Go BackThe Layout Process of Buildings on the Land – Visualization at Full Scale on Site
Each act of building needs to have a positive effect on its surroundings; to complete them, preserve their structure, make them better, by creating strong centers in them and next to them. Each new building is more alive when it fits into its context, makes the larger area more profound, enlarges it in spirit. Each building, especially in its siting, its location, its volumes, and in the outdoor spaces they create, will be shaped to protect its neighbor buildings, to extend pedestrian canopies, to improve the space in adjacent streets in conjunction with other nearby buildings.
The effect is that each building enlivens and intensifies the land.
The way to start is to be on the land, on the actual ground of the building site, study it and understand its latent centers.
The actual process of locating and sizing the volumes of a building and its outdoor spaces, might differ from case to case depending on the particularities of each case, but the only way to do it properly and extend the real benefits beyond the limits of the project site to its surroundings, is to visualize the building while being on the actual site and to stake out on the land all building edges and all important exterior centers, step by step, always with reference to the surroundings.
Going back and forth between the the land and a work model at 1:200 scale, which shows the contours of the land, roads, surrounding buildings and trees, is a way to view and assess the results by replicating the stake out on the model with small paper models of the building volumes. It provides additonal insights, since it enables an easier perception of the whole. .
Areas of focus:
Design and Building Process
Guiding idea:
Step by Step Process
Thoughts and Arguments Explored and Developed
Every building is placed and shaped to form a positive pattern of space
Building volumes and important outdoor spaces are laid out on the actual site
The purpose of the buildings is to bring life to the land
It is the land that really matters
It is through structure-preserving transformations that buildings are shaped and placed for enlarging the wholeness of the land
References
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The Production of Houses
1985
Authors:Christopher Alexander, Howard Davis, Julio Martinez, Don CornerPublisher:Oxford University Press, New York, NY, U.S.A.No of pages:383 ppThe fifth volume in “The Center for Environmental Structure Series” on architecture published by Oxford University Press, “The Production of Houses” puts Alexander’s theories to the test and shows what sort of production system can create the kind of environment Alexander ...
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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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The Battle for the Life and Beauty of the Earth - A Struggle between Two World-Systems
2012
Authors:Christopher Alexander, Hansjoachim Neis, Maggie Moore AlexanderPublisher:Oxford University Press, New York, NY, U.S.A.No of pages:505 ppThe ninth and last volume of “The Center for Environmental Structure Series” on architecture published by Oxford University Press is the “The Battle for the Life and Beauty of the Earth – A Struggle between Two World-Systems”. The book puts ...
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Chapter 22: Shaping a Group of Buildings
1979.I.TWOBU.22
PublicationBook title:
The Timeless Way of Building
Pages:427-454Digitized -
Appendix A Small Example of a Living Process, 1 / A Radical New Process
Appendix A Small Example of a Living Process, 2 / Finding a Site
Appendix A Small Example of a Living Process, 3 / First Analysis of Site with Rough Twisted Paper and Balsa Models New Process
Appendix A Small Example of a Living Process, 4 / Full-Size Tests of Volume and Position on Site
Appendix A Small Example of a Living Process, 5 / A First Sketch
Appendix A Small Example of a Living Process, 6 / Checking the Neighbors' Views
Appendix A Small Example of a Living Process, 7 / First Emergence of an Interior Plan
Appendix A Small Example of a Living Process, 8 / Extension of the Lot: The Little Plum Tree
Appendix A Small Example of a Living Process, 9 / Deeper Questions about the Feeling of the Plan
Appendix A Small Example of a Living Process, 10 / A Deeper Conception of the Living Room
Appendix A Small Example of a Living Process, 11 / Laying the House out on the Land
Appendix A Small Example of a Living Process, 12 / Starting to Get a General idea of Construction
Appendix A Small Example of a Living Process, 13 / Establishing Rooms
Appendix A Small Example of a Living Process, 14 / Upstairs Rooms
Appendix A Small Example of a Living Process, 15 / Analysis of Costs
PublicationBook 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:571-588Digitized -
Appendix. A Small Example of a Living Process, 18 / Start of Construction
Appendix. A Small Example of a Living Process, 19 / The Retaining Wall
Appendix. A Small Example of a Living Process, 20 / Management Agreement that Feeling Must Guide Even the Most Technical Aspects of Construction
Appendix. A Small Example of a Living Process, 21 / Setting the Main-Floor Level
Appendix. A Small Example of a Living Process, 22 / Excavation
Appendix. A Small Example of a Living Process, 23 / Fine-Tuning the Plan as we Fix Forms for the Foundation Walls
PublicationBook 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:591-596Digitized -
Appendix. A Small Example of a Living Process, 25 / Placing and Fine-Tuning First-Floor Rooms
Appendix. A Small Example of a Living Process, 26 / Making and Placing the First-Floor Wall
Appendix. A Small Example of a Living Process, 27 / Fixing the Living Room: Its Doors and Fireplace and Windows
Appendix. A Small Example of a Living Process, 28 / Remaking Other First-Floor Rooms
Appendix. A Small Example of a Living Process, 29 / Completing the First-Floor Structure
Appendix. A Small Example of a Living Process, 30 / Pouring and Forming the Garage
Appendix. A Small Example of a Living Process, 31 / Getting the Entrance Path Just Right
Appendix. A Small Example of a Living Process, 32 / Remaking the Upstairs Rooms
Appendix. A Small Example of a Living Process, 33 / The Master Bed Alcove
PublicationBook 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:600-612Digitized -
Chapter 11. Further Dynamics of a Growing Neighborhood, 1 / The Stuff of Life
Chapter 11. Further Dynamics of a Growing Neighborhood, 2 / The Essential Reason for Dynamic Thinking
PublicationBook 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:334-335Digitized -
Chapter 11. Further Dynamics of a Growing Neighborhood, 3 / Santa Rosa de Cabal, Colombia
PublicationBook 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:336-338Digitized -
Chapter 11. Further Dynamics of a Growing Neighborhood, 6 / Moshav Shorashim in the Galilee
PublicationBook 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:349-351Digitized -
Chapter 11. Further Dynamics of a Growing Neighborhood, 7 / The Fort Mason Bench
Chapter 11. Further Dynamics of a Growing Neighborhood, 8 / Doing Work Together
PublicationBook 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:352-359Digitized -
Chapter 5. The Positive Pattern of Space and Volume in Three Dimensions of the Land, 4 / The Millenium Church
PublicationBook 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:156-158Digitized -
Chapter 5. The Positive Pattern of Space and Volume in Three Dimensions of the Land, 5 / Emergenceof Complex Space and Volume on a Small Piece of Land in California
PublicationBook 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:159-165Digitized -
Chapter 5. The Positive Pattern of Space and Volume in Three Dimensions of the Land, 6 / Building a Five-Story Building in Tokyo to Make Harmonious Space and Volume
PublicationBook 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:166- 173Digitized -
Chapter 5. The Positive Pattern of Space and Volume in Three Dimensions of the Land, 7 / Laying out a Very Large Building Complex: The Eishin Campus
PublicationBook 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:173-177Digitized -
Chapter 5. The Positive Pattern of Space and Volume in Three Dimensions of the Land, 7A / The Completion of Design and Construction on the Eishin Campus
PublicationBook 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:177- 181Digitized -
Chapter 5. The Positive Pattern of Space and Volume in Three Dimensions of the Land, 8 / A Secondary Structure-Enhancing Process Which Further Forms the Shape of Spaces and Volumes
PublicationBook 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:182-184Digitized -
Chapter 11: The Reality of the Land
PublicationBook title:
The Battle for the Life and Beauty of the Earth – A Struggle Between Two World-Systems
Pages:163-200
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Stanislaus County Mental Health Center
1970 to
1973
Modesto, CA, U.S.A.Civic, Realized, Construction completed in 1973Client:Stanislaus County Mental Health Services - Dr. Hewitt F. Ryan, County Director of Psychiatric ServicesC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Murray SilversteinContractor:Beuving Construction, Oakdale, CaliforniaProject cost:$1,500,000Design and construction process:1) Creation of a pattern language for the new mental health center, which defined the general spatial layout and conditions required by the psychiatric services. 2) Layout on the site: C.E.S. worked intensively on the ground with the team of users; in a period of about one week, the layout of the building on the site, according to the pattern language, was completed. 3) Final drawings: The plan laid out on the site with stakes, was then recorded on paper, and the final building drawings prepared directly from this data, with few changes. 4) Users were brought in again, while final decisions about structure and materials were made.Project stages:Pattern language for the project by clients and C.E.S. Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Development Design and Construction Drawings done after layoutA community mental health center for outpatients and outpatient care with seven buildings, including clinics, outpatient facilities, therapeutic departments for adults, teenagers and children, staff facilities, administrative offices, gardens, courts and walkways, with total area 24,000 square feet. The key ...
