Christopher Alexander in discussion with Peter Eisenman

A few links to an interesting discussion and an interesting edition of katarxis.

Eisenman is challenging Alexander's ideas about harmony and comfort being the main criterion of architecture.  "Does the whole world want to listen to Mantovani?" he asks, before claiming that we as a species need more than harmony, we need the opportunity to rebel, ask questions, be awkward and destructive.  He has a point.

This discussion took place in 1982, a long time ago now.  But I think the questions it raises are still relevant.  Alexander depends on subjective feelings to establish and validate his "patterns", and there is much value in this approach.  The problem is that feelings can be conservative and also, in the case of architecture, depend on what has become habitual and comfortable, so that we may lose sight of alternative solutions.  For example, we may not be aware that many new build houses, with their poor spatial configuration and insufficient natural light (see Tom Dyckhoff's programme, The Secret Life of Buildings)  are actually bad for us.  They just seem habitual and familar, therefore acceptable.

This is the problem with "design research" (studying the lived experience of beings in their natural environment and incorporating this into the design process).  We become used to things and cannot see they might be different.  There is a very important place for this but there is a still a place for the experts, even although Alexander might not agree.  More about this in another post.

http://www.katarxis3.com/Alexander_Eisenman_Debate.htm

http://www.katarxis3.com/Alexander.htm