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Christopher Alexander As An Architectural Thinker
[journal article]
Abstract In this commentary the author discusses why Christopher Alexander remains on the margins of contemporary architectural discourse despite his original, important, and lasting contributions to the field. Being a somewhat controversial figure in architecture and architectural theory, Alexander has occu... view more
In this commentary the author discusses why Christopher Alexander remains on the margins of contemporary architectural discourse despite his original, important, and lasting contributions to the field. Being a somewhat controversial figure in architecture and architectural theory, Alexander has occupied the status of a seminal albeit not always adequately understood and interpreted author. The rejection and misinterpretation of his ideas are due to multiple reasons, including his refusal to act and write as a standard scholar and his lack of interest in appealing to his professional community. While his attitude perhaps explains the neglect of his intellectual legacy, it does not justify it. A reconsideration of his legacy could benefit from rethinking his intellectual identity. This commentary suggests that Alexander should be approached as an original architectural thinker rather than a standard architectural academic. Thus, he could be comparable to other renowned figures of the modern era, including such influential yet often misunderstood social thinkers as Ivan Illich or Jacques Ellul.... view less
Keywords
architect; architecture
Classification
Area Development Planning, Regional Research
Natural Science and Engineering, Applied Sciences
Free Keywords
Christopher Alexander; architectural discourse; modernism; patterns
Document language
English
Publication Year
2023
Page/Pages
p. 153-155
Journal
Urban Planning, 8 (2023) 3
Issue topic
Assessing the Complex Contributions of Christopher Alexander
ISSN
2183-7635
Status
Published Version; reviewed