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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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Low Cost Houses for Mexicali
1975 to
1977
Mexicali, Baja California, MexicoLow Cost Housing, Realized, Construction completed in 1977Client:Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, Mexicali - Mr. Jorge Nunez, Director of the School of ArchitectureC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Julio Martinez, Howard Davis, Donald Corner, students and familiesContractor:Built by the families and local subcontractors under the management of the Center for Environmental StructureSponsor:University of Baja CaliforniaProject cost:$70,000Project stages:Pattern language for the project by C.E.S. Layout on the ground by clients and C.E.S. Preliminary Design drawings done after layout Direct Construction management along with on-site design decisions Budget and subcontractors under C.E.S. control Users inA cluster of houses for large families, with a builders yard, built by the families themselves with the help of students from the Universidad Autonoma of Mexico, and a team of builders from the Center for Environmental Structure. Each house ...
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Moshav Shorashim New Settlement - Master Plan, Clusters of Houses and Public Buildings
1977 to
1983
Galilee, IsraelMaster Planning, Residential, Realized, Construction completed in Jul-1983Client:The Jewish Agency of Israel; the Ministry of Housing; the Garin Sof Ma'aravC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Amos Gitai, Howard Davis, Artemis Anninou, Nili PortugaliContractor:Jewish Agency general contractor and subcontractorsProject cost:$3,000,000Project stages:Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Generic rules for urban growth process Design Development drawings done after layoutMaster Plan for a new settlement for Jewish immigrants with the social structure of a community, where land and work profits are owned collectively, but still each family has its own house. Unlike other master plans, it describes the life, the ...
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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 and College Complex
1982 to
1987
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 - Chief Architect, Hans-Joachim Neis - Executive Architect, Gary Black - Structural Engineer, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King - Architect, Artemis Anninou - ArchitectContractor:Fujita Corporation, Tokyo, JapanDesign and construction process:The work on the design of project performed by C.E.S. was divided in four phases. 1) Creation of a pattern language; 2) Layout on the site; 3) Design of the individual buildings; 4) Working drawings 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.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 Innovative construction mThe project was envisioned to be a new combined High School and College Complex for the Eishin Gakuen Foundation, in Saitama prefecture, outside Tokyo, and was designed as such. The campus was to be the working environment of a population ...
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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: 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: Campus Gardens and Landscape
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 62-hectare Campus site is mostly covered by green areas and is organized with gardens, sport fields, trees, a grove, a lawn, and a large number of tea bushes in strategic positions, preserved as found on the site. A lake ...
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Fort Mason Bench
1984
Marina District, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.Other, Realized, Construction completed in Jun-1984Client:CoEvolution Quarterly; Uncommon Courtesy, School of Compassionate Skills - Irmine Steltzner; Whole Earth Catalogue - Stewart BrandC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Rodney Moore, 22 workshop participantsContractor:Center for Environmetal StructureSponsor:Fort Mason Center, Marina Green, San Francisco - Mr. Mark Kasky, DirectorDesign and construction process:1) Apprentice workshop announced: The workshop was given under the auspices of "Uncommon Courtesy", a non-profit organization financed by the "Whole Earth Catalogue and Co-evolution Quarterly". Twenty "students" joined. 2) Making a mockup on site: The first design act was to place several hundered concrete blocks in a large arched shape. This mock-up was used to depict the general layout of the bench. 3) Construction commences: Having the location and the overall shape, construction proceeded with more and more refinements in the general shape and details of the bench going on during construction. 4) Refinements: Sophisticated new techniques developed by C.E.S. were used to provide green and white polished marble inserts of animals, flowers, and abstract ornamentsProject stages:Layout on the site by workshop particants No drawings were produced Direct construction management and on-site design decisions Built by the workshop participantsA three-tiered masonry public bench and centerpiece, on the Fort Mason pier, overlooking Alcatraz Island. It was built within three weeks as part of the "Spirit in Design" workshop, beginning on 24-Mar-1984 following an announcement in "CoEvolution Quarterly". The main intent ...
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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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Neighborhood of Seventy Low Cost Houses
1986 to
1991
Santa Rosa de Cabal, Risaralda, ColombiaLow Cost Housing, Realized, Construction completed in 1993; C.E.S. involvement ended in 1991Client:The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) - John A. Neilson, Professional Advisor; "Construyamos" La Camara De Vivienda Popular Por Autogestion Communitaria - Mr. Hernan Mesa, PresidentC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Artemis Anninou, Kleoniki Tsotropoulou, Fanta Lawrence, Seth Wachtel, Jeannie RadcliffeContractor:Built by the families and local subcontractors under the management of Constuyamos and the Center for Environmental StructureSponsor:World Bank; Canadian Government (CETA); University of CaliforniaDesign and construction process:The step-by-step process on design consisted of discrete design phases, in the following order. 1) Site: The overall configuration of the project arose from the qualities and features of the land.The layout was done directly on the site, working with stakes and earth-moving equipment, in parallel to working with models. Common space in the form of central terraces, formed the central axis across the contours. Roads run on contours, perpendicular to the axis. The final layout was surveyed and presented as an initial subdivision map. 2) Streets: The forming of the streets was tightly connected to the "contribution" of each house to the formation of a larger whole, this being a public space --street, alley, terrace. Simple rules were followed with regards to the location of the main volume of each house and the determination of main levels -- sidewalk, front garden and main floor. As a result, the house volumes form a continuous street wall behind a front garden, while both house volume and width of parcel vary. The result of this phase was, besides giving shape to the streets and open public space, the plan and sections of foundation and retaining wall for each lot, and consequently the levels of the streets. This process was conducted with stakes on the site by the members of C.E.S. with representatives of Construyamos and the housing group. The detailed layout and lot subdivision was surveyed and presented. 3) House Design: Individual families working with a C.E.S. "layout coordinator" took over, working with stakes for the layout of their house directly on the individual site. Phase One of the House Layout: The first phase involves designing "five major centers": garden, veranda, comedor, final configuration of exterior volume, final configuration of front yard. Phase Two of the House Layout: The second phase is devoted to the interior layout of the house in detail: entering sequence, kitchen, sala, main stair, etc. 4) Construction: Members of the families were involved in the construction of the project. The first house was completed in Nov. 1990 to serve as a prototype house for the project as a whole.Project stages:Pattern language for the project by clients and C.E.S. Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Layout on the site by the families and C.E.S. Generative rules for urban growth process Design Development and Building Permit drawings done after layout DSeventy low-cost houses in 4,2 acres, designed by families, and partially built by families, as part of the self help construction process of Construyamos, the largest self help cooperative in Colombia, with a total construction volume of 50,000 houses per ...
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Emoto Apartment Building
1986 to
1989
Tokyo, JapanResidential, Realized, Construction completed in 1989Client:Mrs. Sugiko EmotoC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Hansjoachim Neis, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Miyoko TsutsuiContractor:Kibe Construction Company, with subsidiary management by Center for Environmental Structure, JapanProject cost:$1,500,000Project stages:Use of full scale mock-ups Preliminary Design and Design Development drawings Direct Construction management along with on-site design decisions Subcontractors under C.E.S. controlAn apartment building laid out to enhance the two streets of the Komagone neighborhood, not far from downtown Tokyo. The site is surrounded with large buildings, and a local neighborhood behind, with lower buildings and much narrower streets. It is ...
