>About my thesis, I'm sure of one thing: it will be about Organizational
>Learning. I'm studying the Christopher Alexander's theories about pattern
>languages. I think I can use pattern languages as a repository for
>knowledge. I'd be mostly glad to receive any mail (or empathy) about this
>subject.
I have been a fan of "Pattern Language" ever since I came across
Christopher Alexander's Timeless Way of Building more than 10 years ago. I
thought his ideas had basically sunk into oblivion. I am thrilled, but not
all that surprised, that his ideas may have found yet another application.
Best of luck to you.
I find that the dual concept of patterns as elements in a "language" and
language as a metaphor for a dynamic process of "construction" a
fascinating basis for dynamic system design. However, I have always found
the principles behind why specific pattern elements are not totally
arbitrary rather elusive. As a result I have always felt that "pattern
language" is a useful theory but unable to be used in practice.
I would be very interested in your efforts to establish a practical
application in learning organisations. I can anticipate that the dynamic
and "embedding" characteristics of pattern language would suit themselves
very well to capturing knowledge processes in learning organisations.
Just one thought: It is possible that the repository of knowledge is not
in the elements of a language but in the "stories". However, I am at a
loss to know how a "story" can be identified in institutional knowledge.
If I get any bright ideas I will pass them on.
(Louis, if other members of this listserv are not interested in ongoing
discussions about pattern language, we should conduct any future exchange
of emails on this topic privately.)
Frank Edwards
Independant Management Consultant
--Frank Edwards <frank.edwards@vuw.ac.nz>
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>