One of the two tangible ‘products’ of the Together By Design project is a pattern library. What is that, and why do we think this is the most helpful format we could use?

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The concept has its origin in ‘A Pattern Language’, a 1977 book by Alexander et al that described patterns in architecture. Since then, it’s been applied in other fields, particularly user interface design and software development. 

 

A pattern library is a collection of solutions, offered as a toolkit for other designers to use.

• Pattern: a single solution, described at quite a high level of abstraction. A door latch, a public plaza, an ecommerce shopping cart: these are all examples of patterns in different fields.

• Library: a place where all the patterns are made findable, by organising them into categories and showing the connections between them.

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Why is it helpful?

We think patterns are the most effective way to share ‘how to’ information about making community.

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Patterns are actionable, but adaptable

A pattern is a solution: it can help you solve a problem or build on an opportunity. But it’s not prescriptive. It’s not a formula, or a baking recipe. You can - and should - change elements, adapt to your particular circumstances, and add your own creative fingerprints. Example: if you decide to create a mural in your street, you can learn from the many people who’ve done so before. But your exact approach - and your end result - will be your own.

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Patterns are wise

Because they collect lessons and best practice - sometimes from thousands of iterations or years of use - patterns can help you get started efficiently and avoid pitfills and mistakes that others have made before you. Example: if you want to paint that mural, there are hurdles that may arise: how do you get permission? where could you get cheap materials? how do you organise yourselves? It’s better if you easily access and learn from others’ experience, even if you do something different.

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Patterns work together

Some patterns are complementary: they work in combination. Beginning with one, it’s good to know what might work next. This idea of combined ‘phrases’ of patterns is why we refer to a ‘pattern language. Example: once you’ve finished your mural, you may want to hold a street party to celebrate, before moving on to a different neighbourhood project.

 

Where are we up to?

So far, our work has focused on developing a list of potential patterns. We know it isn’t finished, or fully-comprehensive. See it as a starting point, to provoke further thought and discussion.

 

The work is just beginning…

• We’re looking out for more candidate patterns to add to the list.

• We’re adding examples for each pattern, and starting to build it out in more detail (when to use it, things to think about, case studies, links and literature).

• In particular, we’re very conscious of the need to work from a diverse and broad base of examples, not just those in our immediate (narrow, western, middle-class) world experience. We welcome patterns and case studies that challenge and sit outside that.