2013.11.20
The Takashi Iba Laboratory at the Faculty of Policy Management has launched "Generative Films" (http://www.generativefilms.org/), a documentary film site that introduces the concept and history of "Pattern Language."
Pattern Language is a method for describing knowledge proposed by architect Christopher Alexander. Alexander called the recurring relationships found in towns and buildings "patterns" and devised a method for sharing them as a "language." His goal was to create a way for everyone to participate in the design process. The Pattern Language method, which describes "design knowledge" on how to "solve" a "problem" that arises in a certain "context," has spread as a way to support software development and creative activities in general.
While the Pattern Language method has been gaining attention and recognition in recent years, its full scope is currently difficult to grasp as it spans many different specialized fields. We believed that if perspectives from each field were gathered in one place, it would provide an opportunity for anyone, at any time, to deeply learn about the concepts, history, and appeal of Pattern Language. This led to the launch of the documentary film site "Generative Films" (http://www.generativefilms.org/).
Associate Professor Takashi Iba applies the Pattern Language method to support creative human activities and is a leading figure in its research and practice both in Japan and internationally. Major works he has created to date include "Learning Patterns" for creative learning, "Collaboration Patterns" for achieving creative collaboration, "Presentation Patterns" for creating creative presentations, and "Generative Beauty Patterns" for "living vividly and beautifully." Among these, the Presentation Patterns have also been published as a book and received this year's Good Design Award.
Comment from Associate Professor Takashi Iba
Since last year, I have been conducting interviews overseas with the student project members. We have interviewed about 20 people so far, covering everything from the emergence of Pattern Language in the field of architecture to its development in the software field and its expansion into various other areas. These video interviews will be edited, subtitled (in Japanese and English), and released sequentially. Stay tuned!