A Pattern Language

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1Independent RegionsLarge regions should govern themselves, small enough that people can identify with them.town2The Distribution of TownsDistribute settlements of all sizes evenly across a region so no area is starved or overwhelmed.town3City Country FingersInterlock country and city so no home is more than a few minutes from open land.town•Ecological Suitability ZoningZone land based on ecological suitability and function rather than arbitrary boundaries.town•Limit Urban SprawlReduce urban sprawl to prevent negative impacts on community, health, and happiness.town•Organic Urban GrowthCities should grow and evolve organically, allowing for adaptation to the needs of residents rather than following a rigid master plan.town4Agricultural ValleysProtect fertile valleys absolutely; build only on the hills and ridges around them.town•Integration with NatureUrban environments should incorporate natural elements to enhance livability and human well-being.town5Lace of Country StreetsRural roads form a loose lacework, not a grid, following the land and connecting hamlets.town6Country TownsKeep small country towns alive by supporting their local economies instead of absorbing them.town7The CountrysideAll land outside cities belongs to the common wild — tended, not owned for exclusion.town8Mosaic of SubculturesA city is strongest when it is a patchwork of distinct small subcultures, each with its own character.town•Community Involvement in DesignInvolve local communities in the design process of public spaces to reflect local needs and desires.town•Community-Oriented DevelopmentUrban development should prioritize the needs and input of local communities to ensure relevance and resonance.town•Diverse Building DesignJacobs observed that aesthetic diversity in building design along a street contributes significantly to its charm and interest.building•Integrated Planning for ResiliencePlan urban development to be resilient by integrating ecological, social, and infrastructural systems.town•Promote Small-Scale VariabilityIntroduce small-scale differences and details into urban spaces to resist uniformity.town•Varied PavementUse varied pavement textures and materials in squares to define areas and guide movement.town9Scattered WorkWorkplaces should be sprinkled throughout the city, not zoned away into a distant district.town•Compact Urban FormEncourage compact urban forms to optimize land use and reduce sprawl.town10Magic of the CityEveryone needs occasional access to the dense, strange, intense center of a real metropolis.town•Community Input in Street DesignInvolve local community members in the process of designing and planning their streets.town•Preservation of DiversityDiverse architectural styles and functions should be preserved to maintain cultural richness and community resilience.town11Local Transport AreasDefine zones where local travel happens on foot, bike, or low-speed vehicle, with cars excluded.town•Resident-Led Speed ManagementEnable residents to participate in planning and monitoring traffic calming on their streets.town12Community of 7000Political community at around seven thousand people — small enough for voices to carry.town•City as a Living OrganismA city should be viewed and managed as a living organism that requires care, adaptation, and balanced growth.town•Cultivate InsidenessEncourage a deep understanding and emotional connection to a place to counteract the effects of placelessness.town•Encourage Local ParticipationInvolve local communities in the planning and development process to ensure spaces reflect local needs and identities.town•Neighborhood Identity Through Street DesignUse street design to express and reinforce the unique identity of a neighborhood.town•Promote Social InteractionDesign urban environments to foster social contact, essential for happiness and well-being.town13Subculture BoundaryThick, functional boundaries between subcultures keep them from dissolving each other.town•Emphasize Local IdentityStrengthen the identity of a place to resist the homogenizing forces of modernity.town•Legible City StructureCities should have a clear and easily readable structure to help people form effective mental maps of the environment.town•Social InfrastructureA robust social infrastructure supports community cohesion and stability.town•Well-Defined EdgesCreate well-defined edges in cities to provide clarity and transition between different urban areas.town14Identifiable NeighborhoodPeople need a neighborhood they can name, whose edges and center they know.town•Distinguish Space from PlaceRecognize and maintain the distinction between abstract space and lived place to enhance human experience.town•Embrace Site's Natural LogicDesign with the