapter 7. The Character of Gardens
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:228-256
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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C.E.S. Office - Martinez House
1977 to
1984
4207 Arthur Road, 94553, Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Residential, Realized , Construction completed in 1984Client:Center for Environmetal Structure - C.E.S. DirectorsC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Jonathan Fefferman, Harissos Tsiringas, Gary Black, David Dacus, Olasheni AgbabiakaContractor:Center for Environmetal StructureProject cost:$120,000Project stages:Layout on the site by C.E.S. Design Development and Building Permit drawings done after layout Direct construction management and on-site design decisions Users involved in the construction Innovative construction methodsThe second building completed on the Martinez site, was a 2,000 square feet house. A gunite all-concrete building as well, it was the first sizable and fully functional project in which C.E.S. used gunite, while applying all permit and specification ...
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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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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: 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: 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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Farmers' Market
1982 to
1985
North Blackstone Avenue and West Shaw Avenue, Fresno, CA, U.S.A.Commercial, Realized , Construction completed in 1985Client:Mr. Richard ErganianC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Carl Lindberg, Jonathan Fefferman, Artemis AnninouContractor:Center for Environmetal StructureProject cost:$80,000Project stages:Layout on the site by C.E.S. 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 Innovative construction methodsA trellised structure to form the main spine for the weekly Farmer's open air market in Fresno, with 6,000 square foot floor area. Redwood arched trusses, on concrete block piers, 120 feet long, and 40 feet wide. Floor of grey ...
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Two Swimming Pools and House Extension
1984 to
1985
Sonoma, CA, U.S.A.Residential, Realized , Construction completed in Nov-1985Client:Mr. George SarloC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Mark Briner, Eleni Coromvli, othersContractor:Center for Environmetal StructureProject cost:$25,000Project stages:Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Use of full scale mock-ups No drawings were produced Direct construction management and on-site design decisionsHot tub and cold tub hand-worked in yellow, green and white terrazzo, surrounded by a marble decked outdoor room with seats. Trellised walk, stairs and decking through the house gardens leading to the spa area.
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Heavy Timber Carpentry Workshop
1985 to
1986
4207 Arthur Road, 94553, Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Offices & Workshops, Realized , Construction completed in Apr-1986Client:Center for Environmetal Structure - C.E.S. DirectorsC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Gary Black, Seth Wachtel, Lance DomContractor:Center for Environmetal StructureProject cost:$50,000Project stages:Layout on the site by C.E.S. Design Development and Building Permit drawings done after layout Direct construction management and on-site design decisions Users involved in the construction Innovative construction methodsThe third building completed on the Martinez site was a heavy timber carpentry workshop, 800 square feet of floor area, with 12"x12" columns and 8"x14" beams, specially engineered trusses and wood paneling. .
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House for Ann Medlock and John Graham
1985 to
1988
Whidbey Island, Seattle, WA, U.S.A.Residential, Realized , Construction completed in 1988Client:Mrs. Ann Medlock and Mr. John GrahamC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, James Maguire, Gary BlackContractor:Center for Environmental Structure in Joint Venture with Dow Corporation, Seattle - Curt BrownProject cost:$250,000Project 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 Direct Construction management and on-site design decisions Budget and subcontractors undAll wood 3,000 square feet house, with extended landscaping, gardens and driveways. Its exterior is heavy timber and cedar paneling. All interior structures with built-in furnishings, walls, floors, ceilings, lighting, cabinets, desks, chairs, tables, were custom fitted to user layout ...
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Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless
1986 to
1990
Julian St. & Montgomery St., San Jose, CA, U.S.A.Civic, Realized , Construction completed in 1989; final interior painting in 1990Client:Housing for Independent People - Al DiLudovico, Executive DirectorC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Gary Black, Artemis Anninou, Carl Lindberg, James Maguire, Eleni Coromvli, Kleoniki TsotropoulouContractor:Oliver and Company, with Center for Environmetal Structure as major specialty subcontractorProject cost:$1,700,000Project stages:Pattern language for project by clients and C.E.S. Layout by clients and C.E.S. Use of full scale mock-ups Design Development and Building Permit drawings Direct Construction management and on-site design decisions Budget and subcontractors under C.EDesign and construction of a shelter for homeless people, to serve 50 to 100 people, on a site of 13,000 sf. The building of 15,000 square feet includes offices, living areas with a dining hall, sleeping rooms, courtyards and gardens. ...
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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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House for Chris Upham and Stephanie Upham
1989 to
1994
37 Poppy Lane, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Residential, Realized , Construction completed in 1994Client:Mr. & Mrs. Christopher and Stephanie UphamC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Randall Schmidt, Carl Lindberg, Gary Black, James MaguireContractor:Center for Environmetal StructureProject cost:$439,000Project 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 decisionsTwo-story family house, with 2,400 square feet floor area, designed with the participation of the clients. The construction of a massive 15 high foot high retaining wall and sewer reconstruction caused by unusual hill condition added $96,000 to the house ...
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Sullivan House
1990 to
1994
Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Residential, Realized , Construction completed in 1996Client:Mr. & Mrs. Steve and Susie SullivanC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Eleni Coromvli, Katalin BendeContractor:Center for Environmetal StructureProject cost:$260,000Project 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. controlHouse reconstruction design and construction management. Concrete, redwood, fruitwood, plaster, terrazzo tiled floors and hand made metal detailed interiors.