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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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Agate Street Married Student Housing
1990 to
1993
Agate Street, Eugene, OR, U.S.A.Residential, Realized, Construction completed in 1993Client:The University of Oregon - Mr. Chris Ramey, Campus PlannerC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Hansjoachim Neis, James Maguire, Gary Black, Chuck HanContractor:Center for Environmetal Structure, …Project stages: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 decisionsStudent Housing including four buildings with twenty apartments for married student families; first phase of construction of the Amazon Plan.
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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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Neighborhood of Five Houses
1992 to
1995
Lake Travis, Austin, TX, U.S.A.Residential, Realized, Construction completed in 1995Client:Representative - Mrs. Linda GiojaC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Saul Pichardo, Randall SchmidtContractor:Center for Environmetal Structure with Carl LindbergProject cost:Total project price: $800,000Project 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. controlCluster of five houses with common land and communal structures, located on Lake Travis, outside Austin, Texas; only three out of the initial five houses were built. The three house designs were made in close consultation with each family, which ...
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Neighborhood of Five Houses: Gioja House
1992 to
1996
Lake Travis, Austin, TX, U.S.A.Residential, Realized, Construction completed in 1995Client:Mr. & Mrs. Geoffrey and Linda GiojaC.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 Geoffrey and Linda Gioja, with an area of 2.100 square feet.
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Neighborhood of Five Houses: Heisey House
1992 to
1996
Lake Travis, Austin, TX, U.S.A.Residential, Realized, Construction completed in 1995Client:Mr. & Mrs. James and Sylvia HeiseyC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Saul Pichardo, Randall SchmidtContractor:Center for Environmetal Structure with Carl LindbergProject stages:Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Use of full scale mock-ups Design Development and Building Permit drawings done after layout Direct construction management and on-site design decisions Budget and subcontractors under C.E.S. controlDesign and construction of a family house for Jim and Sylvia Heisey, with an area of 2.000 square feet.
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Neighborhood of Five Houses: Goddu House
1992 to
1996
Lake Travis, Austin, TX, U.S.A.Residential, Realized, Construction completed in 1995Client:Mr. & Mrs. Michael and Patricia GodduC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Saul Pichardo, Randall SchmidtContractor:Center for Environmetal Structure with Carl LindbergProject stages:Layout on the site by clients and C.E.S. Use of full scale mock-ups Design Development and Building Permit drawings done after layout Direct construction management and on-site design decisions Budget and subcontractors under C.E.S. controlDesign and construction of a family house for Mike and Patricia Goddu, with an area of 2.500 square feet.
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House and Spiritual Retreat for Mary LaMar
1993 to
1995
Lake Tomahawk, WI, U.S.A.Residential, Designed, Not builtClient:Mrs. Mary LaMar and Mr. Michael PriceC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Randall Schmidt, James Maguire, David SoffaProject stages:Preliminary DesignVacation house overlooking Tomahawk Lake, on a site with pronounced slop and existing cottage. The wish of the client, to preserve part of the cottage, was seriously considered and it was incorporated successfully into the design of the new house. ...
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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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Church of the Holy Trinity
1997
London, England, U.K.Civic, ProposalC.E.S. staff:Christopher Alexander, Demetrius GonzalesProject stages:The project did not proceed beyond the initial stage of negotiationsProposal for the design of the Church of the Holy Trinity, on the South bank of the Thames, between the railroad tracksleading out from Victoria Station and Chelsea Bridge. The church was to capable of holding 500 people, and capable ...
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Christopher Alexander, Theory and Practice
01/07/1984
Publication, ArticleAuthors:James ShipskyPublished in:Architecture, No. 7, pp. 54-63Publisher:American Institute of Architects, Washington, DC, U.S.A.Digitized
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An Uncommon Bench: A Small Building by Architect Christopher Alexander and Associates
01/09/1984
Publication, ArticleAuthors:Pete RetondoPublished in:The Co-Evolution Quarterly, No. 43, pp. 78-85Publisher:Point, Sausalito, CA, U.S.A.Digitized
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Das Machen von Gebäuden: Eishin College - Eishin High School bei Tokio / The Making of Buildings: Eishin College - Eishin High School at Tokyo
01/02/1986
Publication, ArticleAuthors:Hansjoachim NeisPublished in:Baumeister, Vol. 83, No. 2, pp. 24-42Publisher:Verlag Georg D. W. Callwey, Munich, GermanyLanguage:GermanDigitized
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Moshav Shorashim: Response to letter dated 26-Mar-1982, with information on the progress of design regarding access road, public buildings and infrastructure, and request for additional information regarding enclosed copy of original layout on site; also two pages of notes used for the preparation of letter
24/04/1982
Project, Design Matters, Layout Process on SiteSender:Artemis Anninou, Howard Davis, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Recipient:Eytan Orenstein, Moshav Shorashim, Haifa, IsraelMedium:Letter
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House and Spiritual Retreat for Mary LaMar: Handwritten note to Christopher Alexander referring to sketches and asking his feedback on house layout adjustments made on site, regarding details of house volumes position; includes two drawings
19/08/1994
Project, Design Matters, Layout Process on SiteSender:Randall Schmidt, Center for Environmental Structure, Madison, WI, U.S.A.Recipient:Christopher Alexander, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Letter
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House and Spiritual Retreat for Mary LaMar: Handwritten note to Christopher Alexander referring to site plan adjustments and clients' initial reaction to the new building new stake out
16/09/1994
Project, Design Matters, Layout Process on SiteSender:Randall Schmidt, Center for Environmental Structure, Madison, WI, U.S.A.Recipient:Christopher Alexander, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Letter
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House and Spiritual Retreat for Mary LaMar: Handwritten note to Christopher Alexander with marked up photographs showing staked out areas for building placement, and building details drawn on them
17/09/1994
Project, Design Matters, Layout Process on SiteSender:Randall Schmidt, Center for Environmental Structure, Madison, WI, U.S.A.Recipient:Christopher Alexander, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Letter
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Moore House: Request for additional surveying work to locate and identify thirty five trees and early staking on site; includes four 8 1/2"x14" marked up survey drawings.
29/09/1998
Project, Design Matters, Subcontracting ServicesSender:Randall Schmidt, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Recipient:Charlie Billings, Freehold Land Surveys Inc., Carrboro, NC, U.S.A.Medium:Letter
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Pasadena Zoning Ordinance for Multi-Family Housing
06/08/1987
Project, Project Report DraftAuthors:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA , U.S.A.
Daniel Solomon, Kathryn Clarke, Phoebe Wall, Daniel Solomon & Associates with Phoebe Wall, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.Digitized159-page draft of the 16-Nov-1987 project report in two parts. Part One: Philosophy and Intent, with the following four chapters, 1) Intent of the Ordinance; 2) The Coherence of the Neighborhood; 3) Examples of Individual Projects; 4) Density. Part Two: ... -
Pasadena Zoning Ordinance for Multi-Family Housing: Draft
16/11/1987
Project, Project Report DraftAuthors:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA , U.S.A.
Daniel Solomon, Kathryn Clarke, Phoebe Wall, Daniel Solomon & Associates with Phoebe Wall, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.103-page draft of the 16-Nov-1987 project report in three chapters. Its chapter and subchapter titles are different but the contents are similar and include extensive editing on text and suggestions on language tone. It is organized as follows: Chapter 1) ... -
Pasadena Zoning Ordinance for Multi-Family Housing: Section Two: Residential Design Standards
20/11/1987
Project, Project Report Draft, Partial ManuscriptAuthors:Daniel Solomon, Kathryn Clarke, Susan Haviland, Phoebe Wall, Daniel Solomon & Associates with Phoebe Wall, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.38 pages of the “Section Two: Residential Design Standards” in which the following design aspects are explained: 1. Open space standards in which, tables with minimum required areas for surface parking, parking with dwelling over, fully, and partially subterranean parking ...
