Early and Unpublished Writings of Christopher Alexander: Thinking, Building, Writing

This book is a collection of previously unpublished essays and other works by the renowned architect and architectural theorist Christopher Alexander (1936-2022). It offers a window into his ideas and thought process, spanning his fifty-year career, from his early PhD dissertation to his masterwork "The Nature of Order." The writings combine theory and practice to provide a blueprint for developing a new, humane way of building and showcase Alexander's extraordinary mind and talent as a thinker, teacher, and professional.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 17 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This remarkable book brings together a collection of essential works by the renowned architect and architectural theorist Christopher Alexander (1936-2022), many of which have never been published before. Spanning Alexander's illustrious fifty-year career, the book comprises twenty-five essays and other remarkable pieces, carefully selected from the newly organized Christopher Alexander archive. This invaluable resource offers a captivating glimpse into the ideas and thought processes of one of the most innovative architectural thinkers of the twentieth century.

The items in this collection chronicle Alexander's journey, beginning with an early version of his PhD dissertation, which was based on fieldwork in India. This early work laid the foundation for his subsequent contributions to architecture. Over the next fifteen years, Alexander dedicated himself to the development of "A Pattern Language," a groundbreaking book that has become one of the best-selling titles in the history of architecture. This seminal work not only introduced a new vocabulary for describing architectural patterns but also provided a framework for creating buildings that were not only functional but also humane and sustainable.

Following the success of "A Pattern Language," Alexander embarked on the writing of his four-volume masterpiece, "The Nature of Order." This monumental work, which explores the underlying principles of architectural design and organization, has profoundly impacted the field of architecture. Through his writings, Alexander sought to create a blueprint for the development of a new, humane way of building that would prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of both the users and the environment.

In addition to his theoretical contributions, Alexander was also an exceptional teacher and professional. His teachings, based on his profound understanding of human behavior and the natural world, have inspired countless architects and designers around the world. His approach to architecture was holistic, emphasizing the importance of considering the entire context of a building, from its physical structure to its social and cultural implications.

This book serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Christopher Alexander, a visionary who has left an indelible mark on the field of architecture. Through his writings, Alexander has demonstrated the power of design to shape the world around us and to create buildings that are not only functional but also enriching and sustainable. This collection will be of immense value to architects, designers, students, and anyone interested in the art and science of building.

Weight: 780g
Dimension: 171 x 246 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032034812