The Architectural Pattern Book: A Tool for Building Great Neighborhoods

Urban Design Associates

Praise for Architectural Pattern Book:

"An admirable and urgently needed work . . . UDA demonstrates that it is remarkably possible, even in our muddled age of the the 'more or less traditional image,' to build on historic precedents without any kitsch, irony or rebellions against the rules."
—Period Homes

"The beauty of the system is that it is based on existing excellence not style, and typological selection is helped by a broad consensus on what is proven to work."
—RIBA Journal

"From UDA's work, the important rebirth of pattern books used by new urbanists has evolved and come to fruition. Today UDA is one of the premier creators of pattern books for traditional developments..this is one of the rare cases in which a book produced by a committee has turned out graceful and engaging, not to mention useful."
—New Urban News

Overview

This manual documents the revival of the traditional architectural pattern book as a means of implementing urban design. From the firm that produced The Urban Design Handbook comes a practical guide to developing and using pattern books-a tradition stretching back to Vitruvius and Palladio, and the source of many beautiful houses-to design neighborhoods today. It describes techniques and working methods for contemporary development and construction processes.

About the Authors

Urban Design Associates is a Pittsburgh-based national practice that creatively engages citizens to revitalize city neighborhoods, transform public housing, bring new life to downtowns and waterfronts, and build new traditional towns.

ISBN: 0-393-73134-0
Winter 2004
200 pages, paper