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Pasadena Zoning Ordinance for Multi-Family Housing: Draft prepared by the Center for Environmental Structure
10/10/1987
Project, Project Report DraftAuthors:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA , U.S.A.
Daniel Solomon, Kathryn Clarke, Phoebe Wall, Daniel Solomon & Associates with Phoebe Wall, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.Digitized178-page draft organized in four chapters with a Preface: Chapter 1) Intent of the Ordinance; Chapter 2) Use of the Ordinance (includes the layout process intended as a helpful guide to the applicant); Chapter 3) Ordinance Standards; Chapter 4) Examples.
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Low Cost Houses for Mexicali: Sketches of subdivision process
01/01/1976
Architectural Design, Project, Sketches, Layout ProcessDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Julio Martinez, Howard Davis, Donald Corner, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:8 1/2"x11"DigitizedEight outline sketches of the house cluster recording parts of the sequence of the subdivision process, which was performed together with the families on the land, using stakes, blocks and chalk lines to mark corners and boundaries.
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Low Cost Houses for Mexicali: Sketches of future development
01/01/1976
Architectural Design, Project, Sketches, Site PlanDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Julio Martinez, Howard Davis, Donald Corner, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on PhotocopySize:8 1/2"x11"Site plan depicting the future development of house clusters; growth extends along a pedestrian spine as a continuation of the first house cluster and the builders’ yard laid-out by the families and of a second cluster with an indicative layout. ...
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Low Cost Houses for Mexicali: Preliminary Design Drawings - Clusters
01/01/1976
Architectural Design, Project, Preliminary Design, Site PlanDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Julio Martinez, Howard Davis, Donald Corner, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:3 3/8"x7", 6 3/8"x11"Outline-plans of the two clusters; the first refers to the builder’s yard and focuses on the two courtyards, well defined by the building volumes, and the second depicts the house cluster with its central courtyard .
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Low Cost Houses for Mexicali: Sketches of common land
01/01/1976
Architectural Design, Project, Sketches, Layout ProcessDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Julio Martinez, Howard Davis, Donald Corner, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:4"x6", 6"x8"Ten sketches depicting the sequential steps to be followed for laying the house cluster using the patterns developed with the families: 1) Cluster Gate & Degree of Publicness –defines the common land as the heart of the project; 2) Choice ...
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Low Cost Houses for Mexicali: Sketches of patterns
01/01/1976
Architectural Design, Project, Sketches, Layout ProcessDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Julio Martinez, Howard Davis, Donald Corner, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:4"x6", 8 1/2x11"Three house cluster rough plans and three sketches depicting patterns implemented by the families for their house layout: 1) Northeast Outdoor Space –the first pattern for the house layout; 2) Positive Outdoor Space –attempt to shape the cluster common land; ...
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Low Cost Houses for Mexicali: Preliminary Design Drawings - Individual Houses
01/01/1976
Architectural Design, Project, Preliminary Design, Layout ProcessDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Julio Martinez, Howard Davis, Donald Corner, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:8 1/2"x11"Floor plans of the five houses, as they were laid out by each family: 1) Lilia Duran house; 2) Jose Tapia house; 3) Emma Cosio house; 4) Julio Rodriguez house and 5) Makaria Reyes house.
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Berryessa House: Sketches - Site layout process with field notes
01/04/1981
Architectural Design, Project, Sketches, Layout ProcessDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on Tracing Paper, BlueprintSize:8 1/2"x11", 24"x36"DigitizedSequence of eleven sketches made during a period of two monthes that the house was laid out on the site. The sketches are based on the recordings of the stakes used on site to mark corners of buildings and open ...
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Berryessa House: Design Development Drawings - Site plan
01/08/1981
Architectural Design, Project, Design Development, Site PlanDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:BlueprintSize:24"x30 3/8"Scale:1"=10'DigitizedFinal site plan based on the survey of the top boards of the foundation formwork; includes contour lines, existing trees, access road, roof configuration of the building volumes and outdoor structures.
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Berryessa House: Design Development Drawings - Floor plan
01/08/1981
Architectural Design, Project, Design Development, Floor PlanDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:BlueprintSize:24"x45"Scale:1/4"=1'DigitizedFloor plan based on the survey of the top boards of the foundation formwork; it depicts the five volumes of the house –main house volume with living room and kitchen, studio volume, library and bedroom volume, storage tower, workshop and ...
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Moshav Shorashim: Preliminary Design Drawings - Site Layout & Site Plan
15/02/1982
Architectural Design, Project, Preliminary Design, Site PlanDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Nili Portugali, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:SepiaSize:34"x40"Scale:1:1000DigitizedThe final site plan of the settlement, based on the survey of the layout of houses as completed on site together with the families, and in turn adjusted locally for ensuring technical requirements.
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Moshav Shorashim: Preliminary Design Drawings - Cluster of houses
01/01/1982
Architectural Design, Project, Preliminary Design, Floor PlanDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:5 1/2"x5 1/2", 6 1/2"x8 1/2", 8 1/2"x11"Scale:1:50DigitizedTwo drawings of the first house cluster and three drawings of its houses, as finalized after the layout on the site and the design of the houses was completed with the participation of the families. The house clusters are shaped ...
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Moshav Shorashim: Preliminary Design Drawings - Cluster of houses
01/01/1982
Architectural Design, Project, Preliminary Design, Floor PlanDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:5 1/2"x5 1/2", 6 1/2"x8 1/2", 8 1/2"x11"Scale:1:50DigitizedTwo drawings of the second house cluster and five drawings of its houses, as finalized after the layout on the site and the design of the houses was completed with the participation of the families. The house clusters are shaped ...
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Moshav Shorashim: Preliminary Design Drawings - Cluster of houses
01/01/1982
Architectural Design, Project, Preliminary Design, Floor PlanDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:5 1/2"x5 1/2", 6 1/2"x8 1/2", 8 1/2"x11"Scale:1:50DigitizedTwo drawings of the third house cluster and three drawings of its houses, as finalized after the layout on the site and the design of the houses was completed with the participation of the families. The house clusters are shaped ...
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Moshav Shorashim: Preliminary Design Drawings - Cluster of houses
01/01/1982
Architectural Design, Project, Preliminary Design, Floor PlanDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:5 1/2"x5 1/2", 6 1/2"x8 1/2", 8 1/2"x11"Scale:1:50DigitizedTwo drawings of the fourth house cluster and four drawings of its houses, as finalized after the layout on the site and the design of the houses was completed with the participation of the families. The house clusters are shaped ...
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Moshav Shorashim: Preliminary Design Drawings - Cluster of houses
01/01/1982
Architectural Design, Project, Preliminary Design, Floor PlanDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:5 1/2"x5 1/2", 6 1/2"x8 1/2", 8 1/2"x11"Scale:1:50DigitizedDrawing of the fifth house cluster and five drawings of its houses, as finalized after the layout on the site and the design of the houses was completed with the participation of the families. The house clusters are shaped around ...
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Moshav Shorashim: Preliminary Design Drawings - Site plan
15/02/1982
Architectural Design, Project, Preliminary Design, Site PlanDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Nili Portugali, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:8 1/2"x11"Scale:1:50DigitizedThe final site plan of the settlement, based on the survey of the layout of houses as completed on site together with the families, and in turn adjusted locally for ensuring technical requirements.
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Pasadena Zoning Ordinance for Multi-Family Housing: Design Development Drawings - Example for Layout Process
01/01/1987
Architectural Design, Project, Design Development, Layout ProcessDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on VellumSize:11"x16"Scale:1/32"=1', 1/8"=1', 1/16"=1'Example for the layout process for narrow lot with depressed parking. Four drawings illustrating the stages to be followed by the applicants for preparing their permit application forms: Form 1 – Context map with proposed location of main garden; Form ...
