Subject:
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Re: A Pattern Language/The Timeless Way of Building
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.build
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Date:
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Sun, 28 Jan 2001 02:01:21 GMT
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Viewed:
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777 times
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In lugnet.build, Kevin Wilson writes:
> Erik Olson wrote in message ...
> > Has anyone read these books by architect C. Alexander? Some read them and
> > think "software!" but I also think "Lego!"
I have to read these, I guess. As a software architect, a lot of what I do
is identify patterns in the problem space, and apply patterns (and idioms)
in the solution space.
I think both Kev and Eric are right. Another area where I think this pattern
stuff applies is in building idioms. If you look at a genre, say trains,
you'll see that idioms are spreading around like memes as people adopt them.
For instance the way people do diesel locomotive cabs, belly tanks, the
style that we use for trucks (I have standardised on a pattern which has one
stud between the two wheel pieces for most cars, and a pattern for the
"dummy power truck" for most powered vehicles...) and so forth. Some would
call it copying but I would call it adoption of idioms by the community.
Take a look at models from a few years back among US modelers and contrast
with now. There is definite advancement in the state of the art, and it's in
part due to patterns spreading around as we post and discuss. A GP15 was
just posted. It moves the art forward a bit, but it also uses a lot of
existing idioms as well. Some of the memes it proposes may get adopted (that
rear hood ladder trick is a nice one but not yet completely refined).
Part of how we learn idioms and how to apply them is by rote. Build or copy
something that you like, (TLC, GoB that you bought, or just something neat
off a website) whether it's from the instructions, or by sitting down and
saying "how do I get that?", and you are training yourself in the use and
applicability of the idiom. We all KNOW that TLC sets teach idioms (or did)
I flatter myself to think I (and every other bricksmith) contributes to
idioms as well. (so buy some of my stuff and you'll learn a few!)
> I read these books after learning about design patterns in software, and
> immediately related them not so much to Lego building itself (though I agree
> with you that there are indeed recognisable patterns in Lego building) but
> in designing Lego towns. Not that I got very far with it, but it was fun
> thinking about it. I think I suggested them to Suzanne for her books page on
> baseplate.com.
Patterns are at all levels. A good LTC show layout has certain patterns in
its arrangement, in the track layout, in what should be on display, etc...,
like the use of a central hollow, a fiddle yard at or near the inside edge
of the central hollow, the inclusion of local landmarks and of national
brands, etc.
You can even say there are patterns in organizations! A good LTC
organisation has certain characteristics which could be said to be patterns
as well.
Neat stuff.
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Message is in Reply To:
 | | Re: A Pattern Language/The Timeless Way of Building
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| Erik Olson wrote in message ... (...) I read these books after learning about design patterns in software, and immediately related them not so much to Lego building itself (though I agree with you that there are indeed recognisable patterns in Lego (...) (23 years ago, 28-Jan-01, to lugnet.build)
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