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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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Mary Rose Museum
1991 to
1993
Portsmouth, Hampshire, U.K.Civic, Designed , Not builtClient:The Mary Rose Trust - Mr. John Vimpany & Dr. Brian HansonC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Gary Black, Miyoko Tsutsui, Annie der BedrossianProject cost:Expected construction cost: $15,000,000Design and construction process:The following are the major sequential steps of the design process: 1) Defining a word-picture of generic centers 2) Structure preserving emergence of the building volume from the urban landscape 3) The rough sketch design 4) Obtaining the structural design 5) Money distribution 6) Distribution of the main mass concrete of the building 7) Working through the finer materials, concrete, brick and stone with special regard for light and colorProject stages:Design Development stage in progress Construction management rules and process Innovative construction methodsMuseum for Henry VIII's ship, sank in 1547, raised in 1982, and then preserved in a dry dock next to HMS Victory. The museum, with an area of construction of about 8,000 square meters, was to be built over dry ...
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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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Reconstruction of an Urban Neighborhood
1996
Progresso, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, U.S.A.Neighborhood Planning, Designed , Completed in 1996Client:City of Ft. LauderdaleC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Saul Pichardo, Chris Andrews, Shawn BradburyProject stages:Generative rules for urban growth process Generative rules for the neighborhood layout process Implementation processPlan for the rejuvenation of the Flagler Heights/Progresso community, an urban neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a congested slum-like, unprepossessing and disordered quite large area of the city, about half a mile by three-quartes of a mile. The project proposal ...
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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.
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San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
1999
San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.Civic, Designed , Not builtClient:Mayor of OaklandC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Randall SchmidtProject stages:Concept DesignNew east span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Design is based on a system of prefabricated, precast, thin concrete shell elements.
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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Painted wooden carved dolls
1984
Personal Work of Art, WoodworkingCreated by:Christopher AlexanderFour hand-carved dolls painted in gouache.
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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.
SEE ALL Works of Art
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C.E.S. Office - Martinez House: Outdoor walls and seat with balustrade in arches
1979
Construction System, Sprayed ConcreteCreated by:Christopher Alexander, David DacusThe seat with its balustrade, built next to the tile workshop in Martinez, were built solely with sprayed concrete. Styrofoam or polysterene cut-outs to shape were used and placed against a backing of sheetrock, providing an ultra-low-cost formwork. Then concrete ...
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C.E.S. Office - Martinez House: Construction experiment of octagonal freestanding concrete columns, with low-cost formwork, shot in gunite
1979
Construction System, Sprayed ConcreteCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Harissos TsiringasConstruction technique for concrete columns, with base, capital and an elegant flare where the shaft meets the base, shot in gunite into a low-cost open form. The corners of the column shaft, with a flare where it meets the base, ...
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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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C.E.S. Office - Martinez House: Wooden plank roof construction details
1981
Building Detail, Roof & EaveCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Gary Black, Jonathan Feffermann, Leonidas PakasThe "Russian" type plank roof consists of two layers of long boards running from ridge to eave, with two grooves milled in each board; before being built on the house, its construction method and detailing was tried on the small ...
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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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Sala House: Wooden post and beam, load bearing structural frame combined with red and grey cast concrete exterior walls
1982
Construction System, Combination of Timber Framework and ConcreteCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Gary BlackTimber frame out of 6"x6" douglas fir columns and beams for vertical loads only, which require pin connections only with 1/2'' rebars; wood corbels cut from six-by-six stock also enable beam to post connections with 1" bolts. The framework exposes ...
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C.E.S. Office - Martinez House: Ornamental concrete layers on the exterior wall envelope
1983
Work of Art for Project, OrnamentCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Gary Black, Seth WachtelOrnamental concrete layers, both vertical and horizontal, painted white, in contrast to the blue of the wall large surfaces. The vertical concrete layers were incorporated in the formwork of columns and shear walls, while the horizontal concrete layers were shot ...
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C.E.S. Office - Martinez House: Interior beams, columns, column capitals and ceiling patterns
1983
Construction System, Sprayed ConcreteCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Gary Black, Seth WachtelShaping building elements by shooting gunite into lightweigh open formwork; styrofoam fillers on a plywood form were used for details and ornaments.
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Eishin Campus - High School: Gymnasium window shaping and details
1984
Building Detail, Window ShapingCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Hansjoachim Neis, Artemis AnninouA row of unsual shaped windows, creating positive space in alternation with the beautifully shaped wall segments, and coherent individual centers, small and large.
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Fresno Farmers' Market: Ornamental concrete tiles
1984
Work of Art for Project, Concrete TileworkCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Carl Lindberg, Jonathan Fefferman, Artemis Anninou6.000-square-foot ornamental concrete slab with special hand made fish-tail tiles. Each tile is about 15 inches long and 6 inches wide, in thin dense concrete about 1/2 inch thick. made by precasting 1/2" thick light blue fishtail tiles, cast on ...
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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: Gymnasium black shikkui plastered walls and roof detail
1985
Building Detail, Plasterwork, Roof & EaveCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Hansjoachim Neis, Artemis AnninouGymnasium black shikkui plastered exterior walls, unusual shaped windows, roof eave and orange-painted steel bracket plates holding the roof rafters.
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Haworth New Office Furniture System: Upright desk / Herman Miller New Office Furniture System: Executive desk
1985
Work of Art for Project, Office Furniture PrototypeCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Gary BlackRed automobile laquer sprayed over MDF to create high gloss surfaces for the desk frame and its upstand with shelves and pigeonholes, combined with a brown leather slightly sloping writing surface; available in prescribed colors in three sizes. Furniture prototype ...
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Haworth New Office Furniture System: Rolling Cabinet with Drawers
1985
Work of Art for Project, Office Furniture PrototypeCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Gary BlackRolling cabinet made of black lucite and heavy brass castors. Furniture prototype incorporated in the Center for Environmental Structure office.
