The Timeless Way of Building
March 18th, 2010 | 
Product Description
This volume provides the opening work in Christopher Alexander’s seminal trilogy on architecture (continued in A Pattern Language and The Oregon Experiment). Here he provides a fascinating introduction to the ideas behind the succeeding two books.
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The book was in fantastic condition. I received it very quickly as well. And so far has been a fantastic read. thank you!!
Rating: 5 / 5
this is simply (as all the other books by c. alexander) the best book I have ever read on architecture, and the humanity of architecture
this a book of courage to let the everyone know about the truth of what is happening in our modern disgusting world
a must read
diana
Rating: 5 / 5
It is the most wonderful book that I have read after reading “the fountainhead” by Ayn Rand.It not only gives you great architectural ideas but generates a kind of euphoria that most books don’t.Defenitely the best book on patterns.
Rating: 5 / 5
Got this book by reference of another book recommendation, but it does not seem to be that great. I find it rather too philosophical and very boring actually. Perhaps someday I will read it again and find the true inner meaning of the book.
Rating: 2 / 5
This is the book that set the whole software patterns movement in motion. It’s a great read. It made me realize how the builder blew it when they made my house. One small design change, the house is 1 ft too narrow makes it impossible to put a screen door on the front door. It made them build a extra platform which causes people to fall down into the living room.
On the other hand, if I was building a building I’d use his visualization techniques before I drew plans. But I wouldn’t use this technique to actually construct a building. It would triple the cost. (The essence is to build it as you need it.)
On the other hand he explains why swiss barns look “alike” without the need for a design review committee. (Or barns in general.)
As for software, Design patterns give programmers a way to talk about problems and solutions without talking about code. Its a great idea and I use software patterns all the time. (Get the GOF book for actual software patterns.) Read this one to understand how they came onto this idea.
Rating: 5 / 5