DRAFT EXTRACTSNovember 1984

A 5-FOLD PATTERN LANGUAGE

Material proposed for inclusion inWorld Problems and Human Potential (1985)

to be published as Volume 4 of theYearbook of International Organizations (1985/86)

These sample extracts arebeing circulated for comment.PLEASE COMMENT

Union of International Associations40 rue WashingtonB-I050 BrusselsBelgium

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SELECTED PATTERNS

Independent domainsDistribution of organizationInterpretation of complementary modes oforganization'Regenerative resource cUltivation areasNetwork of inter-relationshipsIntermediate scale organizationNon-linear organizationVariety of forms and processesDecentralized formal processesAccess to intensityLocal interrelationship domainsIndividuality in multiplicitySub-domain boundaryIdentifiable contextContext boundaryWeb of general interrelationshipsEncirclementNetwork of redefinitionsWeb of selective interchangeUser-determined specialized communicationsFour-level structural limitOccupiable temporary site limitCompensating relationships in parallelPositions enabling transcendenceRelationship to indeterminacyFunctional cycleComplementarityCoherent pattern of relationship densitiesStable density gradient of local relationshipsActivity nodesCycle of relationship reinforcementSelective interchange axisIll-defined processesInterchangeAdequate variety of cyclic elementsDifferentiation by relationship densityCluster of frameworksStandard frameworksIntegrating a new dimensionTnr~nr~rinn rh~ h;Qr~ri~~l AimQ~Q;~~_ ... __ "::1'_ - -_ ...~~ - ...... - .......... - --- ..... _- .... """'--.111'0;".; ...... """.""'""4 ...

Informal context for formal processesChain of fundamental transformation zones

Connectedness in isolationFiltered insightsMulti-faceted frameworksTolerance at level interfaceAttractive temporary positions

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SELECTED PATTERNS

Ambiguous boundariesFlexible interfacesProtecting variability to enhance fixityIntegration within contextEmbedding fixity within variabilityTime bindingSymbols of integrationEncouraging emphasesDifferent settingsDomains of insightMeaningful symbols of self-transformation

INTRODUCTORY NOTES

1 In a 3 volume work designer-architect Christopher Alexander haselaborated and tested a "pattern language" for building andplanning at both the macro and the micro level. The titles ofthe volumes are:

Volume 1 The Timeless Way of BuildingVolume 2 A Pattern LanguageVolume 3 The Oregon Experiment

(all published by Oxford University Press, 1977-).

2 The value and purpose of such an exercise is to provide peoplewith a kind of vocabulary, a phrase book, a large and accessiblestore of metaphors, images and elements that are formed into thepatterns of our various environments.Enriching vocabulary enriches the structure of choice. A personwith a limited vocabulary has a limited field of consciousness.Pattern languages provide this enriching vocabulary ofsemantically meaningful concepts - each a pattern of elementsin themselves and yet each combinable with the others in thedefinition and design of the environments in which people chooseto live.Certain patterns are intuitively recognised and predictable,they appear wholesome, they' have a quality, impossible todefine, yet experienced and understood deep in the collectiveconsciousness of the human race. Emphasis is placed on theseconcepts, these patterns which help to define a qualitativelysuperior environment.

3 Alexander (and his team) have clarified 254 interlinked patternsas providing one such language. They stress that otherlanguages are possible and other patterns may be added to thelanguage they have elaborated. Nevertheless, their language canbe viewed as a very useful coherent structure.

4 Alexander's language focuses on the physical environment oftowns, buildings, and construction. It has been used here as aform of template from which 4 corresponding sets of patternshave been generated. The numbered patterns on the followingpages are therefore split into 5 sub-paragraphs:

Pattern This endeavours to describe the pattern in content­free terms as pure relationship. As such it is a guidelinefor the elaboration of patterns for other arenas.

;.

Physical environment This is an adaptation of Alexander's ownpattern description.

Socio-organizational environment This describes the patternas it applies to the organization of social groups,organizations and networks.

Conceptual environment This describes the pattern as itapplies to the organization of a conceptual framework or abody of knowledge.

Intra-personal environment This describes the pattern as itapplies to the organization of modes of awareness adopted by aperson.

5 The procedure of "translating" or transposing the originalphysical pattern to other domains obviously raises difficulties.These include:

problem of adequacy of terminology;stilted phrasing.

These are normal problems encountered in translation. Thesedifficulties can however be reduced by further editing. Clearlyit would be an advantage to get feedback from those morefamiliar with the terminology used in each domain.

6 This draft is being circulated to a few people at this stage toget some feedback on the strengths or weaknesses of the approach.Any comments, specific or general, would therefore beappreciated.

7 The basic reason for attempting to complete this exercise isthat as a set of physical patterns it provides one of the veryfew coherent, yet precise, efforts to organize the environmentin a manner which is qualitatively sensitive. If it is possibleto learn from this by adapting the patterns to other realms inwhich humanity is faced with incoherence and problems ofquality, then the exercise has merit.

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X 0001 b

Independent domains

Pattern Balance between domains will not change until each one issmall and autonomous enough to be an independent sphere ofinfluence.

,Physical environment Metropolitan regions will not come tobalance until each one is small and autonomous enough to be anindependent sphere of influence. Whenever possible, evolution ofsuch regions should be encouraged; each with a population ofbetween 2 and 10 million; each with its own natural and geographicboundaries; each with its own economy; each one autonomous andself-governing; each with a seat in a world-government, withoutthe intervening power of large states or countries.

Socio-organizational environment Major Networks or communities oforganizations will not come to functional balance until each oneis small and autonomous enough to be an independent sphere ofinfluence.

Conceptual environment Major paradigms, networks of concepts orschools of thought will not come to functional balance until eachone is sUfficiently well-defined and autonomous to be anindependent sphere of insight.

Intra-personal environment Major modes of awareness will not cometo functional balance within the individual until each one issufficiently well-defined and autonomous to be an independentsphere of influence.

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X 0002

Distribution of organization

Pattern If a domain is characterized by small clusters oforganization to too great an extent, more comprehensive forms oforganization cannot emerge. But if a domain is characterized bylarge dusters of organization to too great an extent, suchorganization will not be able to ensure the integrity of thedomain.

Physical environment If the population of a region is weightedtoo far toward small villages, modern civilization can neveremerge; but if the population is weighted too far toward bigcities, the earth will go to ruin because the population is notwhere it needs to be in order to take care of it. The populationneeds to be distributed evenly in towns of different sizes, andthe towns of the same size need to be distributed evenlythroughout the region.

Socio-organizational environment If a functional domain ischaracterized by smaller groups to too great an extent, larger andmore complex forms of organization cannot emerge. But if such adomain is characterized by larger and more complex forms oforganization to too great an extent, such forms of organizationwill prove detrimental to the integrity of the functional domain.Groups of different size and degrees of organization should bedistributed evenly throughout the functional domain.

Conceptual environment If a conceptual domain is characterized bysmall networks or groups of concepts to too great an extent, moreintegrated and comprehensive forms of organization cannot emerge.But if such a domain is characterized by extensively organizednetworks of concepts to too great an extent, such a degree oforganization will prove detrimental to the integrity of theconceptual domain. Bodies of knowledge of different degrees oforganization should be distributed evenly throughout the domain.

Intra-personal environment If a mode of awareness ischaracterized by too many aspects of limited degree oforganization, more integrated and comprehensive forms of awarenesscannot emerge. But if such a mode of awareness is characterizedby too limited a number of highly organized aspects, then thismanner of organization will prove detrimental to the integrity ofthat mode of awareness.

X 0003 b

Intepretation of complementary.modes of organization

Pattern A continuous pattern of organization and definitiondenies the existence and emergence of the underdefined andseverely diminishes the value of major established patterns oforganization. But the degree of integration of such majorpatterns is also valuable and potent. A compromise can beachieved by ensuring appropriate interpenetration of defined andunderdefined modes of organization as complements.

Physical environment Continuous sprawling urbanization destroyslife and makes cities unbearable. But the sheer size of cities isalso valuable and potent. Interlocking fingers of farmland andurban land are an appropriate compromise even at the centre or themetropolis.

Socio-organizational environment The proliferation of totalpatterns of organization and systems of procedures denies theexistence and emergence of unorganized activity and severelydiminishes the value of major institutions. But the degree ofintegration of such institutions is also valuable and potent. Acompromise can be achieved by ensuring the int~rpenetration offormal and informal modes of organization as necessarycomplements.

Conceptual environment The proliferation of totally organizedbodies of knowledge and conceptual methods ignores the existenceand emergence of underdefined concepts and forms of integrationwith the consequence that conceptual development is severlyinhibited. But the degree of integration of such establishedbodies of knowledge is also valuable and potent. A compromise canbe achieved by ensuring the interpenetration of formal andinformal modes of conceptual organization.

Intra-personal environment The proliferation of highly structuredmodes of awareness ignores the existence and emergence ofunderdefined modes of awareness and forms of integration, with theconsequence that personal development is severely inhibited. Butthe degree of integration of such established modes of awarenessis also valuable and potent. A compromise can be achieved byensuring the interpenetration of structured and unstructured modesof awareness.

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X 0004 c

Regenerative resource cUltivation areas

Pattern Those areas in which resources can best be regeneratiedare also those most favourable for the construction of frameworks.The availability of such areas is however limited and oncedenatured by the construction of frameworks, its resource .regeneration function cannot easily be recovered. Such areasshould therefore be protected.

Physical environment The land which is best for agriculturehappens to be best for building too. It is however limited andonce the fertility is destroyed or locked up it cannot be regainedfor centuries. Agricultural valleys should therefore be protectedas farmland or as nature reserves, if they are not cultivated.

Socio-organizational environment The functional areas mostfavourable to regeneration of social resources are also those inwhich organizations can most easily be established. Theavailability of such areas is however limited and once denaturedby the establishment of organizations, their resource regenerationfunction cannot easily be recovered. Such functional areas shouldtherefore be protected from attempts at organization.

Conceptual environment The domains most favourable toregeneration of creative resources are also those in whichconcepts can most easily be ordered into conceptual frameworks.The availability of such areas is however limited and oncedenatured by the establishment of such frameworks their function inregenerating creative resources cannot easily be recovered~ Suchcreative domains should therefore be protected from attempts atconceptual organization.

Intra-personal environment The modes of awareness most favourableto regeneration of pyschic resources are also those which lendthemselves most easiiy to being structured. The availability ofsuch modes is· however limited and once denatured by beingstructured in this way, their regenerative function cannot easilybe recovered. Such modes of awareness should therefore beprotected from efforts to structure them.