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Martinez Heavy Timber Carpentry Workshop: Heavy timber construction details
1985
Construction System, Heavy Timber Load Bearing StructureCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Gary Black, Seth Wachtel, Lance DomConcrete column base and timber column connection; timber capital where column, beam and braces meet and other timber connection details.
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Eishin Campus - High School: College Buildings classroom window shaping
1984
Building Detail, Window ShapingCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Gary Black, Hansjoachim Neis, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Artemis AnninouWindows in the largest classrooms of the College Buildings, with harmonious internal organization in panes and glazing bars. Full-size mockups with various soft materials were developed until shapes and sizes worked harmoniously.
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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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Herman Miller New Office Furniture System: Wall lights & reflectors
1988
Work of Art for Project, Office Furniture PrototypeCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Gary BlackSystem of wall lights placed at the wall-celing interface, to form a lighting cornice. The wall lights are supplied with computerized colored reflecting surfaces, that can be installed either below or above the wall light. Full scale functioning light fixture ...
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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: Exterior wall cladding with hand-painted and hand-glazed tilework
1988
Work of Art for Project, Hand-glazed TileworkCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Kleoniki Tsotropoulou4.500 hand-glazed grey tiles with hand-drawn geometric pattern, on reddish Mexican body tiles, for cladding the second floor exterior walls 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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Nyingma Buddist Monastery: Compound enclosure wall
1990
Building Detail, Wall TreatmentCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Ismet Khambatta, Keiko InoueTen-foot high battered shape perimeter wall, made of bricks with cross reinforcements, plastered with medallion ornaments and colored; built as a full scale mockup ...
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House for Roger and Karuna Hodgson: New kind of wall construction
1991
Construction System, Structural WallCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Gary Black, James MaguireMockups for innovative block techniques used the construction of structural walls made of concrete blocks laid out in a way allowing a fine line of marble to be inlaid in a chase.
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Upham House: Wooden stair with complex shape
1991
Building Detail, Stair ShapingCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Randall SchmidtStair built in fir and pine board, cut and fitted in situ to complete and fit the complex shape.
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Upham House: Kitchen fireplace shape
1992
Building Detail, Room ShapingCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Randall SchmidtThe positioning of a kitchen fireplace, to function mainly as an oven, in the corner of an L-shaped kitchen, and its shaping as a cylinder, resolves the problems of the room; extensive work with cardboard mockups were used for finalizing ...
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center: Exterior wall with exposed herringbone brick pattern, alternating with exposed concrete bands and grey flint stones
1994
Building Detail, Wall TreatmentCreated by:Christopher Alexander, John HewittThe exposed surface of the perimeter thick wall is made of a combination of red bricks, exposed concrete and flint stones. there are several patterns of alternating repetition, the predominant one being the alteration between concrete bands and the herringbone ...
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Back-of-the-Moon Community: Heisey house roof eave detail
1994
Building Detail, Roof & EaveCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Saul Pichardo, Randall SchmidtLight rafter and sub-rafter structure for the roof eave. Shaped rafter tails form the roof edge and eave; the eave is more complex and makes a better center by the shape of the tails.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center: Stone and tiles floor surface details
1995
Building Detail, HardscapeCreated by:Christopher Alexander, John HewittThe paving combined red color floor tiles in the shape of a fleur de lys against grey stone in different sizes; fitting them together, strong centers were formed. The gutter in the paths, at its edge with the grass, was ...
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center: Door and window shaping
1995
Building Detail, Window ShapingCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Derek BonnerThe window shapes in relation to the treatment of surrounding wall formed strong centers. The window itself, beautifully shaped and specially made with curved sash. The window surround, cast concrete; beyond the cast concrete herringbone brickwork. Below the window, emphasizing ...
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Back-of-the-Moon Community: Gioja house window detail
1995
Building Detail, Window ShapingCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Saul Pichardo, Randall SchmidtGioja house dining room bay window subdivision and detailing.
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Sullivan House: Fireplace nook details
1995
Building Detail, Wall TreatmentCreated by:Christopher Alexander, David SoffaA wood-paneled fireplace nook, where upholstery is built into the hardwood arms of the structure.
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Exterior wall cladding with hand-painted and hand-glazed tilework; mock-ups for the tiles
01/01/1988
Construction Innovation, Mock-upCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Eleni Coromvli, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CAMedium:ArraySize:10 1/8"x10 1/8", 8 1/2"x11"Scale:1'=1'Three sets of cardboard mockups, in actual size, depicting the sequence of the pattern and color studies for the tiles. The first set includes one mock-up with four early pencil sketches of the tile pattern drawn at full scale in ...
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Herman Miller New Office Furniture System: Wall Light Reflector mockup
01/01/1986
Construction Innovation, Mock-upCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Gary Black, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CAMedium:ArraySize:14 3/4"x94", 14 3/4"x60"Scale:1'=1'Full-scale cardboard mockup strips of light reflectors with geometric patterns of a darker green background with lighter green cross shaping lines forming red stars.
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Series of Drinking Glasses for the Royal Dutch Glassworks: Wooden Prototypes
01/01/2020
Work of Art, Mock-upCreated by:Christopher Alexander, Katalin Bende, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CAMedium:ArraySize:3 1/4"x4 5/8", 3 1/4"x5 1/16, 3 1/4"x5 1/4"Scale:1'=1'Eleven wooden pieces of drinking-glass, representing alternative shaped models for the glasses in various heights, organized in three groups, each one a different shape: Three of group A, three of group B and five of group C.