inherent characteristics and constraints of a site rather than imposing external designs.town•Meaningful Place NamesUse place names that reflect the cultural and historical significance to foster a deeper connection and sense of identity.town•Preserve Vernacular ArchitectureMaintain and celebrate local architectural styles to enhance a sense of place.building15Neighborhood BoundaryA neighborhood becomes real only when its boundary is more than a line on a map.town•Celebrate Historical ContinuityIncorporate historical elements into modern designs to strengthen place identity.building•Community-Centric PlanningPlanning decisions should prioritize community interests over top-down approaches.town•Create Lived EnvironmentsDevelop environments that reflect human experiences and values rather than abstract measurements or efficiency.town•Informal Resident ControlEncourage informal control by residents by designing spaces that feel owned and cared for.town•Street Vendor MarketsDesignate and support spaces for street vendors to contribute to urban life and economy.town•Visual Termination of StreetsJacobs notes that streets with a visual endpoint, like a significant architectural feature, create a sense of place and orientation.building16Web of Public TransportationPublic transit should weave a continuous web, not a few disconnected trunk lines.town•Accessible EdgesEnsure the edges where two districts meet are accessible and engage with people rather than form barriers.town•Concentration of PeopleDense urban areas stimulate economic and cultural vitality.town•Diverse Economic BaseCities thrive when they cultivate a diverse range of economic activities and industries.town•Encourage Walking and CyclingPrioritize walking and cycling in urban planning to enhance health and happiness.town•Freeway-Centric DevelopmentSuburban office-retail agglomerations grow around freeway interchanges, creating Edge Cities with their own economy and culture.town•Optimize Public Transport SystemsDevelop efficient public transportation networks that enhance connectivity and reduce reliance on private vehicles.town•Spatial SequenceA sequence of different spaces leading into and out of squares can enhance their appeal and use.town•Transit-Oriented DevelopmentDevelop neighborhoods around robust public transit systems to enhance connectivity and reduce car dependency.town17Ring RoadsUse ring roads to keep through-traffic out of living areas while still letting it move freely.town•Dense Network of TransitEstablish a comprehensive public transit network within cities to reduce reliance on personal vehicles.town•Efficient Urban TransportUrban transport systems should be efficient and multifaceted, allowing for effective movement within and between neighborhoods.town18Network of LearningLearning happens everywhere; spread small schools, workshops and masters across the city.town•Experience of LandscapesUnderstand that landscapes are experienced emotionally and culturally, not just visually or scientifically.town•Mediated Technological ImpactTechnology should serve the community without dominating or disrupting the social fabric.town•Public Spaces as DestinationsTransform public spaces into destinations people want to go to, rather than just pass through.town•Responsive Urban PlanningPlan cities responsively, taking into account the feedback and needs of their inhabitants to ensure relevance and sustainability.town19Web of ShoppingDistribute shops to match where people actually walk, not to force them into malls.town•Old Buildings for New UsesOlder buildings allow for economic and functional diversity by accommodating diverse uses.building•Street NetworksDevelop a connected network of streets to better distribute traffic and increase accessibility.town20Mini-BusesSmall, flexible buses that respond to demand serve neighborhoods better than rigid routes.town21Four-Story LimitNo building more than four stories tall — people lose touch with the ground above that.town•Building Heights in Scale with Street WidthJacobs stresses that building heights should be in proportion to street width to maintain a comfortable urban scale and prevent towering, oppressive structures.town22Nine Per Cent ParkingNever give more than nine per cent of a district's land to parking.town23Parallel RoadsA few parallel through-roads are better than one wide artery that splits a neighborhood.town•Mixed-Use Traffic LanesDesign streets that allow various modes of transport to coexist in harmony.town24Sacred SitesEvery locality has sites of historical or spiritual meaning; protect and acknowledge them.town•Visual LandmarksIncorporating landmarks or focal points into squares enhances orientation and identity.town25Access to WaterKeep the edges of rivers, lakes and seas public and walkable.town•Human-Scale