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Network of inter-relationships

Pattern There is advantage in relating ~o centrally organizedframeworks as well as to those which are minimally organized. Inorder to reconcile these contradictory requirements, a network ofinter-relationships is necessary which both links the limitednumber of central positions to the many non-central, minimally­organized areas, and provides a barrier to encroachment on suchareas.

Physical environment Many people want to live in the countrywhilst also living close to a large city. It is howevergeometrically impossible to have thousands of small farms within afew minutes of a major city. Both are possible by arranging aloose network of country roads around large open squares ofcountryside or farmland, with houses closely packed along theroad, but only one house deep. In these terms, the suburb is anobsolete and contradictory form of human settlement.

Socio-organizational environment There is advantage inparticipation in major groups and local communities. In order toreconcile these mutually incompatible forms of activity, a loosenetwork of relationships is necessary which links both the limitednumber of central organizations to the many non-central, minimallyorganized groups and ensures that the latter provide protectionagainst external encroachment.

Conceptual environment There is advantage in major conceptualframeworks as well as in minimally organized conceptual processes.In order to reconcile these mutually incompatible forms ofconceptual organization a loose network of relationships isnecessary which links both the limited number of centrallyorganized frameworks to the minimally organized conceptualprocesses and ensures that the latter provide protection againstprogressive formalization.

Intra-personal environment There is advantage in highly orderedmodes of awareness as well as in minimally ordered modes ofawareness. In order to reconcile these mutually incompatiblemodes a loose network of associative relationships is necessarywhich links both the limited number of ordered modes to theminimally ordered modes and ensures that the latter provideprotection against loss of the former.

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Intermediate scale organization

Pattern More comprehensive forms of organization function aspowerful attractors. It is difficult to ensure the viability ofintermediate forms of organization in relationship to them.Efforts should be maintained to ensure that such intermediate formsof organization function as at tractors in their own right and arenot merely dependencies of the more powerful attractors.

Physical environment The big city is a magnet. Small countrytowns find it ~~fficult to stay alive and healthy in the face ofcentral urban growth. Where they exist, country towns should bepreserved. The growth of new self-contained towns should also beencouraged. The region should be collectively concerned to ensuretheir viability and avoid their development into dormitory towns.

Socio-organizational environment The activities of a large andgrowing organizational complex attract further participation. Itis consequently difficult for smaller organizations to offerprocesses of equivalent attractiveness to ensure their viability.Where such intermediate bodies exist they should be preserved. Thegrowth of new self-reliant forms of organization should beencouraged. The functional domain should be collectivelyconcerned to ensure their viability and avoid their developmentinto dependent or "front" organizations.

Conceptual environment Major conceptual and ideologicalframeworks powerfully attract adherents. It is consequentlydifficult for smaller alternative frameworks to offer knowledge ofequivalent interest to ensure their viability. Where suchalternatives exist they should be preserved. The growth of newalternatives should be encouraged. There should be collectiveconcern within the conceptual domain to ensure their viability andavoid their development into conceptual outposts of any majorframework.

Intra-personal environment Major modes of awareness powerfullyattract further involvemnet. It is consequently difficult forless comprehensive alternative modes of awareness to offerinsights of a power sufficent to ensure their viability. Wheresuch alternatives exist they should be preserved. The growth ofnew alternatives should be encouraged. There should be a generalconcern to ensure their viability and independence and avoid theirdevelopment into aspects of any major modes of awareness.

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Non-linear organization

Pattern Within each domain, in between the linearly organizedareas, there are large areas of non-linear organization whosestatus and function are crucial to the balance of the domain as awhole.

Physical environment Within each region, in between the towns,there are vast areas of countryside - farmland, parkland, forests,deserts, lakes and rivers. The legal and ecological character ofthis countryside is crucial to the balance of the region. Parksare dead and artificial. Farms, when treated as private property,rob the people of their natural biological heritage. Every pieceof countryside has keepers who have the right to farm it if it isarable, or the obligation to look after it if it is wild. Everypiece of land should be open to the people at large, provided theyrespect the organic processes going on them.

Socio-organizational environment Within each functional domainthere are extensive areas of informal organization providing acontext for the many formal organizations. The character andstatus of such informality is crucial to the organizationalbalance of the domain. Such informality in its many forms shouldbe open to all, provided they respect the special character ofsocial processes associated with it.

Conceptual environment Within each conceptual domain there areextensive areas of non-linear organization of knowledge providinga context for those areas which have been linearly organized.Such non-linear organization is crucial to the balance ofknowl-edge in the domain and as such should be accessible to all,withrdue respect for the special quality of the conceptualprocesses involved.

Intra-personal environment Within each mode of awareness thereare many perceptual processes which are non-linearly organized.These non-rational processea provide a context for those which arerationally organized and are crucial to the balance of the mode ofawareness.

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Variety of forms and processes

Pattern Organizations characterized by homogeneity and lack ofdifferentiation inhibit the emergence and growth of variety. Bydistinguishing an extensive variegated pattern of appropriatelyjuxtaposed sub-areas, the emergence of different forms oforganization may be encouraged and protected within each of them.

Physical environment The homogeneous and undifferentiatedcharacter of modern cities kills all variety of style and arreststhe development of individual characteristics. By breaking thecity, as far as possible, into a vast mosaic of sub-cultures, eachwith its own spatial territory, the emergence of distinct stylesmay be encouraged and protected provided that each is stimulatedand consolidated by an appropriate degree of contact with theothers.

Socio-organizational environment The homogeneous andundifferentiated character of modern organizational complexes andinstitutional environments inhibits the emergence of alternativelife styles and arrests the growth of individual character. Bybreaking such complexes into a vast mosaic of sub-cultures, eachwith its own functional territory, the emergence of distinct lifestyles may be encouraged and protected, provided that each isstimulated and consolidated by an appropriate degree of contactwith the others.

Conceptual environment The homogeneous a~d undifferentiatedcharacter of major schools of thought or ideological frameworksinhibits the emergence of alternative conceptual styles deviatingfrom the norm, thus arresting conceptual development. Byfragmenting such frameworks into a vast mosaic of sub-cultures,each with its own specialized domain and sharply delineatedvalues, the emergence of distinct intellectual styles may beencouraged and protected, provided that each is stimulated andconsolidated by an appropriate degree of contact with the others.

Intra-personal environment The homogeneous and undifferentiatedcharacter of a person's principal modes of awareness inhibits theemergence of alternative modes and arrests personal development.By distinguishing a rich mosaic of distinct variants, each withits particular function, the emergence of alternative modes ofawareness may be encouraged and protected, provided that each isstimulated and consolidated by an appropriate degree ofinteraction with the others.

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Decentralized formal processes

Pattern The segregation of formal and informal processes and theconcentration of each of them within distinct and unrelated areasis artificial and leads to their unhealthy development. Formalprocesses should be distributed in such a way as to permitinteraction with informal processes.

Physical environment The artificial separation of residential andwork environments creates intolerable rifts in people's innerlives and prevents the emergence of highly differentiated sub-

.-, cultures. The concentration and segregation of work leads to dead~_.: neighbourhoods. Zoning and other regulations should be used to

scatter workplaces throughout the city and to prohibit largeconcentrations of family life without associated workplaces.

Socio-organizational environments The segregation of formal andinformal processes in organizations and groups and the confinementof each to separate and well-defined settings leads to unhealthysocial developlent of a schizophrenic nature. Formal groupprocesses should be distributed throughout the organizationalenvironment so as to facilitate alternations with informalprocesses.

Conceptual environment The segregation of formal and informalconceptual procedures and methods and the restriction on the useof each to separate and well-defined circumstances leads tounhealthy conceptual development. Formal procedures should beadopted throughout the conceptual domain such as to facilitatealternation with informal, creative processes.

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,. ,~~ Intra-personal environment The segregation of disciplined and

unstructured modes of awareness and the restriction of each toseparate and well-defined contexts leads to unhealthy personaldevelopment of a schizophrenic nature. Structured modes ofawareness should be interrelated with unstructured modes such asto facilitate alternation between them.

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Access to intensity

Pattern Complexification of structures and processes atcentralized locations constitute a powerful attractant but suchdevelopment progressively limits access to the intensity ofrelationships in that environment. Access can be increased bylimiting the degree of complexification and multiplying the numberand variety of such points of focus.

~. / Physical environment City life is experienced as magical becauseof its intensity. But urban sprawl deprives most people of genuineparticipation in it because they must live far out from the core.This problem can only be solved by decentralizing the core toform a multitude of smaller cores, each intense and devoted tosome special way of life~ corresponding to the needs of the regionas a whole.

Socio-organizational environment Large organizational complexesare experienced as exciting environments because of the varietyand intensity of activity within them. But institutionalproliferation deprive~ most people of genuine participation at thefoci where action oriented decisions are taken. This problemcan only be solved by decentralization around a multitude ofsmaller decision-making loci, each exemplifying some special way oflife corresponding to the needs of the functional domain as awhole.

Conceptual environment Major schools of thought, conceptualframeworks or ideologies are a powerful attractant because of theintensity and complexity of intellectual activity associated withthem. But the proliferation of derivative conceptual developmentsassociated with them progressively deprives most people of genuineparticipation at those points of excellence where creativedevelopment is actually taking place. This problem can only besolved by decentralization around a multitude of smallerinnovative areas, each exemplifying some special method or,approach corresponding to the needs of the conceptual domain as awhole.

Intra-personal environment The principal modes of awarenessexert a powerful influence because of the fascinating richness andintensity of experience they provide. But the proliferation ofderivative modes of awareness associated with them progressivelyinhibits direct creative experience of the fundamental insightgoverning the further transformation of such a mode. Thisproblem can only be solved by multiplying the number of morelimited modes of awareness, each exemplifying some more accessiblespecial insight corresponding to the needs of personaldevelopment as a whole.

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Local interrelationship domains

Pattern Means of non-local interrelationship, when employedlocally, inhibit the articulation of local domains and destroytheir integrity. The domain as a whole should be broken down intolocal interrelationship domains for which the non-localinterrelationships help to define a boundary. Appropriateconnections should be established between the local and non-localinterrelationships.

Physical environment Cars give people wonderful freedom andincrease their opportunities. But they also destroy theenvironment to an extent so drastic that they kill all sociallife. The urban area should be broken down into local transportareas, each surrounded by a ring road. Within such areas, pathsand minor local roads (inconvenient for cars) should be built forinternal movement, with major roads providing access to the ringroads.

Socio-organizational environment Non-local communication media,when employed locally, inhibit the articulation and socialdevelopment of community organization and destroy its integrity.The functional domain as a whole should be broken down into localcommunication areas, each with direct access to non-localcommunication media. Within such areas, group and interpersonal,communication networks should be developed for internal purposes,appropriately connected to (and protected ,from) the non-localcommunication media.