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Sala House: Presentation Drawings - Ground Floor Plan with special design elements
01/01/1982
Architectural Design, Project, Presentation Drawing, Floor Plan, DetailsDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Gary Black, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on VellumSize:18"x24"Ground floor plan, upper terrace perspective, terrazzo floor pattern, Count Ramford fireplace perspective, stair ornament details and terrace window-opening detail.
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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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The Sala House: Heavy Timber Frame
01/01/1982
Construction Innovation, Presentation Drawing, Axonometric, DetailsDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Gary Black, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on VellumFive drawings with construction details pertaining to the timber frame; an axonometric depicting an overview of a corner situation extending in two floors, and four details focusing on the pin connections and the use of corbels.
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The Campus of Eishin - High School: Gymnasium black shikkui plastered walls and roof detail - Design Development Drawings
01/04/1984
Construction Innovation, Design Development, Elevation, DetailsDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Hansjoachim Neis, Artemis Anninou, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:BlueprintSize:Extract from 24"x42" drawingScale:1:50, 1:10Detail of the elevation of the Gymnasium side wall depicting the alternating sequence of windows and wall segments with the orange-painted steel plates, below the roof eave, marking the ends of the truss rafters and functioning as ornaments on the ...
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Eishin Campus - High School: College Buildings classroom window shaping - Design Development Drawings
27/04/1984
Construction Innovation, Design Development, ElevationDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Hansjoachim Neis, Artemis Anninou, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:BlueprintSize:Extract from 24"x42" drawingScale:1:50Three elevation drawings depicting the windows of the large classrooms; the first as a parital interior elevation of the classroom and the other two as partial elevations of the two facades of the College buildings. .
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Haworth New Office Furniture System: Upright Desk / Herman Miller New Office Furniture System: Executive Desk - Preliminary Design Drawings
01/07/1985
Construction Innovation, Preliminary Design, Perspective, Section, Elevation, DetailsDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on PaperSize:8 1/2"x11"Two pages of pen free-hand sketches and four pencil hardline sketches of the desk section and its basic details, representing the final vision of the desk with its special features, and the first attempts to dimension its parts and its ...
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Haworth New Office Furniture System: Rolling Cabinet with Drawers - Preliminary Design Drawings
01/05/1985
Construction Innovation, Preliminary Design, Perspective, ElevationDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on PaperSize:8 1/2"x11"Three pages, one with preliminary hardline drawings drawn to scale with dimensions, and two pages with early rough sketches.
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Haworth New Office Furniture System: Upright Desk / Herman Miller New Office Furniture System: Executive Desk - Design Development Drawings
01/05/1986
Construction Innovation, Design Development, Axonometric, Plan, Section, ElevationDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Gary Black, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on VellumSize:8 1/2"x11"Scale:1 1/2"=1'Eight sheets of ink hardline construction drawings; axonometric, elevations, vertical section, plan and horizontal sections, with dimensions.
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Haworth New Office Furniture System: Rolling Cabinet with Drawers - Design Development Drawings
01/05/1986
Construction Innovation, Design Development, Axonometric, Plan, Section, ElevationDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Gary Black, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on VellumSize:8 1/2"x11"Scale:1 1/2"=1'Two sheets of ink hardline construction drawings, including axonometric, elevation, top view and sections with dimensions.
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Exterior wall cladding with hand-painted and hand-glazed tilework - Tile pattern studies
01/01/1987
Construction Innovation, Sketches, DetailsDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on PaperSize:8 1/2"x11"Sequence of four sketches titled “Simplicity and Nothing”, developed as studies of tile patterns, applying the property of simplicity in the formation of a tile design.
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Exterior wall cladding with hand-painted and hand-glazed tilework - Tile pattern studies
01/01/1987
Construction Innovation, Sketches, DetailsDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on PaperSize:8 1/2"x11"Sequence of three sketches titled “Process of Creating Centers”, depicting the centering process for developing a tile design to be used in the San Jose Shelter for the Homeless.
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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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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center - Door and window shaping: Design Development Drawings - Entrance types
28/02/1994
Construction Innovation, Design Development, ElevationDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Derek Boner, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:11"x17"Six-page set of elevation drawings for five doors and one window type, depicting their mulion subdivision of the glass, each with a code name.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center - Door and window shaping: Preliminary Design - Window mullions
01/01/1994
Construction Innovation, Preliminary Design, ElevationDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on Tracing PaperSize:12"x17", 8 1/2"x11"Scale:1:100Three rough sketches working out the mullion thicknesses of the large windows of the south elevation .
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center: Exterior wall with exposed herringbone brick pattern, alternating with exposed concrete bands and grey flint stones: Sketches of material combinations
25/04/1995
Construction Innovation, Sketches, ElevationDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on Tracing PaperSize:8 1/2"x11"Two sketches depicting two design ideas for material combinations of the entrance facade: The first sketch shows the combination of stone panels with bricks above the arch; the second sketch shows the combination of concrete with brick and flint stone ...
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center: Exterior wall with exposed herringbone brick pattern, alternating with exposed concrete bands and grey flint stones: Sketches of material combinations
02/05/1995
Construction Innovation, Sketches, ElevationDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:8 1/2"x11"Two sketches depicting two design ideas for material combinations of the entrance facade: The first sketch shows the combination of concrete with flint stone infills; the second sketch shows the combination of concrete with brick and flint stone above the ...
