Table 3 Criticisms of Alexander’s second theory of architecture: implementation and outcomes

20

Restricting

3

Patterns disallow radical solutions

–

(Broadbent 1980; Protzen 1980; Davis 1983; Dovey 1990; Salingaros 2000; Kohn 2002; Saunders 2002a; Messina 2003; Mehaffy 2007; Bhatt 2010; Montgomery 1970)

21

Restricting

3, 15

The ‘correct’ use of patterns can overrule user preferences

–

(Dovey 1990; Saunders 2003)

22

Restricting

3

Alexander insists on every detail being ‘correct’

26

(Dovey 1990)

23

Flawed

13, 16

Some patterns prescribe flawed solutions

–

(Broadbent 1980; Gelernter 2000; Salingaros 2000)

24

Flawed

13

Some patterns are contradictory and incompatible

–

(Protzen 1980; Saunders 2002a)

25

Unsuccessful

9, 13

Patterns are not required to create beautiful places and ugly places can be created using patterns

–

(Broadbent 1980; Protzen 1980; Kohn 2002; Walker 2003; Seamon 2006; Kalb 2014)

26

Unsuccessful

22

Patterns produce awkward and poorly constructed buildings

–

(Kohn 2002; Seamon 2006)

27

Unsuccessful

9, 13

A Pattern Language lacks a focus on geometry

–

(Pontikis 2010) Alexander in (Grabow 1983)

28

Unsuccessful

–

Alexander’s pattern language is cumbersome to use

–

(Salingaros 2000)