Conceptual environment General conceptual relationships, whenemployed in specialized areas, inhibit the articulation ofspecialized conceptual domains and destroy their integrity. Thedomain as a whole should be broken down into domains within whichparticular local relationships prevail, but appropriately relatedto a pattern of general relationships.

Intra-personal environment General patterns of insight, when usedto order immediate experience, inhibit development of appreciationof the uniqueness of the present and destroy the integrity of suchimmediacy. The pattern of insight as a whole should be brokendown into domains in which the sense of immediacy prevails, witheach appropriately related to the contextual pattern.

X 0012 c

Individuality in multiplicity

Pattern Individual elements, as such, can have no distinguishablyunique function in forming a pattern composed of 5,000 to 10,000such elements. Pat~erns should therefore be decentralized so asto group not more than approximately 7,000 such elements, thusenabling each element to play a distinct part in the pattern.

Physical environment Individuals have no effective voice in anyterritorial community of more than 5,000 to 10,000 persons.Decentralize city governments in a way that gives local control tocommunities of approximately 7,000 persons. Use naturalgeographic and historic boundaries to mark these communitieswherever possible. Give each community the power to initiate,

. decide, and execute the affairs that concern it closely.

Socio-organizational environment Individuals have no effectivevoice in any non-territorial community of more than 5,000 to10,000 persons. Decentralize major institutions in a way thatgives local control to functional divisions interrelatingapproximately 7,000 persons. Use cultural and traditionaldistinctions to reinforce such organizational boundaries wheneverpossible. Give each organization the power to initiate, decideand execute the affairs that concern it closely.

Conceptual environment Individual concepts can have nodistinguishably unique function in constituting a conceptualframework of more than 5,000 to 10,000 such concepts. Conceptualframeworks should therefore be partitioned so as to interrelatenot more than 7,000 such concepts, thus enabling each concept tofulfil a distinct role in the pattern.

Intra-personal environment Individual moments of awareness canhave no distinguishably unique function in forming a mode ofawareness of more than 5,000 to 10,000 such facets. Modes ofawareness should therefore be organized so as to interrelate notmore than 7,000 such moments, thus enabling each moment tocontribute uniquely to the mode as a whole.

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Sub-domain boundary

Pattern In order to maintain a variety of forms and processes,'boundaries are required to insulate from one another the different(at least partially) sub-domains in which each prevails.

Physical environment A mosaic of subcultures requires thathundreds of different cultures live, in their own way, at fullintensity, on neighbouring territories. But subcultures have theirown ecology. They can only live at full intensity, unhampered bytheir territorial neighbours, if they are physically separated byphysical boundaries, whether natural or man-made.

Socio-organizational environment A mosaic of subcultures andalternative life styles requires that hundreds of different groupslive, in their own way, at full intensity on neighbouringfunctional territories. But subcultures have their own ecology.They can only live at full intensity, unhampered by theirfunctional neighbours, if they are functionafly separated byfunctonal boundaries, whether traditional or designed.

Conceptual environment A mosaic of subcultures and conceptualframeworks requires that hundreds of different schools of thoughtfunction, in their own way, at full intensity on neighbouringconceptual domains. But subcultures have their own ecology. Theycan only live at full intensity, unhampered by their intellectualneighbours, if they are conceptually sepa~ted by definitions,whether traditional or designed.

Intra-personal environment A mosaic of distinct modes ofawareness requires the co-existence of hundreds of differentmodes. The full intensity of each mode only emerges, unhampered

(j by its neighbours, if they are appropriately separated ?????1~y

X 0014 b

Identifiable context

Pattern To establish that a part belongs to a larger whole, thewhole needs to be identified with a particular space distinctfrom other spaces.

Physical environment People need an identifiable spatial unit tobelong to (up to 300 yards across; 400-500 inhabitants) distinctfrom other parts of the urban environment. Todayl s pattern ofdevelopment destroys such neighbourhoods. In existing cities,encourage local groups to define physically the neighbourhoodsthey live in. Give them some degree of autonomy and keep majorroads out.

Socio-organizational environment People need an identifiablefunctional unit to belong to (a sector of social space), distinctfrom other parts of the social environment. Within existingorganizational complexes, encourage groups to define the specialactivity domains with which they are identified. Give them somedegree of autonomy and protect them from the high intensitycommunication pathways of the external environment.

Conceptual environment People need an identifiable belief systemor school of thought to belong to (a sector of conceptual space),distinct from other parts of the conceptual environment. Withinexisting conceptual frameworks, encourage groups to define theareas of special interest with which they are identified. Givethem some degree of autonomy and protect them from beingoverridden by patterns of general relationships.

Intra-personal environment An individual needs a central focusto his or her personality (a sector of his or her psychic space)as a reference point for a sense of identity or on which to ground

j any response to the world. Experiential discovery of such acentre should be encouraged. The sense of relative detachmentassociated with such a centre should be cult~vated and protectedfrom the distractions of external patterns of insight.

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X 0015 c

Context boundary

Pattern The strength of the boundary is essential to themaintenance of an identifiable context. An appropriate boundaryemerges as the number of relationships to the external environmentis limited.

Physical environment The strength of the boundary is essentiallto the maintenance of the identifiable character of theneighbourhood. The boundary may be formed by closing down somestreets crossing the neighbourhood and limiting access to theneighbourhood.

Socio-organizational environment The strength of the boundary is~ essential to the maintenance of the identifiable character of a

group or functional unit. The boundary may be formed by cuttingoff some communication pathway through the group_ and restrictingaccess to the group's actiVity.

Conceptual environment The strength of the boundary is essentialto the maintenance of the identifiable character of a conceptualsystem. The definition may be articulated by establishingdistinctions from the pattern of general relationships withinwhich the system is embedded.

Intra-personal environment The strength of the distinctionbetween modes of awareness is essential to the maintenance of theidentifiable character of any focal, ground or "home" mode. Thedistinction may be reinforced by developing the sense of primacyor groundedness associated with such a mode in contrast to others.

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X 0016 c

Web of general interrelationships

Pattern A general system of interrelationships can only work ifall the parts are well-connected. This tends not to be the casebecause of the privileged role accorded to the major relationshipsand the difficulty of linking relationships of different kinds.This difficulty can be reduced by treating the interrelationshipnodes as primary and the interrelationship links as secondary.

Physical environment The web of different modes of pUblictransportation can only work if all the parts are well-connected.This tends not to be the case because of the emphasis placed onthe high volume modes and the difficulty of coordinating theinterchange between different modes, especially to local areas •This difficulty can be reduced by treating the interchange pointsas primary and the actual transportation lines as secondary.Local communities controlling the interchanges can then requireguarantees of a desirable level of local service.

Socio-organizational environment The web of public communicationfacilities can only work if all social actors are connected by it.This tends not to be the case because of the privileged roleaccorded to the mass media and the difficulty of translatinginformation between different modes of communication, especiallywhen adapted to particular profiles. This difficulty can bereduced by treating the translation arenas as primary and theactual lines of communication as secondary. Specialized groupscontrolling the translation arenas can then require guarantees ofa desirable level of adaptation to particular profiles.

Conceptual environment The web of general conceptualrelationships only acquires its full significance if all conceptsare integrated within it. This tends not to be the case because ofthe fundamental role attributed to intellectual orideological lines of thought, and the difficulty of integratingconcepts based on very different or highly specialized modes ofthought. This difficulty can be reduced by treating suchinterrelationship nexi as primary and the relationships themselvesas secondary. Concepts governing such nexi can then require adesirable level of integration of specialized modes of thought.

Intra-personal environment An ordered network associatingdifferent modes of awareness only acquires its full significanceif all modes are integrated within it. This tends not to be thecase because of the primacy accorded to certain preferred modes ofawareness and the difficulty of integrating modes based on verydifferent insights or extra0rdinary experiences. This difficultycan be reduced by recognition of integrative correspondences asprimary and the insights themselves as secondary. Modes ofawareness integrating such correspondences can then require adesirable level of integration of any specialized modes ofawareness.

i:~ 0 x 0017

Encirclement

Pattern Fundamental boundary relationships defining an area'srelationship to the pattern within which it is embedded aredesirable in order to maintain the integrity of that area.

Physical environment High speed ring roads are a necessity whichhelps to define and generate local transport areas. They shouldhowever be placed and built in such a way that they do not destroycommunities or countryside.

Socio-organizational environment High intensity communicationpathways are needed whereby an organizational complex deflectssuch communication around its boundary, thus protecting itselffrom the disruption that irrelevant communication may cause to thecollective life of those involved.

Conceptual environment A clearly defined pattern of concepts isrequired around a conceptual domain in order to channel awayconcepts irrelevant to that domain and disruptive of itspreoccupations.

Intra-personal environment It is necessary for a person toestablish a psychic boundary to unconsciously redirect incomingperceptions which are of no immediate relevance and which wouldtherefore disrupt personal equilibrium unduly.

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x 0018 c

Network of redefinitions

Pattern In a context in which a particular form of order isself-reinforcing at all points, the elements constituting thatorder do not contribute to the redefinition of it or to theemergence of any new pattern. Such pattern emergences occur whenthe elements are able progressively to redefine their relationshipto each other in the light of their past patterning experience.

Physical environment In a physical environment governed by afixed plan, the constitutive elements (buildings, traffic, focalpoints) are perceived as necessarily unchanging in nature. Assuch they cannot be permitted to contribute to any gradualredefinition of the environment. As such it is difficult toaccept that they can contribute to any gradual positiveredefinition of the environment through cyclic, growth, decay, oradaptation processes. Emergence of new or alternative patterns canonly occur when building structures, traffic, etc, adapt to andmodify each other's cycles of activity.

Socio-organizational environment In a society or group whichemphasizes the inculcation of some particular pattern of behaviourand perception, individuals become passive and unable to think oract for themselves. Creative, active individuals and groups canonly emerge in a society which promotes networks of decentralizedlearning instead of emphasizing structured teaching systems.

Conceptual environment In a conceptual framework whichemphasizes the perpetuation of a particular conceptual order ormethod, the emergence of new viewpoints, challenging andredefining that order, is discouraged. It is through suchprocesses and the emergence of alternative viewpoints that aconceptual pattern is renewed and its development ensured.

Intra-personal environment Adoption of a particular mode ofthought prevents the emergence of insights. This inhibitspersonal development through effectively imposing an experientialstraitjacket. Greater personal development is encouraged by theuse of a network of alternative modes.

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X 0019 c

Web of selective interchange

Pattern Interchange points for similar resources should bedistributed evenly throughout the environment for which they areeach a process nexus. As such they interact in a self-organizingmanner, maintaining a stable nexus web despite changes to itresulting from fluctuating demands upon its parts.

