Editing Pattern (architecture) (section)

== Pattern language ==

Patterns may be collected together into a [[pattern language]] that addresses a particular domain. A large body of patterns was published by Alexander and his collaborators as ''[[A Pattern Language]]''. The patterns in that book were intended to enable communities to construct and modify their own [[home]]s, [[wiktionary:Workplace|workplace]]s, [[town]]s and [[city|cities]].

Other than Alexander's own projects, few building projects have tried to use Alexander's patterns. Those that have done so have met a mixed response from other architects, builders, architectural critics, and users. Alexander has come to believe that patterns themselves are not enough, and that one needs a [[morphogenesis|"morphogenetic"]] understanding of the formation of the built environment. He has published his ideas in the four-volume work ''[[The Nature of Order]]''.

While the pattern language idea has so far had limited impact on the building industry, it has had a profound influence on many workers in the [[information technology industry]].