Earlier this year, I read and enjoyed A pattern language. I have a lot left to absorb from that book, but it also quickly led me another exciting step forward. I became aware of The timeless way of building, the book which explains the thoughts and philosophies behind pattern languages.
A pattern language - the book - is exactly that: one language of patterns, among infinite possible languages and patterns.
A pattern language - the book - is a thougt-provoking and enjoyable list of things which make places of all sizes life-affirming. The timeless way of building is a much more flowing creation, a journey of thoughts and experiences which lead up to and define what patterns are and how they work. There is no one set of them, and no pattern has one and only one way of being applied. In fact, if things are not different each time something has gone wrong.
The timeless way of building is very calming and very, very vivid. I find it almost cinematic at times, when places and moments come alive as I read about them.
It is a book and way of thinking I believe I would have enjoyed a lot at any time in my adult life. But these days, it feels more refreshing and important than ever before.
It is a book full of optimism.
Of belief in people and the good we can do.
It knows we can all make things better, in ways large and small, and it reminds us we do not need permission from anyone to do so.
All of this flows through A pattern language as well, but it becomes so much clearer and more concentrated in The timeless way of building because it focuses squarely on the philosophy.
I want to make things in the timeless way, full of the quality without a name. Software especially. I have wanted to more or less forever, but Alexander has given me new and clearer thoughts around it.
Spotting the book next to me, the thirteen-year old quipped "Oh, you're on to the New testament now." There are so many ways I could object to that comparison. Still, something about it feels right and good at the same time.
I do not feel like dissecting that any further, I am fully content to enjoy that contradiction just the way it is.