Physical environment Shops and other services rarely locatethemselves in those positions which both best serve the needs ofthose they serve and guarantee their own survival. Similarservices can best be evenly distributed throughout the area theyserve, filling gaps in the web, whilst different services shouldbe located close to the largest cluster of other services.

~) Socio-organizational environment Discussion groups, conferencesor fairs concerned w~th similar questions should best bedistributed evenly throughout the space-time env{ronment for whichthey are a process nexus. As such they interact in a self­organizing manner maintaining a stable nexus web despite changesto it resulting from fluctuating demands upon the groupings.Those concerned with different questions can best be located inrelationship to the larger groupings in the web.

Conceptual environment Focal concepts through which similarphenonmena are ordered should be evenly distributed throughout theconceptual space within which they are each a nexus ofdeliberative interchange. As such they interact in a self­organizing manner maintaining a stable web of concepts despitechanges to it resulting from fluctuating use of its constituentviewpoints.

Intra-personal environment Focal modes of awareness through whichpercep~ions of similar circumstances are processed should beevenly distributed throughout a person's perceptual space. Assuch they interact in a self-organizing manner maintaining astable web of modes of awareness despite changes to it resultingfrom fluctuating use of its constituent modes.

- X 0020 c

User-determined specialized communications

Pattern Relationships should be such as to permit contact in anenvironment between any point and any other point.

Physical environment Public transportation should be such as totake people from any point to any other point within ametropolitan area. This can be accomplished by supplementinghigh-volume transportation with a mini-bus feeder service over avarying route optimized by computer in response to requirements ofindividual users.

Socio-organizational environment Communications within a societyor an organizational complex should be such as to permit anyperson to make contact with any other person or group within thatcommunity. Computer assistance should be available to enablea person to discover the communications address of the contactappropriate to his needs.

Conceptual environment Relationships within a knowledge­representative system should be such as to permit the relevance ofany concept to any other concept to be established, particularlywhen such a system is computer-enhanced.

Intra-personal environment Associative relationships within anymode of awareness should be such as to enable any perception toenhance any other perception, possibly with the aid of metaphorictranspositions of perspective. .

X 0021 b

Four-level structural limit

Pattern Within any framework the number of structural levelsvaries, with the highest number of levels tending to occur towardsthe centre. It is desirable that the majority of structuresshould not have more than four levels because of the confusionthat more complex structures tend to engender.

Physical environment Within any urban area the heights ofbuildings will vary, with the highest tending to be towards thecentre. It is desirable that the majority of buildings,especially those destined for human habitation, should not be morethan four stories in height. Higher buildings are destructive ofthe urban environment, offer few genuine advantages, and arepsychologically harmful.

Socio-organizational environment Within any society ororganization the number of hierarchical levels (or classes) willvary, with the highest number tending to be towards the centre ofany such organizational complex. It is desirable that themajority of organizations, especially those associated with thedaily life of a community, should not have more than four suchlevels. Organizations with more hierarchical levels aredestructive of social life, offer few genuine advantages, and arepsychologically harmful.

Conceptual environment Within any conceptual framework thenumber of conceptual or category levels will vary, with thehighest tending to be towards the centre of the framework. It isdesirable that the majority of conceptual structures, especiallythose destined for frequent use by non-specialists, should bebased on not more than four levels. More complex structures tendto confuse the conceptual environment, offer few genuineadvantages, and are psychologically disturbing.

Intra-personal environment Within any mode of awareness thenumber of levels of self-reflectiveness, subtlety or degree ofapprehension will vary, with the highest number tending to beassociated with the core of the person's being. It is desirablethat the majority of perceptual modes, especially those requiredin normal daily life, should not involve more than four suchlevels. Modes of awareness based on a greater number of levelstend to confuse, offer few genuine advantages, and arepsychologically harmful.

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Occupiable temporary site limit

Pattern The integrity of a domain depends very much on the limitset on the number of sites available for temporary occupation.These function as attractants for mobile elements, both fromwithin and from outside the domain.

Physical environment The integrity of local communities andneighbourhoods depends very much on the limit set on the number ofparking spaces provided. When this exceeds about nine percent theenvironment becomes unfit for human use because of the number ofvehicles attracted to it.

Socio-organizational environment The integrity of groups andorganizations depends very much on the limit set on the number ofuncommitted participants. The opportunity of such temporarymembership attracts excessive and irresponsible involvement whichdestroys organizational coherence and continuity.

Conceptual environment The integrity of a conceptual domaindepends very much on the limit set on the number of unresolved,issues within it on which alternative or external explanations aresought. The opportunity to offer such explanations may attractsuperficial and irresponsible involvement to an excessive degree.This inhibits the development of the domain.

Intra-personal environment The integrity of a mode of awarenessdepends very much on the limit set on the number of unintegratedperceptions on which alternative insights are sought. Opennessto an excessive number of such insights inhibits the developmentof that mode of awareness.

X 0023

Compensating relationships in parallel

Pattern A local domain and its boundaries may be protected fromfragmentation by preventing fundamental relationships fromtraversing it. This however results in the disorderlyproliferation of a network of local relationships which itselfthreatens the integrity of the domain. Such local relationshipsmay however be more effectively integrated by providing forreciprocal relationships, traversing the domain in parallel andlinking them to the more fundamental relationships by which theboundary of the domain is defined.

Physical environment Even when ring roads are used to divertthrough traffic around a local transport area such as a city (or aportion of it), severe congestion results in any network ofintersecting streets. This may be avoided by building systems ofparallel and alternating one-way roads to carry traffic to andfrom the ring roads. Cross-streets may be closed to protectneighbourhoods which are defined between the parallel roads ifthey are an appropriate distance apart (100 to 350 metres).

Socio-organizational environment Even when high intensity, non­local communication media are used to deflect such communicationaround an organization's boundary, severe local communicationoverload and underuse may result within any communication networkswithin the organization or community. This may be avoided bydeveloping systems of parallel and alternating unilateralcommunication pathways to carry information to and from thebounding non-local communication media. Local and specializedgroups can effectively define themselves in relationship to suchalternating communication pathways.

Conceptual environment Even when a clearly defined contextualpattern of general concepts is used to filter out irrelevantconcepts (which may destroy the integrity of a conceptual domain)confusion may result locally from the prol~feration of unorderednetworks of conceptual relationships thus inhibiting the furtherdevelopment of that domain. This may be avoided by developingalternative systems of assymetric or complementary relationshipsin parallel as a means of linking locally elaborated concepts intothe wider network of general conceptual relationships.

Intra-personal environment Even when a person establishes anadequate psychic boundary to unconsciously redirect non-significantincoming perceptions, undesirable confusion may result from thefragmentation of the person's awareness into a network of ad hocperceptual modes. This may be avoided by developing parallelsystems of complementary modes of perceptions as a means ofproviding continuity of awareness between immediate perceptions andthe general patterns of insight within which they emerge.

X 0024 c

Positions enabling transcendence

Pattern In any domain there are points which provide a focus forthe relationships between other points. Such a focal point or"centre of gravity" serves an integrative function through whichthe domain may both itself be integrated as well as being relatedas a whole to frameworks which transcend the boundary of thedomain.

Physical environment In every region, town or locality, thereare special places which become symbols embodying the uniquecharacteristics of the area. Unless such sacred sites areprotected, whether they are natural or man-made, people cannotmaintain their spiritual roots or their sense of historical and

(-~; cultural identity within any more global framework.~--

Socio-organizational environment In every society, organizationcomplex or local group, there are regularly occurring specialoccasions transcending day-ta-day preoccupations. These becomesymbols embodying, through some form of ritual, the uniquecharacteristics of the community in question. Unless suchoccasions are protected, whether they are traditional, religiousor improvised, people cannot maintain their spiritual roots andtheir sense of historical and cultural identity within any moreglobal community.

Conceptual environment In any conceptual domain there are key,focal, or self-reflective concepts which serve an integrativefunction whereby the domain may both itself be integrated as wellas being related as a whole to more fundamental or meta-frameworkstranscending the boundary of the domain. Unless such focalconcepts are protected, it becomes difficult to maintain both thecohesion of the domain and its relevance within any larger

<~ conceptual framework./

Intra-personal environment Within any mode ·of awareness thereare fundamental or self-reflective insights through which theperceptio~in that mode are both integrated and related as ~ wholeto some larger, more fundamental, or transcendent mode ofawareness. Unless such key insights are protected, it becomesdifficult for the individual to maintain both the coherence ofthat mode and an understanding of its function within thepersonality as a whole.

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X 0025 c

Relationship to indeterminacy

Pattern The significance of a domain of defined relationships isenhanced if it includes, or is contiguous with, a domain ofindeterminacy in which fixed relationships are partially freed toform other patterns. The boundary between the two domainsrequires special protection because of the tendency ofinharmonious relationships to accumulate there in an uncontrolledmanner.

Physical environment Natural bodies of water, whether beaches,lakes or river banks, are of vital and profound significance topeople, if only for recreation or industrial purposes. Measuresare required to prevent the accumulation of unsightly structures(buildings, factories, roads, etc) at the water's edge whichrender it inaccessible and disagreeable.

Socio-organizational environment Informality, whether in theform of parties, festivals or other non-structured occasionsproviding emotional outlet is of vital and profound significanceto people, if only for recreation purposes or to facilitate formalrelationships and agreements between organizations. Measures arerequired to prevent the proliferation of artificial procedures andrituals which render access to informality difficult anddisagreeable.

Conceptual environment Indeterminacy, whether in the form ofuncertainty, fuzziness, or ignorance, is of vital and profoundimportance to creative conceptual development, if only tofacilitate the emergence of alternative perspectives or to enablebeneficial cross-fertilization between conceptual frameworks.Measures are required to prevent the proliferation of artificialmethods and procedures which render exposure to uncertaintydifficult and conceptually inelegant.

Intra-personal environment Unstructured modes of awareness,whether in the form of insight, intuition, empathy or other non­rational forms, is of vital and profound significance to a person,if only as a catalyst for relaxation or to facilitate integrationbetween more disciplined modes of awareness. Measures arerequired to prevent the proliferation of artificial attitudes andhabits which render exposure to such immediate awareness difficultand painful.

L X 0026 ci

Functional cycle

Pattern A well-balanced self-organizing domain is characterizedby a cycle of interacting phases each of which emphasizesparticular functions or processes vital to the integrity of thedomain.

Physical environment A well-balanced village or urban communityis characterized by the presence of buildings of a range of types(and ages) each of which facilitates a different activity vital tothe integrity of the community. The absence of structures of aparticular type (or age) may severely endanger the balance andindependence of the community as well as restricting the range ofexperiences a person can experience there.