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center: Exterior wall with exposed herringbone brick pattern, alternating with exposed concrete bands and grey flint stones: Sketches of the north wall
02/05/1995
Construction Innovation, Sketches, ElevationDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on Tracing PaperSize:12"x13", 10"x13", 10"x16 1/2"Three partial elevations of the northern facade focused on material proportions and layouts around the small windows.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center: Exterior wall with exposed herringbone brick pattern, alternating with exposed concrete bands and grey flint stones: Sketch studies of the poured concrete near large windows
01/01/1995
Construction Innovation, Sketches, DetailsDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on Tracing PaperSize:8 3/8"x11 3/8"Series of seven rough sketch versions of the wall material around and between windows. The first two sketches depict only the relative thickness of the poured concrete around and near a window and are close-up images of the upper half ...
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center - Door and window shaping: Design Development Drawings - Door and window schedule
01/01/1996
Construction Innovation, Design Development, Elevation, DetailsDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Derek Boner, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:11"x17"Eight-page set of elevation drawings and detailed information for each window and door type. The first drawing illustrates the window and door casing, jamb and mullion profiles with code reference to each one of the window and door designs depicted ...
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center - Door and window shaping: Design Development Drawings - Entrance early studies
01/01/1996
Construction Innovation, Design Development, ElevationDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Derek Boner, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on Tracing PaperSize:8 1/2"x11"Five drawings illustrating the development of one early design comprised of straight horizontal and curved mullions for the vertical direction.
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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C.E.S. Office - Martinez House: Photographs of building details
01/01/1979
Project, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorPhotograph of a simple and massive low wall marking the perimeter of the building site, accompanied by three sketches of the wall cross section, made by Christopher Alexander.
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Sala House: Photographs of drawings
01/01/1982
Project, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:Print, NegativeCharacteristics:8 1/2"x11", B&WGround Floor Plan with special features of interior and exterior elements, as fireplace, floor design, terraces and stairs.
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Sala House: Photographs of the project during construction
01/08/1982
Project, Construction ProcessPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:SlideCharacteristics:B&WTwo photographs after the completion of the foundation works in which the ground floor slab of the compact house is viewed in relation to the two garden terraces of the house already shaped in parallel. The positive shapes of open ...
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C.E.S. Office - Martinez House: Photographs of the building
01/01/1984
Project, Exterior ViewPhotographer:Mark Darley/Esto, Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:NegativeCharacteristics:4"X5", B&WBlack and white photograph of the building exterior, from its back sides.
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C.E.S. Office - Martinez House: Photographs of building interior
01/01/1985
Project, Interior ViewPhotographer:Kevin Gilson, Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorThree views of the main room of the house, two of the interior colonade at the entrance, and the other of the Count Rumford fireplace with the lounge table in the middle.
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C.E.S. Office - Martinez House: Photographs of building interior
01/07/1986
Project, Interior ViewPhotographer:Mark Darley/Esto, Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorSix photographs of the building interior, from its various work spaces and corners, in which some of the prototype pieces of furniture built for the Haworth New Office Furniture System are visible.
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The Campus of Eishin - High SchooI: Music School - Photographs of the building
01/01/1986
Project, Exterior ViewPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorTwo views of the Music School attached to the Great Hall, in the first stepped back, facing the main square, and in the second facing the lake; they show how a small simple volume, attached to a large simple volume, ...
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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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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Photographs of project model
01/06/1987
Project, Design Process, ModelPhotographer:Dan Oshima, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:SlideCharacteristics:ColorTwo views of the building final model depicting clearly the main centers of the volumetric arrangement, both of building and open space volumes. The treatment of walls is clearly shown to emphasize the range of centers in different scales. The first ...
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Photographs of sketches
01/06/1987
Project, Design Process, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorSix sequential sketches by Christopher Alexander which show the design unfolding through the formation of centers at each step.
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The Campus of Eishin - High SchooI: Great Hall - Photographs of students performances
01/01/1987
Project, Interior View, Project in UsePhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorSix views from a formal concert given in the Great Hall; the first two are focusing on the stage, which is sized, shaped and painted in a way that makes it a major center, supported by the subtle way of ...
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Photographs of drawings
01/06/1987
Project, Design Process, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorFour photographs of the building elevation color renderings; three photographs of the south, north and west elevations and one including all three together.
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Berryessa Terraced House: Photographs of building interior
01/12/1989
Project, Interior ViewPhotographer:Mark Darley/Esto, Napa County, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorFive different views of the house staircase as it runs down the site slope, a spine connecting the different volumes of the house.
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Photographs of the building
01/11/1989
Project, Exterior ViewPhotographer:Mark Darley/Esto, San Jose, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorFour different views of the building as seen from the street. One of them was exhibited at the Locus Manifesto-exposition “Re-enchant the World: Architecture and the City facing society´s transitions”.
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Photographs of the building
01/11/1989
Project, Exterior ViewPhotographer:Mark Darley/Esto, San Jose, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorGeneral views of the central courtyard with its colonnade.
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Photographs of building interior
01/11/1989
Project, Interior ViewPhotographer:Mark Darley/Esto, San Jose, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorPhotograph of the dining hall interior with the concrete arched truss, fully completed.
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Tokyo International Forum: Photographs of drawings
01/04/1989
Project, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, Print, SlideCharacteristics:7"x9", ColorPerspective view of the interior of the Grand Entrance Lobby. It shows the main staircase leading to the enormous Convention Hall, whose chrysanthemum trusses are just visible.
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Tokyo International Forum: Photographs of drawings
01/04/1989
Project, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, Print, SlideCharacteristics:7"x11", B&WPhotograph of drawing in 1:200, with the floor plan and section of the main Convention Hall, an enormous room, 50 meters by 70 meters, whose position defined the organization of the entire design.
