Part 2 of 3 part series. This book is the dictionary for A Timeless Way of Building. The Oregon experiment is a case study of the use of thesis ideas to plan a college campus. This book is about Functional Design for humans rather than design for design's sake. It Directly refutes the real estate industry's insistence on neutral design for quick sale (Which is the industry's goal - not the goal of a homeowner) It Promotes Design Which fits the needs and desires of the user, not the developer or architect. The philosophy Involves the users heavily in the process of design, permitting integrated design without Requiring comprehensive knowledge of all interacting factors on the part of the designer, it is a way of modularizing the design process into smaller, comprehensible units Which Can Be Understood and Discussed in a useful way. You will not be disappointed in reading books thesis. Yes, it's a bit dated, Especially in it's language approach to social issues. Yes, it's Utopian, but not impractical. No, all of the patterns do not apply to all people in all places, but then, They are not Intended to. What is important is the basic premise: That physical environment design can promote community Either or divide people. That there exist basic patterns of interaction between people, buildings, roads and environment. No, you can not just change your Entire community overnight into a utopia (mores the shame) HOWEVER, thesis books can help to redefine how your community grows and Develops to improve the quality of life for everyone in the community. All of the research is fairly old, but it is basic research into human actions and reactions to Their surroundings - not something Which is subject to a great deal of change - examples cover several thousand years. If you're tired of strip malls, rampant development for development's sake, neighborhoods without character or community, irritating traffic patterns, multiple hour commutes, buildings Which are uncomfortable to live and work in or just interested in Improving your corner of the world, read thesis books and apply some of the principles wherever you feel theywill fit your life. I own multiple copies and recommend it highly.