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Neighborhood of Seventy Low-Cost Houses: Preliminary Design Drawings - Site layout process plans
01/01/1988
Architectural Design, Project, Preliminary Design, Layout ProcessDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Artemis Anninou, Jeannie Ratclieffe, Fanta Lawrence, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:BlueprintSize:29"x44"Scale:1:200DigitizedSix survey drawings of the project site recording the stages of the lay-out process using stakes on the land, and recurring adjustments. The first survey drawing is the recording of the formation of the major and secondary centers, as well ...
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Neighborhood of Seventy Low-Cost Houses: Preliminary Design Drawings - Site plan with house volumes
01/12/1988
Architectural Design, Project, Preliminary Design, Site PlanDesigners:Fanta Lawrence, Jeanne Ratcliffe, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:BlueprintSize:28 1/4"x42 1/2"Scale:1:200Site plan recording the house volumes as they were initially placed on a model and shown to the families involved; made for illustrative purposes .
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The Julian Street Inn - Shelter for the Homeless: As-Built Drawings
01/03/1988
Architectural Design, Project, As-Built Drawing, Layout ProcessDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Gary Black, James Maguire, Eleni Coromvli, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on VellumSize:24"x36"Scale:1/8"=1'DigitizedThe as-built grading plan and the modified layout of the building complex demonstrate the importance of making final decisions on site and adjusting to newly emerging situations during the design process.
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House and Spiritual Retreat for Mary LaMar: Preliminary Design Drawings - Building layout on site
19/08/1994
Architectural Design, Project, Preliminary Design, Layout ProcessDesigners:Randall Schmidt, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:8 1/2"x11"Scale:1:20RS’s Version 19-Aug-1994 is noted on the drawing. Randall Schmidt’s revised proposal of the building layout staked on site, overlaid with dotted thick line above the initial layout.
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House and Spiritual Retreat for Mary LaMar: Preliminary Design Drawings - Building layout on site
30/08/1994
Architectural Design, Project, Preliminary Design, Layout ProcessDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:8 1/2"x11"Scale:1:20CA’s Versions 30-Aug-1994 & 17-Sep-1994 is noted on the drawings. Christopher Alexander’s revised proposal of the building layout staked on site, overlaid with thick continuous line above the initial layout.
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House and Spiritual Retreat for Mary LaMar: Preliminary Design Drawings - Building layout on site
01/01/1994
Architectural Design, Project, Preliminary Design, Layout ProcessDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Randall Schmidt, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:8 1/2"x11"Scale:1:20Initial proposal of the building layout staked on site; two slightly different versions.
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House and Spiritual Retreat for Mary LaMar: Design Development Drawings - Various plans
30/07/1994
Architectural Design, Project, Design Development, Site Plan, Foundation Plan, FramingDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Randall Schmidt, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:Original on VellumSize:18"x24"Scale:1"=30', 1/8"=1'Three hardline drawings depicting the site with the existing and the proposed buildings juxtaposed, and plans of foundation and framing for the new building.
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House and Spiritual Retreat for Mary LaMar: Preliminary Design Drawings - Building layout on site
01/01/1994
Architectural Design, Project, Preliminary Design, Site Plan, SectionDesigners:Christopher Alexander, Randall Schmidt, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:8 1/2"x11"One drawing which depicts the various building sections juxtaposed on the topographic survey map.
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Moore House: Survey Drawings
17/09/1998
Architectural Design, Project, Survey DrawingDesigners:Charles Billings, Carrboro, NC, U.S.A.Medium:PhotocopySize:8 1/2"x11"Scale:1"=60'Survey drawing including the location of the trees with their elevation, and the recording of the two stakes and the ribbon which represent the early staking of the house location on site by the architect.
SEE ALL Drawings
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Moshav Shorashim: Handbook for House Design
01/01/1982
Project, Project ReportAuthors:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.71-page document, which outines the process for the house layout process on site by the families under the guidance of C.E.S. staff. It has three parts; Part I. Centers; Part II. The Rules; Part III. The Detailed Layout of the ...
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New Eishin University: Progress report
20/02/1983
Project, Project Report, Progress ReportAuthors:Christopher Alexander, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Progress report describing the fundamental design and construction principles, as well as the early works that took place in laying out the site. It includes the following eleven sections: 1. Design philosophy; 2. Memorandum on construction method and management; 3. ...
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Neighborhood of Seventy Low Cost Houses: Simulations of Sequence for Neighborhood Layout, Lot Division, and House Layout
01/08/1986
Project, Project ReportAuthors:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, others, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Digitized48-page document on the sequence of design decisions for the neighborhood layout, the lot division and the house layout, accompanied with examples.
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Pasadena Zoning Ordinance for Multi-Family Housing
16/11/1987
Project, Project ReportAuthors:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Friso Broeksma, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA , U.S.A.
Daniel Solomon, Kathryn Clarke, Susan Haviland, Phoebe Wall, Daniel Solomon & Associates with Phoebe Wall, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.Digitized138-page draft of the Pasadena Zoning Ordinance, which includes sequences of design which have been omitted from the submitted ordinance. The document is organized in four chapters: Chapter 1) Intent of the Ordinance, with three sections; Chapter 2) Ordinance Standards, ... -
Pasadena Zoning Ordinance for Multi-Family Housing: Pasadena Design Ordinance for Multi-Family Housing - A City of Gardens
25/04/1988
Project, Project ReportAuthors:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Friso Broeksma, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA , U.S.A.
Daniel Solomon, Kathryn Clarke, Susan Haviland, Phoebe Wall, Daniel Solomon & Associates with Phoebe Wall, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.Digitized46-page final draft of the Ordinance submitted to the Pasadena Multi-Family Task Force. New zoning ordinance for the city’s multi-family housing areas that would permit high intensity development to continue in a way which is in keeping with Pasadena’s heritage. ...
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Low Cost Houses for Mexicali: Layout of a cluster
01/01/1976
Project, Design Process, Layout ProcessAuthors:Christopher Alexander, Julio Martinez, Howard Davis, Donald Corner, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Steps to follow for the location of the individual building masses in a cluster, by using nine patterns in such a way that space formed by each house is positive in character. One page with guidelines and two more with ...
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Moshav Shorashim: Testing of the rules for laying out a house on the site, with reference to a sequence of sketches
15/08/1981
Project, Design Process, Layout Process on SiteAuthors:Nili Portugali, Center for Environmental Structure, Jerusalem, IsraelDigitizedTwo sets of comments on the rules for the layout a house on the site, after they had been tested by one of the future inhabitants of the Moshav; rules 1 to 26 with comments and a sequence of sketches, ...
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Moshav Shorashim: Detailed notes by Christopher Alexander describing six days of laying out the settlement with the families on the site
01/05/1981
Project, Design Process, Layout Process on SiteAuthors:Christopher Alexander, Center for Environmental Structure , Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.DigitizedTwelve typewritten pages with titles as follows: Layout Day 1, End of First Day, Second Day Tasks, End of Second Day, Third Day Open Questions, End of Third Day, Comments on Communal Plan at End of Third Day, Fourth Day, ...
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Moshav Shorashim: How is the Centering Process followed in laying out the houses
01/07/1981
Project, Design Process, Layout Process on SiteAuthors:Nili Portugali, Center for Environmental Structure, Jerusalem, IsraelDigitized4-page essay with basic assumptions and examination of the process in four different cases.
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Moshav Shorashim: Site Layout
01/01/1982
Project, Design Process, Layout Process on SiteAuthors:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.DigitizedTwo versions of a 4-page document on the initial steps of the site and house layout process .
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Moshav Shorashim: Responses from the families of the moshav following Alexander's notification that any changes they may want made to the design of their private houses, dispatched to them, should be done by mid-June
20/06/1982
Project, Design Process, Layout Process on SiteAuthors:People of Moshav, Garin Sof Ma'arav, Jerusalem, IsraelDigitizedTwelve out of the twenty families sent their comments on the design of their houses drawn by C.E.S., based on the layouts performed on the site together with each family. The comments received by the families differ in their extent, ...
