Christopher Alexander, architect, is also the founding father of the Pattern Language movement in computer science, and author of A Pattern Language, the seminal work that was perhaps the first complete book ever written in hypertext fashion. The page on my old website that referenced his ‘Elements of Style’ got a surprising number of hits, so I’ve decided to include it here.
Alexander has also published Nature of Order: Vision of the Living World, part of a four-volume treatise subtitled An Essay on the Art of Building and the Nature of the Universe. In 2,150 pages, Alexander outlines the properties that he believes underlie beauty in art, nature, and great buildings. You can read more on the publisher’s web site www.natureoforder.com.
The four-volume set outlines the properties that Alexander believes underlie beauty in art, nature, and great buildings. These ‘properties’ have influenced not only architects, but programmers, interface designers, usability engineers and computer game developers.
I believe they may also be applied to art and photography.
So, listed here for your consideration are ‘The Fifteen Elements’ as defined by Alexander.
1. Levels of Scale
A balanced range of sizes is pleasing and beautiful.
2. Strong Centers
Good design offers areas of focus or weight.
3. Boundaries
Outlines focus attention on the center.
4. Alternating Repetition
Repeating elements creates a sense of order and harmony.
5. Positive Space
The background should reinforce rather than detract from the center.
6. Good Shape
Simple forms create an intense, powerful center.
7. Local Symettries
Organic, small-scale symmetry works better than precise, overall symmetry.
8. Deep Interlock & Ambiguity
Looping, connected elements promote unity and grace.
9. Contrast
Unity is achieved with visible opposites.
10. Gradients
The proportional use of space and pattern creates harmony.
11. Roughness
Texture and imperfections convey uniqueness and life.
12. Echoes
Similarities should repeat throughout a design.
13. The Void
Empty spaces offer calm and contrast.
14. Simplicity & Inner Calm
Use only essentials; avoid extraneous elements.
15. Not-Separateness
Designs should be connected & complementary, not egocentric & isolated.