ARCH 201 EXERCISE FIVE: Due Last Day of Class

You are asked to create a pattern using the 15 Fundamental Properties outlined in the Nature of Order Volume 1, by Christopher Alexander. Refer especially to pages 122-126, the content of which is summarized above.

On one 8.5 x 11.5 piece of paper create a pattern using geometry and contrast that attempts to create a “luminous quality”, a quality of deep feeling. Very early Turkish rug weavers, in their pattern making, attempted to make the “face” of God appear in the rug using geometry, pattern, color and the1/32 inch stitch size of the weave. They strove to transcend the material reality of the rug to evoke a deeper, even transcendent quality. The degree to which the pattern succeeds in this regard is the degree to which the 15 Fundamental Properties can be seen, analyzed and understood in the pattern.

To that end, in addition to designing the pattern itself, you are asked to analyze the pattern for the presence of the 15 Properties. On a separate piece of paper, demonstrate how the pattern incorporates at least 7 of the 15 properties. Be sure to show how the properties help the pattern to become more luminous, more transcendent. Breaking out parts of the pattern (as shown above) is an effective way of discussing the specifics of your pattern in this regard. Remember, be specific. Use concrete, picture-evoking language and precise illustrations.