I recently checked out A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander from our library and I have to highly recommend it. It is a classic reference and a valuable resource for providing insight into what makes a house a livable pleasant home. It doesn’t talk much about size or square footage, materials or colors but rather focuses on the more important details like flow patterns, light sources and the need to balance privacy and togetherness. I have included a few highlights from the book that I especially liked but I would suggest that you check it out from your library or buy it yourself. One passage really hit home in our current economic troubles:
“Indeed, it is very clear that all those processes which encourage speculation in land, for the sake of profit, are unhealthy and destructive, because they invite people to treat homes as commodities, to build things for ”resale,” and not in such a way as to fit their own needs.”
One aspect of building I had not thought much on was how to best enjoy a view, A Pattern Language offers this unconventional advice:
”If there is a beautiful view, don’t spoil it by building huge windows that gape incessantly at it. Instead, put the windows which look onto the view at places of transition- along paths, in hallways, in entry ways, on stairs, between rooms.”
And on the subject of siting:
“On no account place buildings in the places which are most beautiful. In fact, do the opposite.”
