BRIEF
• Book comprises of
1. Structure of urban artifacts
2. Evolution of urban artifacts
3. Individuality of urban artifacts
4. Primary elements and concept of area
Also talks of,
• URBAN PERSPECTIVE –phenomenological (consciousness as experienced from the
first-person point of view ) in outlook
• CRITIQUE OF NAÏVE FUNCTIONALISM – architectural forms to be shaped / defined by
specific functions
WHAT ARE URBAN ARTIFACTS ?
• European countries have large places, building complexes that constitute whole pieces
of the city and function is no longer original
• Eg. Palazo Della Regione , Padua – multiplicity of functions that building enhances &
supports
• Building can possess functions overtime that are independent of the form of the
building
• Eg. Alhambra in Granada
• Form of past has different function but is till tied to the city – (only modified)
• Stands isolated and cannot take more parts
• Rossi does not consider function as a major form of classification in architecture
and it should be adaptive re – use/ multi use
CHRISTOPHER ALEXANDER
1977 –A PATTERN LANGUAGE
• Second part gives solutions to the problems that could be used several times.
ORIGINATION
• From medieval cities – attractive and harmonious
• Provides rules and pictures and leaves decisions to be taken from the precise
• Provides exact methods for constructing practical , safe and attractive designs from cities to
• Over years
• Regional policies – protection of landmark and limits of cities –city defining structures
• Formation of clusters
BUILDINGS – MEDIUM COMPONENT – 95 - 204 PATTERNS
• Fixing the position of buildings on the site - in relation to – nature, trees, sun
• Buildings wings – layout of entrances , volume of buildings, indoor and outdoor spaces,
• When major parts of buildings and outdoor areas have given rough shape – more attention
• With gradients done buildings and fundamental spaces are connected to gradients.
• Fine tuning of interiors with smaller additions like alcoves, windows, shelves , seats
etc.
CONSTRUCTION - SMALLER COMPONENT – 205 - 253 PATTERNS
• before structural details are laid out, philosophy fixed to grow directly
• Structural layout – columns, main frame and openings – doors and windows