Pattern Language

Pattern Language expresses the deeper wisdom of the living undercurrent of a particular field of endeavor through a set of interconnected patterns.1

Pattern Language is a key tool for building our capacity to work skilfully in a range of disciplines. Specifically, the approach pattern language provides gives a rich entry point to emergent, creative practices rather than a linear approach that frequently leads to a calcified culture of tradition and practice.

At the invitation of Tree Bressen I had the amazing experience of working with other facilitators up and down the west coast to put together Group Works: A Pattern Language for Bringing Life to Meetings and Other Gatherings. Inspired by Christopher Alexander’s seminal work, we strove to create a new Pattern Language, a deck-based resource, and a community of practice.

While Group Works is geared towards facilitated deliberative process,  I’m now working on the development of “Connection Deck” geared towards child-adult interaction but applicable in more general interactions as well.

I’m also interested in the process of pattern language creation and adaptation in general.

 

  1. Paraphrased from Wikipedia