ProportionsPublic spaces should be designed with human-scale elements to enhance comfort and interaction.town•Quiet Residential StreetsLimit traffic flow on residential streets to maintain quiet and safe environments for residents.town•Wildlife Corridors in Urban DesignDesign urban areas to include wildlife corridors for preserving local ecosystems.town26Life CycleA community holds every stage of life, from birth to death, visibly together.town27Men and WomenBalance the rhythms of men's and women's lives in the public and domestic space of a town.town28Eccentric NucleusEach community has a slightly off-center heart of intense activity, not a symmetric center.town29Density RingsDensity falls off in rings from the center, gradually, without hard edges.town•City’s Core and PeripheryA dynamic balance between a city's core and its periphery supports overall urban stability and resilience.town30Activity NodesConcentrate public activities at a few nodes, close together, so each amplifies the others.town•Asymmetrical Square DesignDesigning squares with asymmetrical layouts makes them more visually engaging and adaptable to different uses.town•Cultural NodesEstablish cultural nodes where cultural expressions and interactions can flourish, enhancing the city's identity.town•Distinctive LandmarksStrategically place noticeable and symbolic landmarks to aid in navigation and create identity within a city.town•Encourage Mixed-Use NeighborhoodsDesign neighborhoods with a mix of residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces to enhance community bonds and satisfaction.town•Functional Diversity in SquaresSquares should accommodate diverse functions to remain lively and engaging.town•Human-Scale Street WidthsJacobs argues that the best streets maintain a width that promotes human interaction and comfort, typically not exceeding 70 feet, including sidewalks.town•Mixed-Use DevelopmentDevelop mixed-use buildings and neighborhoods to activate urban areas throughout the day and night.town•Multi-Use DestinationsDesign public spaces with multiple activities or uses to attract a wider range of visitors and sustain engagement.town•Nodes of ActivityEstablish nodes of activity where paths intersect to concentrate social and economic activities, enhancing urban vibrancy.town•Power of TenEnsure public spaces offer at least ten things to do, see, or experience to foster lively and engaging environments.town•Presence of Other PeopleWhyte observed that people attract more people; the presence of others is often the most attractive feature of a public space.town•Variety in Public SpaceEnsure variety in public spaces to cater to different preferences and activities.town31PromenadeA place for people to walk back and forth in the evening, seeing and being seen.town•Easy Access and LinkagesEnsure public spaces are easily accessible and well-connected to surrounding regions to maximize usage.town•Human ScaleDesign cities at a human scale to support comfortable and intuitive human interaction within the urban environment.town•Human-Scaled Urban SpacesDesign urban environments at a human scale to enhance comfort and walkability.town•Sequential ExperienceDesign urban spaces to offer a sequence of experiences, enhancing one's journey and engagement with the environment.town•Traffic-Free ZonesDesignate pedestrian-only areas to enhance street community and safety.town•Variety of DistrictsCompose a city with a variety of distinct districts, each with a unique character, to cater to different functions and experiences.town•Visual Connections to the StreetWhyte found that plazas with strong visual connections to adjacent streets were more vibrant and integrated.town•Walkable StreetsSuburbs should be designed with walkable streets to enhance community interaction and reduce reliance on cars.town32Shopping StreetA shopping street has shops on both sides, narrow enough to see across.town•Active FrontagesDesign building frontages to engage with the street and support street life.building•Inviting Ground-Level ActivitiesGround-level activities should be inviting and active to enhance street life and engagement.town•Pedestrian Priority ZonesDesignate specific areas within cities where pedestrian access and safety are prioritized over motor vehicles.town•Retail Characterized by Hyper-Mart CultureEdge Cities feature a retail culture dominated by large hypermarkets catering to an auto-dependent population.town•Support Local BusinessesEncourage and sustain local businesses to enhance the sense of community and place.town33Night LifeCluster nighttime places so that nobody walks alone through dark empty streets.town34InterchangeTransit interchanges work only if you can walk between lines without detours or barriers.town35Household MixA neighborhood mixes households of every