Hi Ann,
Thanks for posting about the Ecotrust website.
An interesting question for me is to ask 'how does one 'prove' a pattern?
How does one prove, know or guarantee that a pattern does what it is claimed
it does? Hoiw does one know that a pattern isn't just something that someone
thought was a good idea because of some moral, fanciful or idealistically
conditioned beliefs about how the world works?
Alexander et al made some speculative suggestions demonstrating how the
start of a pattern language might go. For their introductory example, it was
ok that the demonstration didn't prove every feature. They demonstrated the
early basis of tool and indicated that it was only a starting point by their
use of a star system indicating whether there was substantial proof for
particualr theories underpinning some patterns or whether it was simply
speculation.
I read speculative claims such as 'Health is the most fundamental need of
all' unjustified and uncontextualised and wonder whether I can trust the
reliability of the patterns any more that a speculation of a pattern from an
alternative ecological view that 'war is the primary function of being
human'?
Thoughts?
Best wishes,
Terry
-----Original Message-----
From: PhD-Design - This list is for discussion of PhD studies and related
research in Design [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
A.B.Thorpe
Sent: Friday, 5 December 2008 7:19 PM
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Subject: another pattern language
perhaps this is a bit off the DNA topic but along the lines of sustainable
development, Stewart Cowan (in association with Ecotrust) also developed a
pattern language for a "conservation economy," see
http://www.conservationeconomy.net/
They say,"On this site, fifty-seven patterns provide a framework for an
ecologically restorative, socially just, and reliably prosperous society.
They are adaptable to local ecosystems and cultures, yet universal in their
applicability. Together they form what we call a Conservation Economy."
Regards,
Ann
Ann Thorpe
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Dept of Design, Development, Environment & Materials Open University, Walton
Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, United Kingdom
Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London Wates House, 22
Gordon Street London WC1H 0QB, United Kingdom
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book: The Designer's Atlas of Sustainability (www.designers-atlas.net) &
blog: http://designactivism.net
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