Socio-organizational environment A well-balanced community,organization, or group is characterized by the presence of a rangeof distinct activities (some varying correspondingly from thetraditional to the innovative), each especially relevant to somephase of the cycle of interacting processes through which the lifeof a mature group regulates itself and develops. If suchactivities are not all represented,' people can neither fulfillthemselves in one phase nor pass successfully on to the next.

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Conceptual environment A well-balanced conceptual domain or bodyof knowledge is characterized by a range of distinct methods orconceptual approaches (some varing correspondingly from thetraditional to the innovative), each especially relevant to somephase of the cycle of interacting processes through which the lifeof a mature school of thought regulates itself and develops. Ifsuch approaches are not all represented, ideas cannot be broughtto fruition in one phase nor be successfully transformed fordevelopment in sUbsequent phases.

Intra-personal environment A well-balanced mode of awareness ischaracterized by a range of distinct perceptions (some varyingcorrespondingly from the habitual to the innovative), each"especially relevant to some phase of the cycle of interactingprocesses through which the person's psychic life is integratedand developed. If such perceptions are not all represented,insights cannot be brought to fruition in one phase by the personnor be successfully transformed for development in subsequentphases.

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X 0027

Complementarity

Pattern In order to successfully embody, encompass or reflectpotential variety, a domain should be ordered on the basis of twoincommensurabl~but complementary modes of organization.

Physical environment In order to ensure appropriate balancewithin any urban environment, each building, open space,neighbourhood and work community should be developed with a blendof incommensurable insights (as typified by those of men andwomen). If structures are developed (whether homes, suburbs,supermarkets or factories), in which either of such insights isrepressed, such structures perpetuate and solidify the resultingdistortion of reality.

Socio-organizational environment In order to ensure appropriatebalance within any organization or community, each procedure andactivity should be developed with a blend of incommensurableinsights (as typified by those of men and women). If groups andprogrammes are developed in which either of such insights isrepressed, such structures perpetuate and give form to theresulting distortion of reality.

Conceptual environment In order to successfully embody thecomplexity inherent in any conceptual domain, each frameworkshould be articulated with a combination of incommensurableperspectives (as typified by those of men and women) viewed as acomplementary set of descriptions. If a conceptual framework isdeveloped in which one such perspective is ignored, such aframework perpetuates and gives form to the resultingoversimplified representations of reality.

Intra-personal environment In order to successfully comprehendthe richness inherent in any mode of awareness, it should beallowed to act in either of two incompatible sub-modes (astypified by those of men and women) understood as permittingcomplementary perceptions. If a mode of awareness is developed inwhich one such sub-mode is avoided, the resulting perceptualhabits will provide a dangerously oversimplified understanding ofreality.

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X 0028 c

Coherent pattern of relationship densities

Pattern Within a domain randomness in the density of localrelationships fails to reinforce any recognizable pattern on thebasis of which the domain as a whole may be identified. Asystematic variation in the pattern of relationship densities canprovide the necessary coherence.

Physical environment Within an urban environment populationdensities are higher towards the centre, but there is norecognizable pattern arising from the manner in which this trendis modified by the many component local communities (with theirown centres). Such randomness inhibits development of anycommunity identity and creates a chaos in the pattern of land use.Given that the centre of local communities are each located ontheir community boundary (eccentrically towards the centre of thelarger agglomeration), by encouraging them each to bulge bothtowards the geometric centres of their own local community andin a horseshoe along the neighbouring boundary, a gradient ofimbricated horseshoes emerges as an overall pattern supportive oflocal community life.

Socio-organizational environment Within any organizationalcomplex, network or group, randomness in the local densitydistribution of formal or informal relationships fails toreinforce any recognizable pattern on the basis of which theorganization as a whole may be identified, comprehended andeffectively used. A systematic variation in the pattern ofrelationship densities can provide the necessary coherence.

Conceptual environment Within any conceptual framework or bodyof knowledge, randomness in the density of relationships betweenspecialized concepts fails to reinforce any recognizable patternon the basis of which the conceptual framework as a whole may beidentified, comprehended and effectively used. A systematicvariation in the pattern of specialized relationships can providethe necessary coherence.

Intra-personal environment Within any mode of awarenessrandomness in the degree of relatedness of sets of perceptionsfails to reinforce any recognizable pattern on the basis of whichthe mode of awareness as a whole may be identified, comprehendedand profitably used. A systematic variation in the pattern ofsets of perceptions can provide the necessary coherence.

X 0029 c

Stable density gradient of local relationships

Pattern The locus of formation of new local relationships isdetermined by a balance between proximity to the local centre (asan attraction) and distance from the intensity of processes there(acting as a repellant). The varying ways in which this balanceis determined leads to the emergence of rings of different rela­tionship density (a density gradient) around the local centre.This density configuration will be unstable unless measures areadopted to compensate for the instablity resulting from continuingpressure to form further relationships at preferred locations.

Physical environment In a local community people want to liveclose to shops and services for excitement and convenience. Theymust balance this against the desire to be away from such servicesin order to experience peace and greenery. The pattern of suchchoices in a neighbourhood defines density rings around the localcentre. Under the continuing pressure of the arrival of newhouseholds, such a density gradient becomes unstable (to thedisadvantage of the less privileged) unless compensatory measuresare adopted.

Socio-organizational environment In a local or specializedorganizational complex people want to be close to the centre"where the action is" and where interpersonal interactions aremost intense -and challenging. But they must balance this againsttheir need for low key unstructured relationships permittinggreater freedom of personal expression and growth. The varyingways in which this balance is struck by individuals in anorganization or network defines relationship density rings aroundthe nucleus of the organization. Under the continuing pressure ofthe arrival of new participants, such a density gradient becomesunstable (to the disadvantage of the less privileged) unlesscompensatory measures are adopted. .

(~ Conceptual environment In a specialized conceptual domain spe­cialists experience a need to be close to the intellectual centreof gravity where the latest challenging ideas are being presentedand debated. But they must balance this against their need forpeaceful, reflective conditions in which their own insights canemerge and be developed. The varying ways in-which this balanceis struck by individuals within a school of thought or invisiblecollege defines density rings of conceptual relationships aroundthe core of the domain. Under the continuing pressure of theemergence of new thinkers, such a density gradient becomesunstable (to the disadvantage of the less privileged) unlesscompensatory measures are adopted.

Intra-personal environment In employing a specialized mode ofawareness, a balance must be struck between the challenging in­sights to be gained by focussing it in its most intensely disci­plined form and the benefit to be derived from allowing it toinfluence perceptions in a more non-directive manner. The varyingways in which this balance tends to be struck over a period oftime by the person using t:lat mode defines density rings of per­ceptual relationships around the focal awareness. Under the con­tinu~ng pressure of the emergence of new perceptions, such ag~ad~ent becomes unstable (to the disadvantage of some percep­t~ons) unless compensatory measures are adopted.

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~ X 0030 b

Activity nodes

Pattern As a framework of relationships is articulated, nodesemerge at the points of convergence of the principalrelationships. Such nodes provide loci for processes vital to theself-organizing dynamics of the domain as a whole.

Physical environment As a local community grows, communityfacilities emerge randomly thus failing to reinforce each other orthe vitality of the community as a whole. This may be remedied byconcentrating mutually supportive facilities at activity nodes(such as small public squares distributed evenly throughout thecommunity) on which the network of pathways naturally converge.

Socio-organizational environment As an organizational complexdevelops, facilitative nodes emerge randomly thus failing toreinforce each other or the vitality of the group or network as awhole. This may be remedied by concentrating mutually supportivenetwork facilities at activity nodes (such as meetings organizedregularly to serve different interest groups) on which the networkof relationships naturally converge.

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Conceptual environment As a specialized conceptual domaindevelops, facilitative methods emerge randomly thus failing toreinforce each other or the interest of the domain as a whole.This may be remedied by deliberately grouping mutually supportivemethods in relation to the key concepts (such as those providing afocus for alternative perspectives within the domain) on which thenetwork or conceptual relationships naturally converge.

Intra-personal environment As a specialized mode of awarenessdevelops, facilitative key insights emerge randomly thus failingto reinforce each other or the integrity of that mode. This maybe remedied by consciously associating mutually supportiveinsights in relation to the principal perceptions (such as thoseproviding a focus for alternative perceptions within that mode) onwhich the network of insights naturally converge.

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X 0031 b

Cycle of relationship reinforcement

Pattern Within any domain, linking the activity nodes togetherthrough a fundamental cycle reinforces specific relationships aswell as the integrity of the domain as a whole.

Physical environment In any urban community the gradualformation of a promenade linking the main activity nodes providesan environment through which people are encouraged to moveconstantly in order to see and to be seen, especially if theprincipal nodes are located at each end. Such a promenadeprovides a focus for the life of the community.

Socio-organizational environment In any organizational complexor group, linking facilitative nodes together in a communicationcircuit provides an environment through which people areencouraged to move constantly in order to encounter new andalternative activities and the associated relationships. Such acycle reinforces existing relationships and the integrity of thegroup as a whole.

Conceptual environment In any conceptual domain or school ofthought, linking together the key focii of conceptual activity ina cycle of conceptual processes provides an environment throughwhich ideas are encouraged to move constantly in order to bechallenged by new or alternative insights and the associatedconceptual relationships. Such a cycle reinforces existingrelationships and the integrity of that body of knowledge as awhole.

Intra-personal environment Within any mode of awareness, 'linkingkey perceptual processes together within a larger cyclic processprovides a context through which attention is encouraged to moveconstantly in order to encounter new or alternative insights andthe patterns of significance within which they are embedded. Sucha cycle renews existing relationships and the integrity of themode of awareness as a whole.

X 0032 c

Selective interchange axis

Pattern Effective selective interchange within a domain isachieved by harmonizing the dynamically incompatible requirementsof high-intensity non-local relationships and low intensity, localrelationships. This can be achieved by arranging that selectiveinterchange axes cut across non-local relationships, providinglocal relationships between them.

Physical environment The Viability of shopping centres dependson an appropriate compromise between their accessibility frommajor roads and the convenience to pedestrian shoppers. This canbe achieved by arranging that pedestrian shopping streets cutacross major roads, linking parallel roads, and providing parkingspace behind the shops.

Socio-organizational environment The viability of environments(such as meetings) for effective exchange between groups dependson an appropriate compromise between their accessibility th~ough

structured mass communications pathways and the necessary low keyinformal interactions between participants. This can be achievedby arranging that low key communication environments cut acrossmajor lines of communication, providing a link between them.

Conceptual environment The Viability of environments for thecross-fertilization of ideas between different frames of referenceor schools of thought (such as in knowledge representationsystems) depends on an appropriate compromise between theiraccessibility through structured high speed information systemsand the extended time period required to reflect on new ideas.This can be achieved by connecting local (or personal) informationsystems enhancing cross-fertilization to different data.networks.

