21 Comments

You are on to something here. Perhaps pattern language can help repair some of the broken thinking that comes with reductive science, where everything is split apart and the whole is lost, along with it's relationships. I am more and more convinced the physical, numerical understanding of science is failing us and the rest of nature, in a big way. Perhaps language is the way out.

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yeah pattern languages work to integrate parts into a larger whole

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As a sketchnoter myself, I love the idea of using pictorial/symbolic ways to demonstrate concepts regarding water, ecorestoration, permaculture, etc. And, using those images (pattern languages) to diagram systems and relationships visually. There are a lot of folks in the sketchnote and art world that make it a practice to learn, catalog and use symbols and simplified shapes/forms to convey everything from daily life objects to complex concepts.

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Jul 23Liked by Alpha Lo
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yeah thats a nice integrative figure

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Yes a series of pictorials for each pattern would be great

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Awesome, Alpha!! I love Alexander’s work, and this adaptation for water issues will definitely work! Can’t wait for the book(s) and website!

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Do check out Darren's Work. He's been collaborating with Andrew Jeeves, who's a Original Permie from 80s. http://www.regrarians.org/regrarians-handbook/

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The Graphic didn't come through there.... but you're re-inventing a lot of Darren's work: http://www.regrarians.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/all-logos-v4-hires-840px.png

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Looks good

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Brilliant. I love this use of Pattern Language. My first response was, "Let's start now!" These things are all doable and will have a huge impact. I'm curious if/how we include decision-making structures in the pattern. I don't remember, does Alexander discuss this?

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the idea is that you can choose from the various patterns when you design. Thats your decision....... There are also patterns for decision making https://www.smartdatacollective.com/pattern-language-decision-making/

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Jul 21Liked by Alpha Lo

Alpha, I think it's time for you to write a book. ;-)

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I am writing one!

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Exciting!!

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Jul 21Liked by Alpha Lo

Full wisdom! Great work.

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Thanks

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Alpha, Great article, as usual. I'd not seen this work by Alexander. I really like your application of it to the biotic pump! I did not see multi-Family buildings in Alexander's work, did I miss it? I think your draft of an environmental language has great merit! It would be fun to play with it. It would certainly help folks better understand the interrelationships, even if they were not familiar with earth's systems in the beginning, so a very beneficial addition! I'm wondering about your thoughts on biochar, since you didn't mention it.

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thanks. biochar is a great way to improve the soil, so yeah its a pattern that fits in here.

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I love this application of pattern language to regenerate natural water flow!

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Wow there’s a lot there. Love the notion of pattern language. Definitely on board with that

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