size, age and income.town•Diverse Housing OptionsProvide a range of housing types within neighborhoods to accommodate diverse needs and promote inclusivity.town36Degrees of PublicnessHousing is arranged so that some is intensely public and some deeply private, with everything between.town37House ClusterHouses group in clusters of 8–12 around a shared place.town•Cultural Imprints in LandscapesRecognize and preserve cultural imprints in landscapes to maintain historical continuity and community identity.town•Replacement RatioBalance the introduction of new buildings with the preservation of old to maintain urban diversity.town•Territorial ZoningResidential areas should be divided into small clusters with defined boundaries to foster a sense of ownership and safety.town38Row HousesRow houses fit where small plots abut; share walls but give each its own face.town•Compatible Building FormsIntegrate building forms that respect and enhance the existing urban fabric, fostering cohesion and continuity.town39Housing HillAt higher densities, step housing up a slope so everyone still gets ground, light and a view.town40Old People EverywhereOld people must live among the young; isolate them and they wither.town•Adaptive Reuse of BuildingsExisting buildings should be adapted for new uses rather than demolished, preserving material resources and cultural value.building•Respect for Historical ContextRespect and incorporate historical context to enrich urban spaces with character and identity.town41Work CommunityWorkplaces group into communities of 10–20 where people know each other's work.town•Mixed-Use DistrictsMixing residential, commercial, and industrial uses in a district enhances its vitality and resilience.town•Permeable Overlapping UsesOverlap of different urban functions creates vibrant public spaces that adapt to varied uses over time.town•Temporal AdaptabilityDesign urban spaces that can adapt to change over time to remain functional and relevant.town42Industrial RibbonIndustrial land forms ribbons along rail and river, accessible but not imposing on housing.town43University as a MarketplaceOpen the university onto the city; let courses and workshops mix with shops and cafes.town44Local Town HallEvery 7,000-person community has its own modest town hall, not a remote municipal building.town•Create Places with Unique CharacterDesign spaces that reflect and amplify their unique cultural, historical, and physical contexts.town•Defined Public SpaceCreate public spaces that are clearly defined and integrated into community life to enhance social interaction.town•Legacy UrbanismPreserve and adapt historic urban frameworks and patterns for contemporary use.town45Necklace of Community ProjectsAround the town hall, a ring of small civic projects people can actually join.town46Market of Many ShopsA market is many small shops under one loose roof, not a single supermarket.town•Food as Urban MagnetFood vendors and cafes act as magnets in public spaces, drawing people and contributing to a lively atmosphere.town47Health CenterHealth care is a small neighborhood center for keeping well, not a distant hospital for emergencies.town48Housing In BetweenHousing belongs everywhere — between offices, shops, workshops — not in separate tracts.town49Looped Local RoadsLocal roads loop so no street becomes a shortcut for strangers.town50T JunctionsPrefer T-junctions to crossroads; traffic slows, buildings face the intersection.town51Green StreetsMost local streets can be narrow green lanes with grass and trees, not paved throughways.town•Integrate Natural ElementsIntegrate natural elements into urban environments to enhance comfort and well-being.town•Integrate Nature with Urban LivingCreate urban green spaces to foster human well-being by maintaining a connection to nature.town•Tree Canopy in StreetsJacobs identifies that trees lining streets promote environmental comfort, aesthetic appeal, and a sense of enclosure.town•Trees for Comfort and AestheticTrees contribute to the comfort, aesthetics, and usability of urban plazas, providing shade and improving air quality.town•Urban Green CorridorsIntegrate green corridors within urban landscapes to enhance biodiversity and provide community spaces.town•Vegetation Overlay in PlanningIntegrate native vegetation patterns in site planning for ecological balance and aesthetic.town52Network of Paths and CarsWeave walking paths and car roads in separate but intersecting webs.town•Human-Scaled StreetsDesign streets that accommodate people on foot as much as vehicles to foster community and livability.town•Public Transport AccessEnsure developments are linked by reliable public transportation to reduce car dependency and increase access.town•Shorter Block LengthsJacobs suggests shorter block lengths to increase walkability and