Intra-personal environment The viability of conditions for thecross-fertilization of personal insights depends on an appropriatecompromise between exposure of the indivi~ual to a continuingstream of impressions and the possibility for the individual tofilter out irrelevant impressions in order to focus awareness onthose which remain. This can be achieved by alternatingattention, for appropriate periods of time, between the stream ofimpressions and a focussed awareness, thus maintaining continuityof awareness between the two modes.

x 0033 c

Ill-defined processes

Pattern In every domain there are processes that are ill-definedor are only evident when the well-defined processes are inactive.Ill-defined processes should be clustered to ensure theirviability as attractors.

Physical environment In every urban community there is somekind of night life after daytime activities are closed down.Entertainment facilities, bars, discos, restaurants, etc need tobe distributed in clusters to provide lively secure pedestrianenvironments in order to guarantee their attractiveness andviability.

Socio-organizational environment Associated with everyorganizational complex or group there are extra-mural activities towhich participants are attracted during interruptions in the cycleof normal group activity. These range from drinking togetherthrough office recreation clubs, group celebrations, parties,collective participation in carnivals and excursions, to otherforms of group entertainment. Such activities need to beclustered in space and/or time if they are to provide lively secureenvironments in order to guarantee their attractiveness andviability.

Conceptual environment In every conceptual domain there areunconscious, ill-defined processes that are only evident when thewell-defined conceptual procedures are inactive or exhausted.Such unconscious processes should be inter-related or associated inorder to ensure their viability as catalysts for the emergence ofalternative perspectives.

Intra-personal environment In every mode of awareness there areunconscious, ill-defined processes that are only evident when theperson's conscious awareness is stilled. Such unconsciousprocesses, including dreams and waking fantasies, should be inter­related in order to ensure their viability as catalysts for theemergence of new insights.

X 0034

Interchange

Pattern The interconnections between lines of relationships in adomain, namely the nodal points from which alternativerelationships orginate, play a central role in ensuring theviability and integrity of the overall pattern of relationships.

Physical environment The interchanges in a web of publictransportation services play a central role in ensuring theviability and intergrity of the transportation system. Theyshould be organized to make them accessible to regular users andto minimize the discontinuity between different modes oftransport.

Socio-organizational environment The arenas in which informationis translated between different media in the web of publiccommunication services play a central role in ensuring theviability and integrity of the communication system. The arenasshould be organized to make them accessible to regularcommunications from different groups and to minimize thediscontinuity between different modes of communication.

Conceptual environment The focal, or interdisciplinary, conceptswhich provide interconnections between different lines of thought,play a central role in ensuring the viability and integrity of theweb of conceptual relationships. Such nexuses of inter­relationships should be organized to make them relevant to ideasemanating from different schools of thought and to minimize thediscontinuity between different modes of thought.

Intra-personal environment The integrative modes of awareness,which provide the necessary interconnections between particularmodes of awareness, play a central role in ensuring the viabilityand integrity of any ordered pattern of awareness. Theintegrative modes should be organized to make them significant toinsights emerging from different modes of awareness and tominimize the discontinuity between different modes of awareness.

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Adequate variety of cyclic elements

Pattern The coherence and specificity of the cycle of interactingphases, by which a domain is defined, is largely determined by thevariety of those cyclic elements.

Physical environment The mix of dwelling types (and ages) in anyneighbourhood or urban cluster, namely the presence together ofdwellings appropriate for children, single people, workingcouples, and the old, largely determines the coherence anduniqueness of such a community and its potential for self-renewal.Mixing must be balanced by the need to construct similar dwellingtypes together.

Socio-organizational environment The mix of people of differentages, namely at different stages in the human life cycle (or thelife cycle of a group), is a major factor in determining thedegree of coherence and uniqueness of any organizational complexor group. People need support and confirmation from those atother stages in a life cycle, whether older or younger. Mixingdifferent household types must be balanced against the needs forthose of the same age group to be together.

Conceptual environment The variety of distinct methods orconceptual approaches (including the classical and the innovative)constituting the learning/discovery cycle of any conceptual domainor school of thought is a major factor in determining its degreeof coherence and specificity. The mixture of methods must howeverbe balanced against the need to strengthen the relationshipsbetween those of the same kind.

Intra-personal environment The variety of distinct perceptions(including the habitual and the innovative) constituting the cycleof processes of any mode of awareness is a major factor indetermining its degree of coherence and uniqueness. The mixtureof perceptions must however be balanced against the need toreinforce the relationships between those of the same kirid.

X 0036 b

Differentiation by relationship density

Pattern A domain is articulated by differentiating zones ofhigh, medium and low relationship densities amongst the domainelements. Such distinctions should be reinforced by the overallclustering of the elements.

Physical environment Within any neighbourhood (or cluster ofhouses) there are those who wish to live close to central servicesor the movement of people, there are those who prefer privacy, andthere are those who prefer some compromise between such extremes.Such differing preferences for publicness may be satisfied byreinforcing the distinction between bUsy streets, secluded

( backstreets or pathways, and streets of an intermediate type.

Socio-organizational environment Within any organization orgroup there are those who wish to be visibly associated with areasof intense activity or public contact, there are those who preferseclusion, and there are those who prefer some compromise betweenthose roles involving extreme public relations and personalexposure, those roles requiring privacy, and those involving somemix of the two.

Conceptual environment A conceptual domain is articulated bydifferentiating areas of intense interaction between mutuallychallenging and commonplace ideas, isolated areas of exploration andreflection, and areas having some of the characteristics of both.Such distinctions may be usefully maintained by clarifying andreinforcing the pattern of relationships between them.

Intra-personal environment A mode of awareness is articulated bydifferentiating conditions of intense interaction betweenperceptions (Whether new insights or old), conditions ofmeditation and Withdrawal, and conditions having some of thecharacteristics of both. Such distinctions may be usefullymaintained by clarifying and reinforcing the pattern oftransitions between them.

X 0037 b

Cluster of frameworks

Pattern The fundamental unit of identifiable local organizationwithin a domain is the cluster of frameworks within which elementsare grouped. The limit on the number of frameworks per clustervaries from 8 to 12 depending on the balance between implicit,dynamic and explicit structural organization.

Physical environment The fundamental unit of organization withinan identifiable neighbourhood is the cluster of houses. The limiton the number of houses per cluster varies from 8 to 12 dependingon the balance between the informality and coherence of the group.The houses should preferably be arranged around some commonlyowned land and paths. -

Socio-organizational environment The fundamental unit of localorganization in any identifiable social span is the (proximity)cluster of groups (or people) with related preoccupations. Thelimit on the number of groups (or people) per cluster varies from8 to 12 depending on the balance between the informality of therelationships within the cluster and the coherEnce of the clusteras a whole. The relationships between the groups (or people)should preferably be such as to define an area of commonly shouldconcern.

Conceptual environment The fundamental unit of localorganization in any identifiable conceptual span is the(proximity) cluster of conceptual frameworks with related foci.The limit on the number of frameworks per cluster varies from 8 to12 depending on the balance between the network of implicit,associative relationships and the degree of explicit, structuralorganization. The relationships between the frameworks shouldpreferably be such as to define a common focus.

Intra-personal environment The fundamental unit of localorganization in any identifiable field of awareness is the clusterof perceptual frameworks with related foci. The limit on thenumber of frameworks per cluster varies from 8 to 12 depending onthe balance between the fluidity of the perceived relationshipsand the degree of gestalt awareness of the cluster as a whole.The perceptaul frameworks should preferably be configured such asto highlight a unifying awareness.

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Standard frameworks

Pattern In certain parts of a domain, clusters of frameworks donot permit a sufficiently high relationship density. Chains ofstandard frameworks may then be used.

Physical environment In certain parts of an uran communityclusters of houses do not permit sUfficiently high populationdensities or degrees of publicness. Row houses are then essentialand should preferably be placed along pedestrian paths, running atright angle to local roads, such as to provide common land behindthem.

Socio-organizational environment In certain parts of anorganizational complex clusters of groups (or people) with relatedpreoccupations do not permit sUfficiently high relationshipdensities or degrees of interaction. Standard groups should thenbe interlinked in chains, such as to provide low intensitycommunication pathways between them, connecting into higherintensity communication networks. The groups should be interlinkedsuch as to define a common area of concern.

Conceptual environment In certain parts of a conceptual domainloose clusters of conceptual frameworks do not permit asufficiently high degree of integration. Standard frameworks(such as matrices of concepts) should then be interlinked by asequence of procedures such as to encourage non-linearinteractions between them, phasing into the linear pattern of moregeneral relationships. The frameworks should be interlinked suchas to def~ne a shared common focus.

Intra-personal environment In certain areas of a field ofawareness clusters of perceptual frameworks do not provide asufficiently high degree of integration. Standard perceptualframeworks should then be interlnked together (such as in a rotelearning or meditation sequence) such as to engender the implicitrelationships between them, phasing into the explicit patterns ofoverall awareness. The frameworks should be interlinked such asto define a shared core awareness.

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X 0039

Integrating a new dimension

Pattern At the central foci of any domain the density ofrelationships between elements is such as to require constructionof a framework in a new dimension. To avoid a purely mechanisticpattern, each element, whilst acquiring unique characteristicswithin the framework, should encode its earlier spatial dimensionsand the rhythms of its earlier dynamics.

Physical environment In every urban environment there are placesso central that high-rise apartments tend to be constructed toaccommodate the high populaton density. To avoid alienatingimpersonality, each apartment should have a direct connection tothe ground, a private garden and the possibility of acquiring aunique identity. This may be accomplished by using steppedterraces on a housing hill.

Socio-organizational environment At the central (or fashionable)foci of any organizational complex the preferred density ofrelationships is such as to require that many be based on a newmode of action. To avoid alienating impersonality, each groupshould maintain a direct connection to simpler and morefundamental modes of organizing relatinships in time, whilst atthe same time acquiring unique characteristics in the newframework.

Conceptual environment At the central foci of any conceptualdomain the necessary density of relationships between concepts issuch as to require that many be based on a new (or meta) dimension.To avoid arid incomprehensibility, each set of concepts shouldmaintain a direct connection to simpler and more fundamentalpatterns of relationship, whilst at the same time acquiring uniquecharacteristics within the new framework.

Intra-personal environment At the central foci of any mode ofawareness the density of relationships amongst perceptions andinsights is such as to require that many be based on a newdimension of understanding. To avoid cold detaChment, each set ofinsights should maintain a direct connection to simpler and morefundamental patterns of insight, whilst at the same timedeveloping unique characteristics in the light of the newdimension.

x 0040 b

Integrating the historical dimension

Pattern When a domain is properly formed it encodes the earlierstages in its own development, appropriately relating them tocurrent and emerging stages.

