Christopher Alexander: The Nature Of Order -- In 4 Volumes

Christopher Alexander's new series of books, 'The Nature Of Order', explores the patterns of how culture and learning dictate the architecture of buildings and community. But beware: it's very, very long.

1 minute read

November 2, 2005, 9:00 AM PST

By Brenda Meyer


"Architect and University of California, Berkeley emeritus professor Christopher Alexander began an odyssey of research and reflection 35 years ago, spurred on by one simple question: Why do we build buildings and neighborhoods that are ugly, inhospitable to the occupants and out of touch with the needs of community?"

"...Alexander does for the 21st century what Roman author Vitruvius did for the first century B.C.: Write an account of how to build buildings by drawing from everything the culture knows about science."

Tuesday, November 1, 2005 in Science & Theology News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

Brick buildings on small town street with red awnings on first floor businesses.

Research: Walkability Linked to Improved Public Health

A study reveals that the density of city blocks is a significant factor in communities’ walkability and, subsequently, improved public health outcomes for residents.

30 minutes ago - Great Lakes Echo

Aerial view of neighborhood under construction with houses and vacant lots.

Report Outlines Strategies for Resilient Wildfire Recovery in LA

Project Recovery offers a roadmap for rebuilding more sustainable and climate-resilient communities after wildfires and other disasters.

1 hour ago - Urban Land Institute

Red rock landscape in Bears Ears National Monument, Utah.

New Executive Order Renews Attack on Public Lands

An order issued late last week pushes for increased mineral extraction on federally owned public lands.

2 hours ago - Rocky Mountain Community Radio