pattern languages in seminary buildings
DESCRIPTION
This is a presentation which analyzes two buildings at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN using the ideas of Christopher Alexander in his book "A Timeless Way of Building"TRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
life at luthertwo buildings, compared
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 2: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Living or dead zones
A task is offered: choose a place that is alive,
and a place that is deadening, on your campus.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 3: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
what does this mean?
difficult to choose at Lutherworking off the Alexander categories
chose to contrast two buildings
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 4: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Alexander:
pattern of events that happen in a particular space lends the quality of life
to that building
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 5: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
alexander:
a specific pattern is alive when it lets inner forces loose, and sets us free; but when forces are locked in inner conflict
a space becomes “dead”
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 6: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
elements of a seminary
entrance waysgathering places
worship/prayer placeslearning placeseating places
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 7: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
And amenities:
art/plantsstairs/elevators
bathroomscoat racks, signage
public phonesparking spaces/transportation
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 8: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
two buildings
Olson Campus CenterGullixson Hall
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 9: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
why these?
both are multi-purpose buildingsboth are public buildings
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 10: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Olson Campus Center
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 11: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Gullixson Hall
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 12: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
entrance: OCC accessible, nestled into nature, sheltered walkway, automatic doors, multiple entry points, staff person welcome
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 13: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Entrance: Gullixson
inaccessible, one main entrance (second entrance at basement level), steep opening staircase, no reception person
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 14: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
gathering places: OCC
narthex, reception, cafe entrance, chapel, outside eating spaces, benches
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 15: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
gathering spaces:Gullixson
classrooms (carefully controlled), entrance seating space few people use; exception is library reading room (but must be quiet in use)
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 16: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
worship/prayer:OCC
two chapels (main Chapel of the Incarnation, smaller meditation chapel), multiple places to be quiet for prayer
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 17: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
worship/prayer:Gullixson
no designated space for prayer or worship; chapel used to be what is now the rare book room (a room that is always locked)
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 18: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
learning/teaching:OCC
multiple classrooms (small, medium, large auditorium of chapel)
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 19: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
learning/teaching:Gullixson
several classrooms (although controlled through closed doors), library reading room, student computer lab
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 20: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
library/book spaces:Occ
Primary book space here is the bookstore (used by people from all over the Cities)
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 21: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
library/book spaces:Gullixson
Library is found here and is open to the public with free wifi, although it’s a pretty inaccessible
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 22: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
eating places:OCC
Cafeteria is in this building, and there are several indoor and outdoor gathering places to eat
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 23: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
eating places:Gullixson
As the library building, food is not really allowed, although students will sometimes sponsor events, and the staff lounge kitchen is here; there are also vending machines
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 24: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
art and/or plants:OCC
There are live plants throughout the building, and frequent art installations.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 25: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
art and/or plants:Gullixson
I could only find one living plant (in the faculty support services office). There are many portraits on the walls, and a few other pieces of art.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 26: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
stairs/elevators:OCC
All of the staircases are openly visible, ramped, and part of the aesthetic of the building. The elevator reaches all floors easily.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 27: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
stairs/elevators:Gullixson
There is one main staircase, all the others are “hidden” or “back” staircase. There is one elevator that requires a staffperson to use, and only reaches some floors.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 28: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
bathrooms:OCC
There are women’s and men’s bathrooms on all three levels of the OCC. All of them are accessible.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 29: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
bathrooms:Gullixson
There are bathrooms in the basement and on the second and third floors of the building. The bathrooms are not handicapped accessible.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 30: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
coatracks/signage:OCC
There is a large cloak room. Signage is consistent throughout the building.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 31: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
coatracks/signage:Gullixson
The coatrack is no longer used for coats. Signage is often printed on paper and posted. There is only one main bulletin board.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 32: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
public phones:OCC
There is one free public phone available for use in the OCC. (There is also free public wifi throughout the building.)
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 33: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
public phones:Gullixson
There are two public phones available for free: one in the faculty mailroom, and one by the elevator door in the basement.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 34: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
parking:OCC
There is a large lot immediately adjacent to the OCC.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 35: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
parking:Gullixson
There is a lot that serves three buildings down the hill from Gullixson.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 36: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
Alive or dead?
OCC clearly has more of the elements identified
Gullixson is missing some, and has problems with others
But is that the answer to the question?
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 37: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Pattern languages
Alexander speaks of “alive” as a relationship between ourselves and our
surroundingsWe can see some of that relationship in
repeating patternsWhat patterns do we see?
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 38: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
occ patterns non-right angles
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 39: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
OCC patterns circles
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 40: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
occ patterns curves
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 41: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
Gullixson patterns repeating rectangles
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 42: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
gullixson patterns angle grids
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 43: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
gullixson patterns closed doors
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 44: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
pattern languages
the pattern language of Gullixson is that of a fortress: steady, stable,
predictablethe pattern language of the OCC is
dynamic, organic, flowing
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 45: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
larger context
perhaps it is worth considering their surrounding context
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 46: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
From overhead:OCC
several sections, nestled into the landscape like repeating puzzle pieces, diagonally connected to surroundings
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 47: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
From overhead:OCC
several sections, nestled into the landscape like repeating puzzle pieces, diagonally connected to surroundings
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 48: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
from overhead:Gullixson
boxes into boxes, a fortress that is surrounded by land, not much connecting pathway
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 49: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
from overhead:Gullixson
boxes into boxes, a fortress that is surrounded by land, not much connecting pathway
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 50: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
together in context in some ways OCC reaches towards Gullixson, and away, while Gullixson is like a lower right hand corner anchor
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 51: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/51.jpg)
together in context in some ways OCC reaches towards Gullixson, and away, while Gullixson is like a lower right hand corner anchor
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 52: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/52.jpg)
whole campus overview
OCC lies at the center of the entire campus, and is generally aligned with the surrounding diagonals; Gullixson is at the lower edge
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 53: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/53.jpg)
whole campus overview
OCC lies at the center of the entire campus, and is generally aligned with the surrounding diagonals; Gullixson is at the lower edge
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 54: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/54.jpg)
whole campus overview
OCC lies at the center of the entire campus, and is generally aligned with the surrounding diagonals; Gullixson is at the lower edge
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 55: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/55.jpg)
conclusions
both buildings are open to the public, but the OCC is inviting while Gullixson
is forbiddingLuther is in the middle of engaging
many internal contradictions
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 56: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/56.jpg)
conclusions
both buildings are alive in some ways, but clearly Gullixson faces more
internal contradictions
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 57: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/57.jpg)
contradictions the forces that oppose each other are stability and impermanence, solidity and decay; solidity is clear on the outside, while the decay is evident internally
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 58: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/58.jpg)
Alive or deadening?
For now I’d argue that of the two buildings, Gullixson is the more
deadening -- largely because of these internal contradictions, these internal
forces at odds with each other.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 59: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/59.jpg)
I think a primary contradiction exists between Luther’s emerging missional goals, and its tradition of being a refuge for some
immigrants. until that contradiction is resolved Gullixson, at least, remains full
of deadening zones.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
![Page 60: Pattern languages in seminary buildings](https://reader035.vdocuments.site/reader035/viewer/2022062701/553ad3655503461c478b45f4/html5/thumbnails/60.jpg)
This presentation was prepared as an assignment for the Lexington Seminar Mentors Program.
It draws on ideas from Christopher Alexander’s “The Timeless Way of building”
and is also inspired by Gaston Bachelard’s “The Poetics of space”
For more information, contact Mary Hesswww.luthersem.edu/mhess
Sunday, September 27, 2009