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Photographs of building interior
01/06/1989
Project, Interior ViewPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., San Jose, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorPhotograph of the dining hall interior with the concrete arched truss, before the room was painted.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center: Photographs of the building
01/01/1996
Project, Exterior ViewPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorThree views of the north wall. It is worth observing the differentiation of the brickwork at the corner on the right because of the window being so close to the corner.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center: Photographs of building details
01/01/1996
Project, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorThree views of the north wall with focus on the brickwork.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center: Photographs of building interior
01/01/1996
Project, Interior ViewPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorFour images of the main dining room with its big windows facing south, into the garden.
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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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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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Painted Wooden Carved Dolls: Photographs
01/01/1984
Work of Art, Wood CarvingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorTwo photographs of the dolls; one all of the together and two of the smaller dolls.
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The Campus of Eishin - High School: College Buildings - The shaping of the classroom windows - Photographs of mock-up
01/03/1984
Construction Innovation, Construction Experiment & Mock-upPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorFull-scale mock-up of a typical window in the large classrooms, made of cardboard and other soft materials, for testing shapes, sizes and proportions. When worked out, these windows with these dimensions were installed in the college buildings .
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The Campus of Eishin - High School: College Buildings - Black shikkui wall ornaments & the shaping of the classroom windows - Photographs of model
01/03/1984
Construction Innovation, ModelPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorThree photographs of a large scale model of a wall segment of the college buildings, for studying proportions, shapes and relations of the façade elements, namely its windows, the ornamental frieze and columns, and the sought after balance and harmony ...
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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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Haworth New Office Furniture System: Upright Desk / Hermann Miller New Office Furniture System: Executive Desk - Photographs
01/01/1985
Construction Innovation, Finalized Piece of Office FurniturePhotographer:Mark Darley/Esto, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, Print, SlideCharacteristics:4"x6", ColorTwo professional photographs of fully functioning prototype piece of office furniture.
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Haworth New Office Furniture System: Rolling Cabinet with Drawers - Photographs
01/01/1985
Construction Innovation, Finalized Piece of Office FurniturePhotographer:Dennis Anderson, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, Negative, SlideCharacteristics:4"x5", ColorProfessional photograph of fully functioning prototype piece of office furniture.
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Haworth New Office Furniture System: Upright Desk / Hermann Miller New Office Furniture System: Executive Desk - Photographs
01/01/1985
Construction Innovation, Finalized Piece of Office FurniturePhotographer:Dennis Anderson, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, Print, Negative, SlideCharacteristics:8"x10", 4"x5", Color, B&WProfessional photograph of fully functioning prototype piece of office furniture.
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Martinez Heavy Timber Carpentry Workshop: Heavy Timber Construction Details - Photographs
01/01/1985
Construction Innovation, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:Color, B&WViews of the timber posts with the mortises and tenons shaped for connecting the posts to their concrete base.
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Martinez Heavy Timber Carpentry Workshop: Heavy Timber Construction Details - Photographs of drawings
01/01/1985
Construction Innovation, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, PMTCharacteristics:8 1/2"x11", B&WThree photographs of construction drawings with details, the first one showing the connection of the corner column with two beams, the second the footing-column connection and the third the details of the perimeter x-bracing joints.
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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: Gymnasium - Window shaping and details - Photographs
01/05/1985
Construction Innovation, Interior ViewPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorInterior of the Gymnasium, building empty, ligths off, windows reflecting in the floor.
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The Campus of Eishin - High School: Gymnasium - Window shaping and details - Photographs
01/05/1985
Construction Innovation, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Hiroshi Nakano/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorTwo photographs of the windows, the first focusing on one only and the other on a sequence of three. The shape and treatment of the windows and of the space between them in alternating repetition create centers in different levels ...
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The Campus of Eishin - High School: Gymnasium - Black shikkui plastered walls and roof detail - Photographs
01/05/1985
Construction Innovation, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Hiroshi Nakano/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorThe black shikkui plastered walls in alteration with the unusual shaped wooden windows, the red roof and the orange-painted steel bracket plates holding the roof rafters, assumingly just ornaments, create a field of centers. In the second photo the relationship ...
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Haworth New Office Furniture System: Flat-topped Desk with Rolling Cabinet with Drawers next to it, and Upright Desk with the Rolling Side Table - Photographs
01/01/1986
Construction Innovation, Finalized Piece of Office FurniturePhotographer:Mark Darley/Esto, Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:NegativeCharacteristics:3 7/8"x4 7/8", ColorTwo professional photographs of fully functioning prototype pieces of office furniture in use.
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Martinez Heavy Timber Carpentry Workshop: Heavy Timber Construction Details - Photographs
01/06/1986
Construction Innovation, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Mark Darley/Esto, Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:Color, B&WFive images of the timber members detailing, connections and bracing.
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Martinez Heavy Timber Carpentry Workshop: Heavy Timber Construction Details - Photographs
01/06/1986
Construction Innovation, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WThree images of the timber members detailing, connections and bracing.
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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 Campus of Eishin - High School: College Buildings - The shaping of the classroom windows - Photographs
01/07/1987
Construction Innovation, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorTwo views of the windows in a large classrooms.
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The Campus of Eishin - High School: College Buildings - Black shikkui ornaments & The shaping of the classroom windows - Photographs
01/07/1987
Construction Innovation, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorTwo views of a wall segment of the college buildings, focusing on the black shikkui ornamental frieze running all around the building and the wooden windows.
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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 Homeless: Precast columns and capitals with ornamental details - Photographs of mock-up
01/01/1987
Construction Innovation, Mock-upPhotographer:Ismet Khambatta/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorPhotograph of two columns with their capitals, built as mock-ups for testing geometry and construction techniques.