create more intersection points, enhancing street vitality.town53Main GatewaysMark every district's entrance with a gateway you can feel as you pass through.town•Proximity to Pedestrian FlowsWhyte highlighted that successful plazas are closely situated to major pedestrian routes, ensuring a natural flow of people.town54Road CrossingDesign road crossings so that pedestrians, not cars, dominate.town55Raised WalkWhere cars and people must share space, raise the walkway a handspan above the road.town56Bike Paths and RacksGive bikes their own continuous paths and a place to lock up at every destination.town57Children in the CityChildren need to move through the whole city on their own, safely.town58CarnivalEvery city needs a season of carnival — open, unruly, participatory.town59Quiet BacksBehind the busiest places, always leave a quiet back for retreat.town60Accessible GreenGreen open space within three minutes' walk of every home.town•Design for Universal AccessibilityEnsure urban spaces are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities, to promote equitable use and inclusion.town•Enhance Accessibility to Diverse SpacesEnsure a variety of spaces are easily accessible to foster a dynamic sense of place.town•Privatized Public SpacePrivatization of public spaces limits access and diversity, turning cities into exclusive enclaves.town61Small Public SquaresPublic squares work best when they are small — 60 feet across, not acres.town•Comfortable Places to SitProvide comfortable seating to encourage people to linger and engage in social activities.building•Human Scale DesignBuildings and streets should be designed to human scale, promoting comfort and engagement rather than overwhelming individuals.building•Human-Scaled BuildingsDesign buildings at a human scale to enhance comfort and interaction at street level.building•Intimate SpacesCreate spaces that encourage intimate interactions and personal connections to develop a sense of place.building•Irregular Square LayoutSquares with irregular shapes and varied dimensions create a more dynamic and appealing urban space than geometrically uniform plazas.town•Observation and Participation OpportunitiesCreate opportunities for both observation and participation to enhance community interaction.town•Street IntricacyStreets with varied activities and small-scale surprises hold pedestrian interest and encourage exploration.town62High PlacesEvery district has a high place to climb, from which you can see the whole.town63Dancing in the StreetLeave room, and reason, for people to dance in the street together.town64Pools and StreamsKeep water visible, walkable-to, and touchable in the fabric of the town.town65Birth PlacesSmall local places where women give birth among family and neighbors, not distant hospitals.town66Holy GroundA place for the dead, the sacred, or the transcendent — within every community.town•Historical LayersA city's historic layers should be preserved to maintain continuity and identity.town67Common LandEvery house has access to a piece of common land, held and used in common.town•Foster TopophiliaStrengthen the bonds of affection between people and their environments to enhance civic pride and responsibility.town•Public Spaces as Social CatalystsVital public spaces foster social interaction and community engagement, leading to healthier urban life.town68Connected PlayChildren's play space must connect — one yard to the next — into a continuous territory.town69Public Outdoor RoomMake outdoor rooms where groups can gather at all hours, not just passageways.town•Defined Civic SpacesDesign civic spaces to be central and defined, serving as focal points of community life.town•Enclosed SquaresEnclosure provided by surrounding buildings gives squares a more intimate and inviting atmosphere.town•Engaging the SensesDesign spaces that stimulate the senses to encourage exploration and engagement.town•Hierarchical Public SpacesPublic spaces should be organized in a hierarchy from most public to most private to clarify ownership and control.town•Lack of Public Space MaturityEdge Cities often struggle to develop public spaces that foster a sense of community and place.town•Public Interaction SpacesDevelop open spaces for public interaction that support community engagement and inclusivity.town•Sociable EnvironmentsDevelop public spaces that encourage social interaction and community engagement.town70Grave SitesSmall grave sites, nearby, so the dead stay part of community life.town71Still WaterStill water — a pond, a reflecting pool — settles the nerves of a place.town72Local SportsSmall local sports fields within walking distance, not distant stadiums.town•Seasonal Design VariabilityPlan urban spaces with seasonal variability to keep them attractive and functional year-round.town73Adventure