Pattern Languages: Concepts and Applications in Design for Ageing and Design Education

Christopher Alexander’s A Pattern Language codifies design problems and their associated solutions that occur frequently throughout the built environment with the intent of empowering people to shape the spaces they inhabit. However, despite the broad appeal of pattern languages, Alexander’s theory has had relatively little impact on architectural practice and education, and is also the subject of extensive criticism. Yet despite this, Alexander’s patterns remain an intriguing concept for architectural scholars who continue to develop new pattern languages because the pattern format remains a convenient and compelling means for recording and sharing socio-spatial information. This chapter undertakes a qualitative and non-exhaustive literature review of “new” architectural pattern languages which results in the identification of several strengths, weaknesses, and potential lessons for developing new languages. The primary contributions of this chapter are providing a concise review of the principles and concepts of pattern languages, and a discussion of the potential for developing new architectural patterns in design education and residential aged care applications.