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Moshav Shorashim: Personal thoughts on the layout process that took place on the moshav site in Galilei with the twenty families for a whole month
01/01/1983
Project, Design Process, Layout Process on SiteAuthors:Artemis Anninou, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.DigitizedSeven different pieces of writing in a draft form with insertions, deletions and notes, certainly not forming one coherent paper, but conveying the goals, achievements, difficulties, failures and possible improvements of the layout process with the users on the land.
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Neighborhood of Seventy Low-Cost Houses: House Layout Process
01/01/1986
Project, Design Process, Layout Process on SiteAuthors:Howard Davis, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.7-page early draft of eleven steps for the house layout process.
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Neighborhood of Seventy Low-Cost Houses: Site and House Layout Sequence
04/08/1986
Project, Design Process, Layout Process on SiteAuthors:Howard Davis, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Draft of document in two parts: The first part includes an 8-page document with “Notes on the layout process” with the list of steps to follow: 1. Site Layout Process; 2. Neighborhood Layout Process; 3. Lot Division Process in two ...
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Neighborhood of Seventy Low-Cost Houses: Site and House Layout review and Construction Management
04/08/1986
Project, Design Process, Layout Process on SiteAuthors:Howard Davis, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.26 pages of handwritten notes and sketches with comments and questions on the layout process, and specifically on: 1. Some specific steps of the site and house-volume placement processes and 2. On construction management.
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Neighborhood of Seventy Low-Cost Houses: Outline of Process for Layout and Construction of Self-help Housing Project in Santa Rosa, Colombia
01/07/1986
Project, Design Process, Layout Process on SiteAuthors:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Digitized26-page “Draft only – Not for distribution” document, with a developed outline of the twenty-two sections of the process for the layout and construction of self-help housing. It describes the organization and responsibilities of the participants, the criteria for the ...
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Neighborhood of Seventy Low-Cost Houses: Site Layout Process
01/01/1986
Project, Design Process, Layout Process on SiteAuthors:Howard Davis, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.40-page draft document including at the beginning the list of the Site Layout Process steps and two versions of the Site Layout Process 12-step description. The rest of the document named Version 2, named Lot Division Process and First Steps ...
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Neighborhood of Seventy Low-Cost Houses: Colombia House Layout Process on Site
01/01/1988
Project, Design Process, Layout Process on SiteAuthors:Christopher Alexander, Artemis Anninou, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Digitized32-page document describing the layout process for the Colombia house in two major parts. Part One “Layout of the Street”, establishes the way by which the specific location of house volumes contributes in shaping the street as a whole. This ...
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Neighborhood of Seventy Low-Cost Houses: Report on the initial phases of the project, with emphasis on site design and layout of roads and public spaces on site
01/01/1989
Project, Design Process, Layout Process on SiteAuthors:Fanta Lawrence, Center for Environmental Structure, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.15-page document on the evaluation of the process applied, difficulties encountered by unexpected changes, solutions proposed, different approaches and agendas affecting the project.
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Etna street Cottage: Photographs of the layout process
01/01/1974
Project, Layout Process on SitePhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:Print, NegativeCharacteristics:8"x10", B&WTwo images depicting the initial step of staking out the position of the cottage on the lot.
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Low-cost Houses for Mexicali: Photographs of drawings
01/01/1976
Project, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, PMT, NegativeCharacteristics:8 1/2"x11", 4"x5", B&WDigitizedPhotographs of eight project drawings, including axonometrics, floor plans and sketches of the builders yard and the five-house cluster. Special interest draw two sketches, one of the house cluster drawn on a blackboard, and the other one of a site ...
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Low-cost Houses for Mexicali: Photographs of the layout process
01/01/1976
Project, Layout Process on SitePhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Mexicali, MexicoSource:Digital, PMT, Print, NegativeCharacteristics:8"X10", 4"X5", 2 3/8"X3 6/8", Color, B&WDigitizedFive photos from the layout process of the house cluster by the families on the site ground, using corner stakes, blocks and chalk lines to mark corners and edges of buildings and open space.
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House for Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Card: Photographs of layout process on the land
01/01/1980
Project, Layout Process on SitePhotographer:Gernot Mittersteiner/C.E.S., Portola Valley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedChristopher Alexander on the site of the Card House, laying out the living room on the ground and testing the size and location of the fireplace in relationship to the sitting area.
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Berryessa House: Photographs of drawings
01/08/1981
Project, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WDigitizedThe house site plan in three different drafting versions, each one highlighting the critical building blocks of its design. This drawing became known in its final form only after construction of the foundation and retaining walls formworks had been completed.
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Berryessa House: Photographs of drawings
01/08/1981
Project, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:PMTCharacteristics:8"x10", B&WDigitizedPhotographs of four design development drawings of the house. These hardline drawings were produced after the completion of the construction of the formwork for the foundation works, ensuring that all trees of the site were preserved and the house volumes ...
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Berryessa House: Initial excavations - Photographs
01/05/1981
Project, Layout Process on Site, Construction ProcessPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., Napa County, CA, U.S.A.Source:SlideCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedFour views depicting the first excavation activities to form the platforms of the main volumes of the house, as indicated by the stakes placed during the initial layout on the land, which defined the corners of the house volumes.
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Berryessa House: Layout of house with stakes on the land - Photographs
01/07/1981
Project, Layout Process on Site, Construction ProcessPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., Napa County, CA, U.S.A.Source:SlideCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedThree views depicting the first step of the layout process on the site, in order to determine the location and approximate size of the house volumes, in relatioship to the site slope, views and existing trees; main constraints were the ...
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Berryessa House: Foundation perimeter beam and slab formwork under construction - Photographs
01/07/1981
Project, Layout Process on Site, Construction ProcessPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Napa County, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, Print, NegativeCharacteristics:8"x10", Color, B&WDigitizedThe construction of the formwork for the perimeter beam and slab of the foundation finalized the design of the footprint and levels of the volumes of the house, which followed pretty closely the layout of the house staked on the ...
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Berryessa House: Foundation perimeter beam, slab and retaining walls formwork - Photographs
01/07/1981
Project, Layout Process on Site, Construction ProcessPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., Napa County, CA, U.S.A.Source:SlideCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedSeven views from the construction process of the foundation formwork, and specifically nailing the top board of the ground floor slab on metal stakes, and hamemering the stakes into the ground until the proper level was reached. A design decision ...
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Berryessa House: Foundation perimeter beam, slab and retaining walls formwork - Photographs
01/09/1981
Project, Layout Process on Site, Construction ProcessPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., Napa County, CA, U.S.A.Source:SlideCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedTen images from the construction process of the foundation formwork reaching completion. As earth and stones were being used for fill-in material to be compacted, design decisions were made for the precise spacing of the wooden load bearing columns, for ...
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Berryessa House: Foundation perimeter beam, slab and retaining walls formwork - Photographs
01/12/1981
Project, Layout Process on Site, Construction ProcessPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., Napa County, CA, U.S.A.Source:SlideCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedEight images from the completed foundation formwork; in most of them the slab reinforcement is also in place. The images with overviews of the foundation formworks depict the interplay between the existing trees and the location of the building volumes.
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Moshav Shorashim: Photographs of layout process on site
01/03/1982
Project, Layout Process on SitePhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:SlideCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedSix images from the day the Perlmans went on the site to layout their house, under the guidance of Artemis Anninou, using wooden stakes and the house layout rules developed by C.E.S. Surveyors are part of the team for recording ...
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Moshav Shorashim: Photographs of drawings
01/01/1982
Project, Design Process, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:Digital, PrintCharacteristics:8"x10", B&WDigitizedTwo site plans, showing the result of the neighborhood, when it was actually laid out on the ground, and as it was subsequently built. They depict the reality of form which comes from the process, building by building, and ...
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The Campus of Eishin: Laying out the site plan on the ground and a sketch of a possible layout for a campus community - Photographs of drawings
01/10/1982
Project, Layout Process on Site, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WDigitizedSketch made by Mr. Hagiwara, a faculty member, showing his understanding of a possible layout for a campus community, one that would include the general structure and major details, as he understood it from the pattern language for the Eishin ...