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Exterior wall cladding with hand-painted and hand-glazed tilework - Photographs of model
01/01/1987
Construction Innovation, ModelPhotographer:Ismet Khambatta/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorPhotograph of an early working model of a section of the building wall for testing the relationhip between the recessed bays on the ground floor with the cladding of the second floor wall with tilework.
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Exterior wall cladding with hand-painted and hand-glazed tilework - Photographs of mock-ups
01/01/1987
Construction Innovation, Mock-upPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:PrintCharacteristics:4"x6", ColorPhotograph of an early small panel mock-up composed of plain concrete and terracota tiles to check their level of color contrast.
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Herman Miller New Office Furniture System: Wall Lights and Reflectors - Photographs of mock-up
01/01/1988
Construction Innovation, Mock-upPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:SlideCharacteristics:ColorImage of detail of one of the reflectors, placed under the wall light strips.
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Herman Miller New Office Furniture System: Wall Lights and Reflectors - Photographs of mock-up
01/01/1988
Construction Innovation, Mock-upPhotographer:Mark Darley/Esto, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, Print, SlideCharacteristics:6"x8", ColorProfessional photograph of fully functioning mock-up.
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Exterior wall cladding with hand-painted and hand-glazed tilework - Photographs of sketches depicting design process
01/01/1988
Construction Innovation, Sketches, Design ProcessPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, PrintCharacteristics:4"x6", Color, B&WEighteen photographs of a sequence of sketches by Christopher Alexander together with colored mock-ups of the design either on tiles or cardboard, depicting the unfolding of the tile pattern from a simple flower design, to a geometric pattern with rhombs, ...
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Exterior wall cladding with hand-painted and hand-glazed tilework - Photographs of mock-ups
01/01/1988
Construction Innovation, Mock-upPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:PrintCharacteristics:4"x6", ColorPhotograph of a full-scale mock-up of painted cardboard squares with the final tile pattern and colors, composing an array of nineteen tiles; one of the final tests on site before starting the tile production process.
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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 Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: Exterior wall cladding with hand-painted and hand-glazed tilework - Photographs
01/11/1989
Construction Innovation, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., San Jose, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorThree photographs, one shows a portion of the wall next to a window with tiles embedded, the other one is a close up of the embedded tiles, and the last one a wall bay of the 2nd floor with its ...
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for Homeless: Precast columns and capitals with ornamental details - Photographs
01/01/1989
Construction Innovation, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., San Jose, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorTwo photographs of the details on the capital of an arcade column.
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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: Gymnasium - Window shaping and details - Photographs
01/11/1989
Construction Innovation, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorThe rhythm and alternating repetition of the windows as seen in the full length of the wall.
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The Campus of Eishin - High School: College Buildings - The shaping of the classroom windows - Photographs
01/11/1989
Construction Innovation, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorTwo views of the windows in a large classrooms, with window leaves open and curtains hung on them.
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for Homeless: Lacework concrete trusses with curved members shot in the air - Photographs
01/05/1989
Construction Innovation, Interior View, Work in ProgressPhotographer:Ismet Khambatta/C.E.S., San Jose, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorTwo photographs of the dining hall truss before it was painted.
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for Homeless: Lacework concrete trusses with curved members shot in the air - Photographs
01/07/1989
Construction Innovation, Interior ViewPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., San Jose, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:Color, B&WTwo photographs of the dining hall finished truss, still unpainted.
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for Homeless: Precast columns and capitals with ornamental details - Photographs
01/01/1989
Construction Innovation, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Mark Darley/Esto, San Jose, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorTwo images of the details on the capital of an arcade column.
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Nyingma Buddist Monastery - Compound enclosure wall: Photograph of drawings
01/01/1990
Construction Innovation, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WPhotographs of two hardline drawings, the first an axonometric section with construction details and the other an elevation. Two more colored drawings representing the frieze of the wall.
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Nyingma Buddist Monastery - Compound enclosure wall: Photograph of mock-up
01/01/1990
Construction Innovation, Mock-upPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WView of the mock-up of the ten-foot compound wall for enclosing the monastery, built in full scale.
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for Homeless: Lacework concrete trusses with curved members shot in the air - Photographs
01/07/1990
Construction Innovation, Interior ViewPhotographer:Mark Darley/Esto, San Jose, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorTwo photographs of the dining hall finished trusses. A number of them were exhibited at the Locus Manifesto-exposition “Re-enchant the World: Architecture and the City facing society´s transitions”, in Science Cabinet 2.
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"Cargo Ship in the Port of Oakland" painting: Photographs
01/01/1991
Work of Art, Oil PaintingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorOne photograph of the oil painting on wooden panel.
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The Upham House: Kitchen fireplace shape - Photographs of drawings
01/01/1992
Construction Innovation, SketchesPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WSketch depicting the position and shape of the kitchen fireplace.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center - Exterior wall with exposed herringbone brick pattern, alternating with exposed concrete bands and grey flint stones: Photographs of mock-up
01/05/1994
Construction Innovation, Construction Experiment & Mock-upPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorTwo images of early mock-ups of the exposed face of the wall, built on the project grounds and exploring what balance of the materials would best create the whole.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center - Exterior wall with exposed herringbone brick pattern, alternating with exposed concrete bands and grey flint stones: Photographs of mock-up
01/05/1994
Construction Innovation, Construction Experiment & Mock-upPhotographer:John Hewitt, Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorThree images of mock-ups for the entrance porch wall, with brick plinth, concrete and stone verticals, and red herringbone inserts. The first image is a computer-enhanced simulation to test the use of black mortar, concrete, and rose-red bricks, while in ...