PlaygroundChildren need places they can rebuild with their own hands; not polished playgrounds.town•Interactivity in Public SpacesPublic spaces that offer interactive elements engage visitors and enhance social activity.town74AnimalsAnimals must be present in the city — for children, for food, for company.town75The FamilyHouseholds should support family in its many real forms, not the idealized nuclear one.town76House for a Small FamilyA small family needs enough common space that it doesn't squeeze itself apart.town77House for a CoupleA couple's house must protect intimacy without locking them into a single room.town78House for One PersonA house for one person is a whole tiny world — not a compromised apartment.town79Your Own HomeEvery family needs a home it can shape over time, not a rental it can't change.town80Self-Governing Workshops and OfficesSmall workplaces governed by the people who work there, not owned from elsewhere.town81Small Services Without Red TapeGovernment services should be storefronts a person can walk into — not remote bureaucracies.town82Office ConnectionsConnect offices so people walk through each other's work and meet at the edges.town•Corporate EnclavesEdge Cities function as enclaves of corporate office space, separate from traditional residential neighborhoods.town83Master and ApprenticesWorkshops where older workers teach by doing, with younger ones alongside them.town84Teenage SocietyTeenagers need their own half-independent society, visible to but not owned by adults.town85Shopfront SchoolsSmall schools in shopfronts on the street, not isolated campuses behind fences.town86Children's HomeFor children without families, a small house and a few consistent adults — not an institution.town87Individually Owned ShopsSupport individually owned shops over chains — they give the street its character.town•Centralized Power FallacyThe concentration of power in a single entity or central authority often leads to bureaucratic inertia and disconnection from communal needs.town•Corner StoresCorner stores contribute to neighborhood cohesion and convenience with their accessibility and familiarity.town•Local Economic NodesDevelop small, diverse, locally-owned economic centers within neighborhoods to foster community resilience.town88Street CafeEvery neighborhood needs at least one cafe where you can sit outside and watch life go by.town•Adaptable Public SpacesPublic spaces should be adaptable to changing uses and needs over time to maintain relevance.town•Integrated Street FurnitureWell-integrated street furniture, such as benches, trash bins, and lights, enhances the usability of public spaces.town•Sidewalk InteractionSidewalks should facilitate social interactions to strengthen community bonds.town•Street Social SpacesIntegrate seating and gathering spaces into street design to promote social interaction.town•Vibrant SidewalksCreate sidewalks that support and encourage frequent social use and pedestrian activities.town89Corner GrocerySmall groceries at the corners of neighborhoods, close enough to walk to for a single item.town•Integrated EdgesDesign square edges to integrate adjacent buildings, enhancing the flow and use of space.building90Beer HallA large public room, warmly lit, where drinking is social and unhurried.town91Traveler's InnSmall inns where strangers and locals overlap — not anonymous chain hotels.town92Bus StopBus stops become small social places when they're sheltered and part of other activities.town93Food StandsPermanent street food stands scattered on busy corners.town94Sleeping in PublicA humane city lets people sleep in public without criminalizing them.town95Building ComplexPrefer many small buildings joined into a complex over one single giant building.building•Transition ZonesCreate transition zones between public and private spaces to control movement and increase safety.building96Number of StoriesKeep most buildings between one and four stories; go higher only for good reason.building97Shielded ParkingParking should be shielded from the street and the rooms that face it.building98Circulation RealmsBreak circulation into distinct realms that overlap, instead of endless corridors.building99Main BuildingA complex of buildings needs one main building that dominates in a clear way.building100Pedestrian StreetInside a complex, a central path becomes a pedestrian street lined with entrances.building•Design for Weather ProtectionIncorporate weather protection into pedestrian pathways to ensure usability in various conditions.building•Network of PathsCreate a comprehensive network of safe and accessible paths to improve connectivity and movement throughout the city.town•Short BlocksShort city blocks encourage pedestrian movement, fostering a vibrant street life.town•Social PathwaysDesign