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The Campus of Eishin: Laying out the site plan on the ground - Photographs
01/10/1982
Project, Layout Process on SitePhotographer:Hansjoachim Neis/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedOne of the many occasions when Mr. Hisae Hosoi and Christopher Alexander went together to study the project site. The photo was exhibited at the Locus Manifesto-exposition “Re-enchant the World: Architecture and the City facing society´s transitions”, in Science Cabinet 2, ...
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The Campus of Eishin: Laying out the site plan on the ground and the diagrams of the seven most important centers of the pattern language - Photographs of drawings
01/10/1982
Project, Layout Process on Site, DrawingPhotographer:Hansjoachim Neis/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WDigitizedTwo diagrams, not to scale, in two different graphic vesions each. They show the seven most important centers in the pattern language of the Eishin Campus, which together give a broad conceptual picture of a possible layout that the centers ...
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The Campus of Eishin: Laying out the site plan on the ground and the diagrams of the seven most natural centers in the land - Photographs of drawings
01/10/1982
Project, Layout Process on Site, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WDigitizedFour diagrams, not to scale, dealing with natural centers identified on the land, which, when connected with the centers of the project identified through the pattern language, can lead to a basic first layout, to be further dveloped.
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The Campus of Eishin: Laying out the site plan on the ground by combining the two systems of centers - Photographs of model
01/10/1982
Project, Layout Process on Site, ModelPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedThe small balsa-wood model of the site, scale 1:500, in the Berkely office, on which the solution finally became apparent. The photo was exhibited at the 14th International Architecture Biennale Exhibition: “Office US”.
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The Campus of Eishin: Laying out the site plan on the ground and the flags - Photographs
01/11/1982
Project, Layout Process on SitePhotographer:Hansjoachim Neis/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedTwo photographs of the project site in Iruma-shi, in which the new campus was to be built, with the land still under agricultural cultivation. The flags visible in the pictures show the rough early marks for possible campus precincts and ...
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The Campus of Eishin: Laying out the site plan on the ground and the first hardline drawing made from the land and from the position of the flags - Photographs of drawings
01/11/1982
Project, Layout Process on Site, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedThe first precise hardline site plan, in three drafting versions, derived from the position of the flags, calibrated and measured according to the tea-bush rows on the land, visible on the drawing, as given from an aerial photo.
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The Campus of Eishin: Laying out the site plan on the ground and the creation of positive spaces - Photographs of drawings
01/11/1982
Project, Layout Process on Site, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:Color, B&WDigitizedThe green spaces in these two drawings represent pedestrian space (viewed as if it were a solid material), created by the layout process on the land. These green entities, the green organization, the paved outdoor areas is the most significant ...
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The Campus of Eishin: Laying out the site plan on the ground and designing in three dimensions by making, using and testing models - Photographs of model
01/11/1982
Project, Layout Process on Site, ModelPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedChristopher Alexander meeting with his colleagues on the site around a small scale working model, scale 1:500.
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The Campus of Eishin: Laying out the site plan on the ground and designing in three dimensions by making, using and testing models - Photographs of model
01/11/1982
Project, Layout Process on Site, ModelPhotographer:Hansjoachim Neis/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:Digital, SlideCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedSeven photographs of the large scale working model, scale 1:100, in the site office, for studying locations, shapes, volumes, and making decisions by going back and forth between the actual site and the model, and adjusting what was required, either ...
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The Campus of Eishin: Laying out the site plan on the ground and designing in three dimensions by making, using and testing models - Photographs of model
01/11/1982
Project, Layout Process on Site, ModelPhotographer:Hansjoachim Neis/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedThe one time principal of the school, and the former mathematics teacher, squatting comfortably on the working model, while discussions were going on. The photo was exhibited at the 14th International Architecture Biennale Exhibition: “Office US”.
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The Campus of Eishin: Laying out the site plan on the ground and then finally transferring it to a final site plan - Photographs of drawings
01/11/1982
Project, Layout Process on Site, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WDigitizedFinal scale site plan of the Eishin Campus, presents the outcome of the design process, which included the layout on the ground and its testing with numerous sketches and models in various scales. It should be noted that the three ...
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The Campus of Eishin: Laying out the site plan on the ground and the first attempt to combine the two systems of centers - Photographs of drawings
01/10/1982
Project, Layout Process on Site, DrawingPhotographer:Hansjoachim Neis/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WDigitizedFour early test plan diagrams showing the first attempts to arrange the key elements in the pattern language preserving the relations to one another, and in a way which made sense on the site, by respecting the identified key existing ...
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Berryessa House: Foundation concrete works - Photographs
15/01/1982
Project, Layout Process on Site, Construction ProcessPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., Napa County, CA, U.S.A.Source:SlideCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedFour images while pouring concrete for the foundations and slabs.
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Berryessa House: Foundation concrete works - Photographs
01/02/1982
Project, Layout Process on Site, Construction ProcessPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., Napa County, CA, U.S.A.Source:SlideCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedNine images of the poured concrete slabs and retaining walls with the formwork still in place and the white styrofoam pads highlighting the rebars sticking out. At this point, the design decisions made during the layout process on the land ...
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Berryessa House: Foundation concrete works - Photographs
10/02/1982
Project, Layout Process on Site, Construction ProcessPhotographer:Artemis Anninou/C.E.S., Napa County, CA, U.S.A.Source:SlideCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedFour images of the concrete slabs and retaining walls after the formwork had been removed. In some of them the blue tiles embedded in the perimeter slab beam can be discerned.
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The Campus of Eishin: Laying out the site plan on the ground by combining the two systems of centers - Photographs of drawings
01/10/1982
Project, Layout Process on Site, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WDigitizedRough drawings, records on paper of the 1:500 balsa-wood model of the site.
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The Campus of Eishin: Laying out the site plan on the ground - Photographs
01/10/1982
Project, Layout Process on SitePhotographer:Hansjoachim Neis/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedChristopher Alexander, Ingrid King and Hajo Neis photographed on site, while working on the layout of the site plan.
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The Campus of Eishin: Laying out the site plan on the ground and the flags - Photographs
01/11/1982
Project, Layout Process on SitePhotographer:Hiroshi Nakano/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedTwo photographs of the project site in Iruma-shi, in which the new campus was to be built, with the land still under agricultural cultivation. The flags visible in the pictures show the rough early marks for possible campus precincts and ...
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The Campus of Eishin: Laying out the site plan on the ground - Photographs
01/10/1982
Project, Layout Process on SitePhotographer:Hansjoachim Neis/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedSchool faculty members and C.E.S. staff members sitting on the south ridge, from where one could see the seven hectares of the site grounds, and study the layout of the project on the land. .
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The Campus of Eishin: Laying out the site plan on the ground and the flags - Photographs
01/11/1982
Project, Layout Process on SitePhotographer:Hansjoachim Neis/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WDigitizedChristoper Alexander in a fuzzy photograph, while staking corners of spaces on the ground.
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The Campus of Eishin - High SchooI: The pedestrian network of the campus and the entrance street - Photographs
01/01/1984
Project, Layout Process on Site, Construction ProcessPhotographer:Hansjoachim Neis/C.E.S., Iruma-shi, Saitama, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WDigitizedStakes, and poles, and ropes, allowed the architects to mark the position of the entrance street. Several of the CES crew laying out the detailed position of the entrance street, with the long stakes and ropes, all the time judging ...
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Fort Mason Bench: Layout process on the site - Photographs of mock-up
08/04/1984
Project, Layout Process on Site, Mock-upPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedPhotograph of the table mock-up, made on the site using cardboard; size and shape are further fine-tuned in the next steps of the process.
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Fort Mason Bench: Layout process on the site - Photographs of mock-up
08/04/1984
Project, Layout Process on Site, Mock-upPhotographer:Jim Shipsky, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedPhotograph of the bench mock-up, made on the site using cardboard, as the first approximation of the bench; its size and shape are further fine-tuned and detailing is introduced when, in the next step, the cardbord mock-up is replaced by ...