Physical environment When an urban environment is properlydesigned it preserves structures reflecting the characteristics ofits earlier stages of development, appropriately relating them torecent buildings and those planned or in process of construction.

Socio-organizational environment When a social group ororganizational complex is properly balanced it integrates withinit traditional groups (or elderly people), appropriately relatingthem to contemporary groups (or adults) as well as to new kinds ofgroup (or the young). Failure to do so creates dangerous rifts inthe sense of historical continuity and development within thecommunity.

Conceptual environment When a conceptual domain is properlyformed and balanced it integrates within it the earlier stages inits own developmet, appropriately relating them to currentlyaccepted concepts and to emerging insights into the probablefuture development of the domain.

Intra-personal environment When a mode of awareness is properlybalanced it integrates within it the earlier learning stages in itsown development, appropriately relating them to those in whichconfidence is at present placed as well as to those emerginginsights which are as yet only partially understood.

X 0041 b

Informal context for formal processes

Pattern A variety of formal processes should be grouped inclusters to enhance interlinking informal processes that ensure abalanced context for both within each cluster.

Physical environment Workplaces for a variety of employmentsshould be clustered in groups of 10 to 20 around their owncourtyards to from an identifiable work community with somecollective amenities and nested within a larger community withother services. The work community then provides for a morebalanced life outside the house. .

Socio-organizational environment Groups or task forces with avariety of preoccupations should be encouraged to form intoclusters of 10 to 20 such as to reinforce the informal interactionamongst them. The resulting community or network then provides fora healthier degree of functional balance than is normally possibleoutside non-directive groups.

Conceptual environment Utilization of a variety of distinctmethodologies or conceptual frameworks should be organized intoclusters of 10 to 20 such as to reinforce the processes of non­formal interaction amongst them. The resulting network or"invisible college" then provides for a healthier degree ofconceptual balance than is normally possible outside contexts ofngn-de_te_r_m_inislie-rafle-cti.-on_- -- ------ --------------------

Intra-personal environment A variety of distinct perceptualframeworks should be grouped into clusters of 10 to 20 such as toreinforce the processes of unconscious integration amongst them.The resulting gestalt then provides for a more ba~anced mode ofawareness than is normally possible in the absence of "seedless"meditation.

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Li X 0042 c

Chain of fundamental transformation zones

Pattern Zones of fundamental transformations should be situatedin chains such as to form boundaries within a domain rather thanbeing isolated within a specialized domain.

Physical environment Industry should be distributed alongribbons such as to form boundaries between communities rather thanbeing completely separated from urban life and thus contributing tothe unreality of sheltered residential neighbourhoods and to thesterility of industrial parks.

Socio-organizational environment Managerial and administrativeaction groups should be situated such as to form boundariesbetween organizational complexes, rather than being groupedseparately from working operations, thus contributing to theunreality of sheltered wo+king environments and to the sterilityof bureaucracy.

Conceptual environment Application of theory to concreteproblems should be linked such as to form boundaries betweenconceptual frameworks, rather than being isolated from areas ofpurely theoretical work, thus contributing to the unreality ofsuch sheltered research environments and to appreciations based onlimited insights.

Intra-personal environment Adaptations and use of modes ofawareness in real-world situations should be linked such as toform boundaries between fields of awareness, rather than beingcompletely isolated from reflection and meditation and thuscontributing to the unreality of such protected activities and tounenlightened action.

X 0237

Connectedness in isolation

Pattern When subdividing a relatively small space, boundaries canbe usefully under-emphasized by limiting the number of modes bywhich contact is maintained across the boundaries. This ensuresconnectedness throughout the whole space whilst maintaining anadequate degree of isolation for each part of it.

Physical environment In a small building with small rooms, doorswith glazing give a sense of visual connection together with thepossibility of acoustic isolation. People then feel lessisolated.

Socio-organizational environment In a small organization made upof small working units, each unit should receive sufficientgeneral information on the activities of the others withoutneeding to expose the others to the full details of its internaloperations. The units then feel connected but appropriatelyisolated in dealing with their particular responsibilities.

Conceptual environment Within a small conceptual framework withnarrow domains of specialization, each specialized frameworkshould be exposed to only some kinds of information from theothers in order to maintain the sense of coherence within thelarger framework. Other kinds of information, corresponding tothe internal preoccupations characterizing each domain, should notneed to be exchanged.

Intra-personal environment When further articulating a particularmode of awareness, there should be sufficient interaction betweenthe sub-modes to avoid total fragmentation of the more generalmode. I

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X 0238 c

Filtered insights

Pattern Unmediated sources of illumination result in strongcontrasts, over-emphasizing boundaries and making it difficult todetect detail.

Physical environment Light filtered through a window partiallycovered by leaves or tracery enhances a sense of well-being incontrast to the dullness associated with uniform lighting. Glarearound the window is also reduced by softening the light in thisway.

Socio-organizational environment Diffusing the underlyingintention of an organization through spontaneously occurringevents enhances the organic well-being of the group in contrast tothe over-programmed dullness associated with an omnipresentobjective. Unnecessary tension is also reduced by indirection ofthe trend.

Conceptual environment Diluting a fundamental insight byrepresenting it through random phenomena of apparantly superficialsignificance enhances appreciation of its value. Presentation ofan insight in undiluted form results in harsh contrasts which makeif difficult to accept.

Intra-personal environment (as for conceptual environment)

X 0239 b

Multi-faceted frameworks

Pattern The smaller the facets offered by a framework, the moreintense the connection with that which is framed. The greaterthe number of facets, the greater the variety of connection towhat is framed. The absence of a plurality of facets, howeverlarge the framework, engenders alienation from that which isframed.

Physical environment The smaller the windows are, and the smallerthe panes are, the more intensely windows help connect us withwhat is on the other side. Paradoxically large plate glass windowsinhibit the relationship to the nature they reveal compared tosmaller windows, or smaller-paned windows, which create far moreframes through which contact is rendered more intimate. Smallerpanes establish a psychologically more acceptable balance betweenexposure and enclosure.

Socio-organizational environment The smaller the frameworksthrough which an organization surveys its environment, the moreintense the connection with that environment. The greater thenumber of such frameworks, the greater the variety of connectionsto the environment. Because of the sense of excessive exposure,larger "windows" on the environment inhibit the organization1ssense of ocntact with it.

Conceptual environment The more specialized the tools with whicha conceptual framework maintains contact with its environment, andthe more of them, the more adequate its apprehension of thatenvironment is felt to be. Contact maintained through anunspecialized framework of great generality creates uncertainty asto whether an appropriate conceptual distance from the environment

r~ has been achieved.~y

Intra-personal environment The more specialized the modes ofawareness through which contact is maintained with the psychicenvironment, and the more of them, the more intense and intimatethat contact is felt to be. Contact maintained through anunspecialized, holistic mode of awareness creates uncertainty asto whether an appropriate distinction is being made betweenperceiver and perceived.

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X 0240 b

Tolerance at level interfaces

Pattern Provision of suitably scaled intermediate positionspermits a realistic degree of tolerance at interfaces betweenframeworks of different levels. Such tolerance is necessary ifthere is to be freedom in any design and implementation process.

Physical environment A free and natural building cannot beconceived without the possibility of using trim to cover minorvariations and mistakes during the construction process.' Inmodern system building the necessary tolerances are reduced byeliminating any possibility of freedom in the building plan. Trimserves the vital additional function of ensuring adequateperceptual continuity between the fine structure of naturalmaterials and the dimensions of the smallest constructionalelements. Without such continuity the building is experienced asalienating.

Socio-organizational environment In the natural development of anorganization allowances must be made for minor inconsistencies inthe working relationships between its constituent groups,especially those at different hierarchical levels. Suchinconsistencies can only be avoided by detailed pre-planningintolerant of any spontaneously instituted variations during theorganization's development. The manner in which suchinconsistencies are intergrated into the life of the organizationmay well contribute to its qualifications as a human organizationrather than as an inhuman one.

Conceptual environment In the natural development of a conceptualframework allowance must be made for minor inconsistencies in therelationships between its constituent modules, especially those atdifferent levels of abstraction. Such inconsistencies can only beavoided by absolute adherence to an all-embracing frameworkintolerant of any variations which may emerge as desirable duringits implementation. The manner in which such inconsistencies areintegrated into the conceptual framework may well contribute toits qualifications as realistic rather than as unrealistic.

Intra-personal environment In the natural development of a modeof awareness allowance must be made for minor inconsistencies inthe relationships between its various aspects, especially those atdifferent levels. Such inconsistencies can only be avoided byadherence to a single overriding intention intolerant of anyvariation which may emerge as desirable in practice. The mannerin which such inconsistencies are integrated into the mode ofawareness may well contribute to its acceptance as acceptablerather than as unacceptable.

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X 0241 b

Attractive temporary positions

Pattern For a temporary position to be attractive, dueconsideration must be given to the viewpoint it offers, itsexposure to agreeable influences, and its proximity to focii ofmore permanent concern.

Physical environment Outdoor seats, whether pUblic or private,are useless unless they are positioned with due regard for viewand climate.

Socio-organizational environment Organizations can usefullypermit the emergence of temporary roles which offer participantsthe opportunity of withdrawing from formal activity, whether tocultivate a sense of perspective, or as a safety valve throughwhich the tensions of organization life may be reduced.

Conceptual environment Conceptual frameworks can usefullyrecognize the value of temporary viewpoints, not necessarilyassociated with any particular framework, from which a sense ofperspective may be obtained concerning ongoing conceptualactivity. Such viewpoints will not however be taken up unlesstheir inherent interest is recognized.

Intra-personal environment Temporary modes of awareness may beusefully adopted as a means of acquiring a sense of perspective onthose adopted on a more frequent and regular basis.

I~! X 0243 b

Ambiguous boundaries

Pattern There are situations in which the boundaries betweenspaces are too absolute, but the absence of any boundary would doan injustice to the sUbtlety of the division between them.Ambiguous boundaries may than be established which bothdistinguish and bind together.

Physical enviconment In many places, walls and fences betweenoutdoor spaces are too high, even though some separating boundaryis required. In such situations, very low walls may be built sothat when sat upon in various ways, or stepped over, the connectonbetween the spaces is emphasized.

Socio-organizational environment In the relationships betweengroups there are situations in which the boundary between themshould be highly permeable, such that participants feel free toshift between actions within one group to those in another, or thatthere should be an acceptable ambiguity as to which group they areacting for at anyone time.