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Back-of-the-Moon Community: Heisey House roof eave detail - Photographs
01/01/1994
Construction Innovation, Focus on Detail, Work in ProgressPhotographer:Randall Schmidt/C.E.S., Lake Travis, Austin, TX, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorImage of the house framing focusing on the roof overhang and the detailing of the shaped rafter tails, forming the roof edge and eave.
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Back-of-the-Moon Community: Gioja House window detail - Photographs of mock-up
01/01/1994
Construction Innovation, Mock-upPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Lake Travis, Austin, TX, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorImage of the mock-up for the dining room bay window, overlooking the lake, built in its actual opening, for testing the bay window subdivisions and moldings.
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The Upham House: Wooden stair with complex shape - Photographs
01/01/1994
Construction Innovation, Interior ViewPhotographer:Mark Darley/Esto, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorImage of the ineterior stair, built and fitted in situ in fir and pine board.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center - Door and window shaping: Photographs of windows during the process of visualizing them
01/09/1994
Construction Innovation, Work in ProgressPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorThe bay window in the foyer of the dining room, while being shaped. Standing on the open slab and looking into the garden, for grasping the character of the bay window.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center - Door and window shaping: Photographs of windows during the process of visualizing them
01/09/1994
Construction Innovation, Mock-up, Work in ProgressPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WBy placing chairs and sitting down it was possible to get a first fix on the position, size, width and splay of the dining room large window openings.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center - Exterior wall with exposed herringbone brick pattern, alternating with exposed concrete bands and grey flint stones: Photographs
01/01/1995
Construction Innovation, Exterior View, Focus on Detail, Work in ProgressPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorTwo images of the north wall under construction. The second image shows the cornice of the wall, in which one can see the handling of brick, headers, flint and stone; it was worked course by course, and every course had ...
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center - Exterior wall with exposed herringbone brick pattern, alternating with exposed concrete bands and grey flint stones: Photographs
01/01/1995
Construction Innovation, Exterior View, Focus on Detail, Work in ProgressPhotographer:John Hewitt, Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorThree images of the south entrance under construction. The second image shows the cornice of the wall, in which one can see the handling of brick, headers, flint and stone. It is worth comparing it with the treatment of the ...
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center - Door and window shaping: Photographs
01/08/1995
Construction Innovation, Interior View, Work in ProgressPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorThe bay window in the foyer of the dining room, looking into the gardens, during the last phase of its construction.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center - Exterior wall with exposed herringbone brick pattern, alternating with exposed concrete bands and grey flint stones: Photographs
01/01/1995
Construction Innovation, Focus on Detail, Work in ProgressPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorDetailed view of the north entrance porch under construction, showing the process of handling the materials and testing them during construction, before embedding them in the building. .
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Back-of-the-Moon Community: Gioja House window detail - Photographs
01/11/1995
Construction Innovation, Interior View, Focus on DetailPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Lake Travis, Austin, TX, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorThree images of the dining room bay window, overlooking lake Travis, with its fine geometry created by the different levels of scale of the window members and its subdivisions.
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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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The Sullivan House: Fireplace nook details - Photographs
01/01/1996
Construction Innovation, Interior View, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:David Soffa/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorView of the fireplace nook with upholstered couch.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center - Exterior wall with exposed herringbone brick pattern, alternating with exposed concrete bands and grey flint stones: Photographs
01/01/1996
Construction Innovation, Exterior View, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Nicolas Kane, Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorSix images of the finished north wall with details of brick pattern, arch, thistle ornament and window mullions. In the last two images by Nicolas kane, we see how the window, being so close to the corner, makes the brickwork ...
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center - Exterior wall with exposed herringbone brick pattern, alternating with exposed concrete bands and grey flint stones: Photographs
01/01/1996
Construction Innovation, Exterior View, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorThree images of the entrance porch, the first an overview and the other two with focus on the brickwork pattern on the pillars.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center - Door and window shaping: Photographs
01/01/1996
Construction Innovation, Exterior View, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorOne image of the the main door at the entrance foyer, and two more of the entrance door facing south, leading to the gardens.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center - Door and window shaping: Photographs
01/01/1996
Construction Innovation, Exterior View, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorImages of different windows in the building. Two images of the smaller windows on the north side of the building, three image of the dining room larger windows facing south, and one of the bay window in the entrance foyer. ...
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center - Door and window shaping: Photograph of sketches with the window as a center
01/01/1996
Construction Innovation, Drawing, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorSeveral geomeric properties –alternating repetition, good shape, strong centers, positive space– are present through the articulation of the brick pattern, arch, thistle ornament, muntins. There is an inherent harmonious structure bring forward the window as a center. A sketch by ...
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Drinking handblown glasses for the Royal Dutch Glassworks: Photographs depictng the process of making
01/01/1997
Work of Art, Glassware, Design ProcessPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorFive photographs depicting the four stages of making process for the glasses, including the two early sketches, the wooden mock-ups, the early prototype, and the first sample of glasses.
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Drinking handblown glasses for the Royal Dutch Glassworks: Photographs
01/01/1997
Work of Art, GlasswarePhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorFour photographs focused on individual glasses.
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Drinking handblown glasses for the Royal Dutch Glassworks: Photographs
01/01/1997
Work of Art, GlasswarePhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorThree photographs with glasses grouped.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center - Door and window shaping: Photographs
01/01/2016
Construction Innovation, Interior View, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Dan Klynn, Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorDetail of the main entrance door and its detailing.
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Back-of-the-Moon Community: Heisey House roof eave detail - Photographs
18/03/2018
Construction Innovation, Exterior View, Focus on DetailsPhotographer:Dan Klynn, Lake Travis, Austin, TX, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorThree images of the roof overhang and the detailing of the shaped rafter tails, forming the roof edge and eave.
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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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