pathways and walkways to encourage social interactions and surveillance.town101Building ThoroughfareWhen a building must be crossed, make the path through it a real street with shops and light.building102Family of EntrancesGroup the entrances of a complex into a family you can see all at once.building•Shared CourtyardsDesign shared courtyards in residential complexes to promote communal use and safety through mutual oversight.town103Small Parking LotsBreak parking into many small lots, never a single sea of asphalt.building104Site RepairBuild on the worst part of the site, leaving the best parts alone.building•Develop with Soil ProfilesIncorporate detailed soil analysis into site design to ensure sustainable land use.town•Preserve Natural LandformsRespect and incorporate natural landforms into the built environment to maintain ecological and aesthetic value.building•Use Land Capability AnalysisEvaluate land capabilities to determine the most suitable types of development and use.town105South Facing OutdoorsPlace important outdoor spaces to the south of the buildings that bound them.building106Positive Outdoor SpaceOutdoor space must feel like a shaped room, not leftover land.building•Comfort and ImageDesign public spaces to be comfortable and aesthetically pleasing to encourage frequent use.town•Defensible Property LinesClearly demarcate property lines to foster ownership and security.town•Experience of Fear in SpacesAcknowledge and mitigate the experience of fear in spaces to make them welcoming and inclusive.town107Wings of LightBuild in long thin wings so every room gets daylight from two sides.building108Connected BuildingsLink buildings to each other along their edges, not by corridors across gaps.building109Long Thin HouseThe best houses are long and thin — every room has outdoor contact on at least one side.building110Main EntranceA main entrance must be visible from the way people first approach — not hidden.building•Controlled Access PointsLimit access points in multi-family dwellings to enhance security and community oversight.building111Half-Hidden GardenPlace the main garden between the street and the house — half seen, half private.building112Entrance TransitionMake a real transition of a few steps between street and front door: change of light, level, or direction.building•Home Territory ExtensionEncourage territorial markings by residents to define and protect their perceived home territory.building•Sense of EnclosureCreate a sense of enclosure in shared spaces to enhance safety and community.building113Car ConnectionLet the car reach the house gracefully without dominating the entrance.building114Hierarchy of Open SpaceOutdoor spaces nest: courtyard within yard, yard within neighborhood.building115Courtyards Which LiveCourtyards need at least two entrances, a view out, and a reason to cross them.building116Cascade of RoofsRoofs cascade from the main ridge down to small sheltered edges.building117Sheltering RoofA roof must shelter not only the rooms but the feeling of the building beneath it.building118Roof GardenOn flat roofs, make gardens people actually use.building119ArcadesArcades along building edges blur inside and outside.building•Active Ground FloorsJacobs argues that ground floors rich with activity are essential for a lively street life and community engagement.building•Continuous Building FrontageJacobs emphasizes the importance of uninterrupted building lines for an inviting and engaging street scene.town•Eyes on the StreetStreets are safer when watched by people from the buildings lining them.town120Paths and GoalsLay paths out to follow where people actually want to walk, not designer's lines.building121Path ShapePaths widen and narrow; they are places, not conveyors.building•Natural SurveillanceDesign residential environments to maximize visibility of public spaces to deter crime.town122Building FrontsBuilding fronts must face outward to the street — the front is a social act.building•Animated FacadesBuilding facades facing squares should have varied and interesting designs to contribute to the square's vitality.building123Pedestrian DensityConcentrate people in public space: 150 square feet per person feels alive, more feels empty.building124Activity PocketsLife happens at the edges of a space, in small pockets around the main flow.building125Stair SeatsWhere steps meet a public space, they become seats.building126Something Roughly in the MiddleEvery public space needs something roughly at its center to anchor activity.building127Intimacy GradientArrange rooms in a sequence from most public at the entrance to most private at the back.building128Indoor SunlightPut the rooms where people spend the day on the sunny side.building129Common Areas at the HeartThe common areas of a household sit at the