

#2597
Mentioned in 10 episodes
The Timeless Way of Building
Book • 1979
In this book, Christopher Alexander introduces the concept of the 'quality without a name,' arguing that this intangible quality is essential for creating buildings and spaces that feel right to human beings.
The book is part of the Center for Environmental Structure series and lays the foundation for Alexander's subsequent works, including 'A Pattern Language' and 'The Oregon Experiment.
' It emphasizes the importance of aligning building design with the natural and human environment, rejecting mass-manufactured materials, and focusing on individual attention to detail in construction.
The book is written in a unique style, often resembling prose poetry or religious scripture, and includes numerous full-page photo illustrations to support its arguments.
The book is part of the Center for Environmental Structure series and lays the foundation for Alexander's subsequent works, including 'A Pattern Language' and 'The Oregon Experiment.
' It emphasizes the importance of aligning building design with the natural and human environment, rejecting mass-manufactured materials, and focusing on individual attention to detail in construction.
The book is written in a unique style, often resembling prose poetry or religious scripture, and includes numerous full-page photo illustrations to support its arguments.
Mentioned by



















Mentioned in 10 episodes
Recommended by 

as a book he enjoyed.


Kent Beck

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for its insights on building things, applicable to software development.


Karri Saarinen

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for its insights on architecture and the importance of user involvement in the building process.

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as a book about architecture and urban planning, highlighting the importance of human-centered design.

Sachin Monga

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Mentioned by 

as a book he is currently reading.


Rick Rubin

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in relation to his ideas on quality and design.

Austin Caroe

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Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as another book by Christopher Alexander, discussing timeless principles of building.

Eric Normand

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Mentioned by 

when discussing architectural forms and the transition between public and private spaces.


Jonathan Pageau

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as a brilliant book that inspired the term "wholehearted".


Mike Burrows

Wholehearted Leadership in a Complex World with Mike Burrows
Recommended by 

as a source of inspiration for creatives about building philosophy.


Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as one of the books he reads.

Ben Callahan

122. Creating Cohesion from Chaos: The Role of Language and System Design with Ben Callahan
Recommended by 

as a book that offers different perspectives applicable to business, despite not being a business book itself.


John Jantsch
Why You Should Read Business Books That Are Not About Business