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Fort Mason Bench: Layout process on the site - Photographs
07/04/1984
Project, Layout Process on Site, Construction ProcessPhotographer:Jim Shipsky, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedFour photographs from the process of laying out the bench and the table on site using concrete blocks, up to its construction. During this process location, size and shape acquire substance and dimensions, enabling assessments and decisions during its ...
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Neighborhood of Seventy Low-Cost Houses: Photographs of sketches
01/05/1986
Project, Design Process, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WDigitizedEight sketches by Christopher Alexander and Artemis Anninou regarding the site layout and design process, which show a simulation of eight layout consecutive steps to be performed on the actual site, for completing the form of a street with its ...
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Neighborhood of Seventy Low-Cost Houses: Photographs of sketches
01/05/1986
Project, Design Process, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WDigitizedNine sketches by Christopher Alexander and Artemis Anninou showing the sequential steps of the house volume layout and design process, initially simulated and tested on paper and models. A more advanced version of them was implemented on the actual site ...
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Emoto Apartment Building: Photographs of sketches
01/02/1986
Project, Design Process, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Tokyo, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WDigitizedAlternative sketches of the Emoto apartment building site plan; the first fails, while the second succeeds to create a harmonious space and volume in relationship to the adjacent streets.
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Emoto Apartment Building: Photographs of project model
01/02/1986
Project, ModelPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Tokyo, JapanSource:SlideCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedFive different views of the Emoto apartment building cardboard colored study model; the model was a useful tool to study the impact of the building volume on the site and the surrounding streets, and details of harmony with the existing ...
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Five Story Apartment Building: Photographs of mock-ups
01/02/1987
Project, Mock-upPhotographer:Miyoko Takeda, Tokyo, JapanSource:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedHansjoachim Neis working on a full-scale mock-up of a large vertical section of the exterior wall of the building, including the first three floors of the building. He used heavy paper, hung and fastened on the building wall, and worked ...
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Neighborhood of Seventy Low-Cost Houses: Layout process on the actual site - Photographs
01/11/1987
Project, Layout Process on SitePhotographer:Kleoniki Tsotropoulou/C.E.S., Santa Rosa de Cabal, Risaralda, ColombiaSource:Digital, Print, Negative, SlideCharacteristics:6"x15 1/2", 5"x13 1/2", ColorDigitizedPhotographs of making the community plan on the site itself, with stakes, marking lot boundaries with corner stakes and street edges, placed with the participation of the families.
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House for Ann Medlock and John Graham: Photographs of the project during construction
01/01/1987
Project, Design Process, Works in ProgressPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Whidbey Island, Seattle, WA, U.S.A.Source:PrintCharacteristics:4"x6", ColorDigitizedFive boards with eleven images of window and door openings during the construction phase, overlaid with rough pencil sketches on tracing paper by Christopher Alexander, all showing the division of the framed openings with mullion designs.
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House for Ann Medlock and John Graham: Photographs of mock-ups
01/01/1988
Project, Mock-upPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Whidbey Island, Seattle, WA, U.S.A.Source:PrintCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedFive images depicting a series of window mock-ups done during the construction phase of the project, for finalizing the panelling and subdivision of windows and doors on site, observing them and assessing their geometry and feel in the actual building.
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House for Ann Medlock and John Graham: Photographs of mock-ups
01/01/1988
Project, Mock-upPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Whidbey Island, Seattle, WA, U.S.A.Source:PrintCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedFive images of interior views of mock-ups done during the construction phase of the project, simulating the glass panes and mullions in each window.
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Upham House: Photographs of sketches
01/01/1988
Project, Design Process, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WDigitizedPhotographs of eleven sketches indicating the steps of the design process of the house, from the intial sketch of Christopher Alexander to its layout on the ground and finally to the drawings of the house as it was constructed.
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Upham House: Photographs of models
01/01/1988
Project, Design Process, ModelPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Martinez, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedPhotographs of three rough models indicating the way the volumetric design developed in parallel with the layout on the ground.
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Upham House: Photographs of mock-ups
01/01/1991
Project, Design Process, Mock-upPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedPhotograph of cardboard mock-up of the kitchen counters and cupboards.
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Upham House: Photographs of mock-ups
01/01/1991
Project, Design Process, Mock-upPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedFour photographs showing Christopher Alexander with two of his colleagues, discussing with the client in a real size mock-up setting built with studs, plywood sheets and cardboard on the concrete slab of the house, simulating the area where the living ...
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House and Spiritual Retreat for Mary LaMar: Photographs of existing structures on the site
01/01/1993
Project, Site Existing ConditionsPhotographer:Michael Price, Mary LaMar, Rhinelander, WI, U.S.A.Source:PrintCharacteristics:4"x6", 35mm, ColorFour images of the existing house as seen before being partially demolished.
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House and Spiritual Retreat for Mary LaMar: Photographs of layout process on the land
01/08/1994
Project, Layout Process on SitePhotographer:Randall Schmidt/C.E.S., Rhinelander, WI, U.S.A.Source:PrintCharacteristics:4"x6", ColorFour images depict an alternative stake out of the house named “serpentine version” by Alexander.
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House and Spiritual Retreat for Mary LaMar: Photographs of layout process on the land
01/09/1994
Project, Layout Process on SitePhotographer:Randall Schmidt/C.E.S., Rhinelander, WI, U.S.A.Source:Print, NegativeCharacteristics:4"x6", 35mm, ColorNine images depict the staked-out area of the full building length, the central building and two structural column locations; two collage and two single images of a more worked out version.
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House and Spiritual Retreat for Mary LaMar: Photographs of layout process on the land
14/09/1994
Project, Layout Process on SitePhotographer:Randall Schmidt/C.E.S., Rhinelander, WI, U.S.A.Source:Print, NegativeCharacteristics:4"x6", 35mm, ColorNine photographs of the “C.A.” stake-out version; some photos are taped together to show panorama and full height of trees.
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Sanders House: Photographs of sketches
01/01/1994
Project, Design Process, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Berkeley, CA, U.S.A.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WDigitizedPage with sketches of the step-wise design sequence demonstrating the differentiation process during design and the emergence of centers.
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House and Spiritual Retreat for Mary LaMar: Photographs of mock-ups
16/09/1994
Project, Layout Process on SitePhotographer:Randall Schmidt/C.E.S., Rhinelander, WI, U.S.A.Source:Print, NegativeCharacteristics:4"x6", 35mm, ColorThree images depict one full scale cardboard mockup of a wall segment, and two zoom-in images of wall structure details. .
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House and Spiritual Retreat for Mary LaMar: Photographs of mock-ups
16/09/1994
Project, Mock-upPhotographer:Randall Schmidt/C.E.S., Rhinelander, WI, U.S.A.Source:Print, NegativeCharacteristics:4"x6", 35mm, ColorFour images depict a 1:20 scale wood mockup of a full wall corner with roof eave structure and three wall zoom-in details.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center: Interior space at the stage on being visualized and designed - Photographs of mock-ups
01/01/1994
Project, Design Process, Mock-upPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WDigitizedPhotographs of full scale mock-ups done on the construction site, using concrete blocks and other loose construction material.
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West Dean College Gardens Visitor's Center: Photographs of drawings
01/01/1994
Project, Design Process, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., Near Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:B&WDigitizedEarly sketch of the site plan, working out on site the building position.
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The Church of the Holy Trinity: Photographs of sketches
01/01/1997
Project, Design Process, DrawingPhotographer:Christopher Alexander/C.E.S., London, U.K.Source:DigitalCharacteristics:ColorDigitizedPhotographs of three sketches for the church by Christopher Alexander, as seen from across the Thames, in fog. Christopher Alexander put the photograph of the site in his computer and drew directly on the photograph. He produced many iterations. The ...
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Moore House: Photographs of layout process on the land
01/01/1998
Project, Layout Process on SitePhotographer:Randall Schmidt/C.E.S., Carrboro, NC, U.S.A.Source:Print, NegativeCharacteristics:4"x6", 35mm, ColorEleven photographs depict the preliminary staking of the house on the site, and eight images of the site.
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