Conceptual environment In the relationship between conceptualframeworks, there are situations in which it is advantageous to beable to shift easily between conceptualization in terms of one tothat in terms of the other, accepting a certain ambiguity as towhich is appropriate at anyone time. '

Intra-personal environment In the relationship between differentmodes of awareness there are situations in which it isadvantageous for the person to be able to shift freely betweendistinct modes such that there is some ambiguity as to which isvalid in a given set of circumstances.

X 0244 c

Flexible interfaces

Pattern Flexible interfaces can provide a more appropriateboundary between the fixity of well-defined spaces and thevariability of the contexts within which they are embedded.

Physical environment A building using canvas awnings or temporaryroofing touches the elements more nearly than when constructedwith hard conventional materials only. Canvas has a softness, asuppleness, which is in harmony with wind, light and sun.

Socio-organizational environment A group permitting varyingdegrees of informal participation responds more naturally to itscontext than one based On formal membership only. Such flexibleinformality is in harmony with the shifting currents of opinion inthe social environment.

Conceptual environment A conceptual framework able to incorporateinformal methods of interacting with its environment is acceptedas more realistic than One based on formal methods alone. Suchflexibility is more responsive to the problems of representingcomplex, ill-defined phenomena.

Intra-personal environment A condition of awareness incorporatingsome subjective modes of understanding can provide a moreappropriate interface with the psychic environment than one basedon objective modes alone. An interface of such flexibility ismore adapted to conditions in which the psychic boundary is i11­defined.

X 0245 c

Protecting variability to enhance fixity

Pattern Zones of variability require protection to render themaccessible so that they enhance zones of fixity effectively.

Physical environment flowers are beautiful along the edges ofpaths, buildings, and outdoor rooms where they soften edges. Butunless they are protected within a raised bed, they cannot easilysurvive and are inaccessible to those who would appreciate them.

Socio-organizational environment Spontaneous creativity (andhumour) relieves the tedium of organizational rules and proceduresthus helping to make them more acceptable. But unless accessibleprotective contexts are provided for such spontaneity, it cannoteasily thrive under normal organizational pressures.

Conceptual environment Imaginative and speculative thinkingenlivens intellectual discourses governed by well-defined theoriesand methods, thus encouraging creative advances. But unless arecognized respectable place is given to such unconstrainedspeculation it cannot easily survive in disciplined discourse.

Intra-personal environment Imaginative musings and adventures inawareness and modes of being contribute to psychic well-being.But unless they are given an accepted role, it may be difficultfor them to fulfill their function adequately.

X 0246

Integration within context

Pattern A collective framework is sucessfully integrated withinits natural environment when variable processes in that contextinteract with it as freely as they would if it were natural tothat context.

Physical environment A building finally becomes part of itssurroundings when plants grow over parts of it as freely as theygrow over the ground. In so doing, they effect a smoothtransition between the built and the natural, whether in terms oflight quality or texture.

Socio-organizational environment An organization becomes anatural part of the community in which it is located when itsboundary as a social group offers many points of contact to theinformal processes occurring within the community.

Conceptual environment A conceptual framework is successfullyintegrated into the conceptual domain to which it relates when itis accepted as offering support for the variety of informalcreation processes associated with that domain.

Intra-personal environment A psychplogical construct or mode ofawareness is successfully integrated into a person's psychicframework when it supports and reinforces the person's otherunstructured modes of awareness.

X 0247 b

Embedding fixity within variability

Pattern When it is necessary to ensure a degree of fixity withina domain of variability, it is an advantage to embed amultiplicity of separated smaller domains of fixity in the spacesuch as to safeguard the contextual variability. This is to becontrasted with the use of a single continuous surface whichdestroys the characteristics of the variable domain.

Physical environment Use of paving with ample cracks between thestones permits grasses and mosses to grow there, thus preserving adelicate ecology of insect life and allowing rainwater to draindirectly into the earth. In contrast to continuous asphalt andconcrete surfaces, such paving settles without cracking and isagreeable to walk on.

Socio-organizational environment Any set of rules, regulations,and procedures can usefully be organized in such a way that thereis a certain amount of flexibility or "play" between them so asnot to totally inhibit the informal life of the group. This is to

-be contrasted with an alienating set of rules which interlock socompletely that everything is prohibited unless it is explicitlypermitted. Such a set does not adjust well to the passage oftime.

Conceptual environment A set of conceptual tools functions mosteffectively when each can adapt to the circumstances for which itis most appropriate. This is to be contrasted with a totallyintegrated set of methods which fails to allow for more complex,unpredictable phenomena to which it is insensitive and for whichit is inadequate.

Intra-personal environment In formulating a set of personal rulesit is useful to le~ve a certain amount of "play" between them.Any attempt to subject all processes to such a set of rulesinhibits vital processes to which rules are insensitive, possiblyto the detriment of psychic health or richness.

X 0248

Time binding

Pattern In order to provide a sense of connectedness with a spaceand its context, it is essential that its boundaries should insome way be sensitive to the passage of time and to the processesthat have occurred within that space.

Physical environment Soft tile and brick can be used on groundlevel surfaces in order th9 t, through the natural processes ofwear, they should record the activity of the building as a livingentity. Such materials, intermediate in character between the

. building and the earth, emphasize the connectedness with the earthin a manner impossible for artificial materials that are perceivedas impervious and alien.

Socio-organizational environment The transactions of the group,especially with the outside world, can be conducted in such a waythat some meaningful and continuing trace is left of itsconnections with its historical context and with the manner of itsown development. This is to be contrasted with groups who onlymaintain impersonal records, if any, and have little sense oftheir own historical continuity.

Conceptual environment In the development of a conceptual spacefrom its relatively unformed beginnings, a sense of continuity andconnectedness with that original level of understanding canusefully be cultivated. This tends to correspond to that of thewider conceptual context within which the space is embedded and towhich it must conttnue to relate if its development is notultimately to be inhibited.

Intra-personal environment In the process of individualdevelopment it is useful to maintain a sense of continuity withthe earlier states of awareness from which the present f9rms haveemerged. This is to be contrasted with efforts tq cut-off orrepress any recollection of the past in which present and futuredevelopment is rooted.

X 0249 b

Symbols of integration

Pattern Symbols of integration may be used to emphasize theboundaries of a space. At significant transitions between partsof the space, when the connectivity between patterns is weak, theyare a means of binding them together to emphasize the largerwhole. They function mainly by creating surfaces in which eachpart is simultaneously figure and boundary and in which the designacts a boundary and figure at several different levelssimultaneously.

Physical environment Use of ornamental designs as decoration onbuildings where materials meet as a means of providing a seam toknit together such edges to emphasize the space as a whole ratherthan its constituent parts. Ornamentation is frivolous when thereis in fact no lack of connectivity.

Socio-organizational environment Use of logos, banners, totems,rituals, mottoes, or other devices to reinforce recognition of thegroup as a whole, particularly in contexts in which it is liableto split into factions.

Conceptual environment Use of symbols whose structure or profoundsignificance is congruent with the organization of the conceptualspace and therefore serves to bind together the different aspectsor dimensions of it.

Intra-personal environment Reflection on symbols which are feltto be keys to the integration of the psyche and the sense ofidentity. These may emerge from the unconscious in the form ofdreams or in certain forms of artistic creation (e.g. sandprinting).

X 0250 b

Encouraging emphases

Pattern The degree to which a space is experienced as congenialdepends to a great extent on the manner in which the pervadingemphases conbine together to define an encouraging environment.This tends to be harder to achieve when some of the emphases areof necessity discouraging.

Physical environment Natural wood, sunlight, and bright coloursare warm, in contrast to other colours which tend to beexperienced as depressing and cold. In some way this makes agreat deal of difference between the comfort and discomfort of aroom.

Socio-organizational environment A group is experienced ascongenial (or as having "good vibrations") when the sum total ofcommunications and interactions, however contrasted, is felt tobe in harmony with its natural deveopment. Unintegrated,destructive communications create the opposite impression.

Conceptual environment A conceptual space is experienced asexcitingly meaningful when all the various interrelationships,however contrasted, combine together to suggest the possibility oftheir further development as an integrated whole. Unintegrated,incompatible sets of relationships are correspondinglyunmeaningful and discouraging.

Intra-personal environment An intra-psychic space is experiencedas encouraging when all various impressions, however dramaticallycontrasted, combine together to imply natural possibilities forits further development. Unintegrated, antagonistic impressionsare correspondingly depressing and discouraging.

X 0251

Different settings

Pattern A space can only be effectively used in all its richnessif it can be appreciated from a variety of settings according tothe felt need of the moment. Efforts to standardize such settingsimposes a subtle straight jacket on the manner in which the spaceis experienced.

Physical environment Provision of a variety of chairs in a space,as opposed to chairs of a single design conceived for an "averageperson". The latter approach is insensitive to the variety ofpeople, to their sitting habits and to the different needs of anyone individual at different times.

Socio-organizational environment Recognition of a variety ofroles in a social space, in contrast to trends towards achieving adegree of role uniformity.

Conceptual environment Recognition of a variety of Viewpoints ina conceptual domain, in contrast to trends towards achieving asingle acceptable viewpoint.

Intra-personal environment Acceptance of a variety of modes ofawareness, in contrast to any trend towards achieving a singleunvariegated mode.

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X 0252 b

Domains of insight

Pattern Space is partly defined by the particular perspectives of'those present. Uniform exposure of a space to awareness serves nouseful purpose whatsoever. It destroys the social significance ofspace and leads to a sense of disorientation and unboundedness.

Physical environment Pools of light defining a dappledenvironment, in contrast to unnatural uniform illumination astypified by many modern offices.

Socio-organizational environment Domains of shared preoccupation,in contrast to a single general concern which undermines thecohesiveness of distinct groups and prevents them from coming intoany meaningful form of existence.

Conceptual environment Domains of special insights or focii ofattention, in contrast to an overriding general awareness whichinhibits the development of a variety of specialized conceptualskills.

Intra-personal environment Modes of personal insights, incontrast to an overriding general awareness or monopolarizationsuch as to inhibit the development of a variety of particularconditions of awareness.

X 0253 c

Meaningful symbols of self-transformation

Pattern A space can best be given further definition byassociating with it a set of meaningful, self-chosen symbolsthat have a catalytic power in the continuous process ofself-transformation (possibly as an outward counterpart tothe unconscious). This function will be inadequatelyfulfilled by using symbols recommended by externalspecialists.

Physical environment Things from your life (e.g. pictures,objects), as opposed to the recommendations of interiordecorators.

Socio-organizational environment Special rituals and behaviorpatterns embodying meaningful moments in the history of theintegration of the group, as opposed to rituals recommended orimposed by well-intentioned outsiders.

Conceptual environment Special concepts or code words which havehelped to define the unique flavour of the particular language ormode of communication used.

Intra-personal environment Personal memories and associations, asopposed to those obtained or imposed via the media.