253 patterns for living places
A Pattern Language
Why some places feel alive – and how to create them yourself.
A pattern names a problem that comes up again and again in how we build and live – together with a proven solution. Christopher Alexander collected 253 of them: from the layout of a whole city down to a window seat for reading.
How a pattern works
In a room with no good spot by the window, people drift about restlessly – they want to be near the light, but find nowhere to settle.
Turn one window into a place of its own – with a seat, good light, and a view outward.
The 253 patterns run from the large scale to the small: Towns → Buildings → Construction
Which patterns fit your task?
No expertise needed – just describe in your own words what you want to design or improve. You’ll get the patterns from the collection that fit best.
Your input is also interpreted by AI – for more fitting suggestions.
First the page computes locally in your browser. For more fitting suggestions, your input is additionally sent to the AI service Anthropic, which translates it into search terms – the pattern search itself stays local. Only the words you type are transmitted.