heart where daily paths cross them.building130Entrance RoomAn entrance needs a real room, not a corridor — for taking off coats and greeting.building131The Flow Through RoomsMajor rooms have two ways in so movement flows through, not to a dead end.building132Short PassagesKeep corridors short, wide, and full of light; long dim passages kill a building.building133Staircase as a StageThe main stair is a small stage where people arrive and part.building134Zen ViewFrame a beautiful view so it must be sought — don't expose it all at once.building•Reflective SpacesIncorporate spaces that allow for reflection and contemplation, enhancing the personal connection to the place.building135Tapestry of Light and DarkRooms alternate light and dark; one uniform brightness flattens everything.building136Couple's RealmA couple needs a realm of their own at one end of the house.building137Children's RealmChildren need a cluster of small rooms and passages they can call theirs.building138Sleeping to the EastBedrooms face east to wake with the sun.building139Farmhouse KitchenA large kitchen everyone eats and works in — not an efficient galley.building140Private Terrace on the StreetEach dwelling has a small private terrace on the street, a half-step up.building141A Room of One's OwnEvery person in a household needs a room, however small, that is theirs alone.building142Sequence of Sitting SpacesA house has a sequence of sitting places, each with a different character.building143Bed ClusterChildren's beds cluster in one room or wing, not in separate isolated bedrooms.building144Bathing RoomA real bathing room — warm, with views out — not a windowless bathroom.building145Bulk StorageSet aside one big room or area for bulk storage — otherwise it eats into living space.building146Flexible Office SpaceOffice layouts must be reconfigurable by the people who use them, on the day.building147Communal EatingAny group working together needs a place to eat together every day.building148Small Work GroupsSubdivide an office into groups of 6–12 so conversation and overhearing work.building149Reception Welcomes YouA reception must welcome, not process, arrivals.building150A Place to WaitWaiting places need quiet corners to think in, not just chairs in a row.building151Small Meeting RoomsMany small meeting rooms work better than one big conference room.building152Half-Private OfficeOffices are half-open — not private cells nor open plan — so people can choose engagement.building153Rooms to RentEvery neighborhood has rooms you can rent for a month or a year — lodgings, not hotels.building154Teenager's CottageGive teenagers a small cottage or attached room with its own entrance.building155Old Age CottageOld people need a cottage close to family, not folded into a spare bedroom.building156Settled WorkWork at home in a part of the house set up for it, not in a corner of the kitchen table.building157Home WorkshopEvery house has a small workshop for making and mending.building158Open StairsStairs are open to the rooms they serve, not hidden behind doors.building159Light on Two Sides of Every RoomEvery room worth being in has windows on at least two sides.building160Building EdgeThe edge of a building is a place to live — not just a wall.building161Sunny PlaceMake a sunny outdoor spot just outside the most-used room.building•Sunlit SpacesSun provides warmth and vitality to urban spaces, drawing people in and encouraging congregation.town162North FaceThe north face of a building is a cool working side; put workshops, storage, laundry there.building163Outdoor RoomBuild outdoor rooms with real walls of hedge or trellis, a ceiling of leaves, and a floor.building•Create Safe Public SpacesDesign public spaces to be universally welcoming and safe, enhancing communal use and enjoyment.town•Engaging EdgesEngage pedestrians with active and aesthetically pleasing edges.town•Movable SeatingWhyte observed that plazas become more social with movable seating, allowing people to control personal space and encourage interactions.town•Soft Edges and TransitionsCreate soft edges and transitions between public and private spaces to encourage permeability and interaction.building164Street WindowsWindows on the street carry the life of the house outward.building165Opening to the StreetGround-floor rooms open directly to the street where possible.building•Visible Signs of CareMaintain public spaces to demonstrate care and management, thus enhancing user experience and safety.town166Gallery SurroundA gallery surrounding the upper floor gives life to every room on it.building167Six-Foot BalconyBalconies must be at least six feet deep to be usable; shallower ones are empty.building168Connection to the EarthA building touches the earth; keep its lowest floor close to the ground.building169Terraced SlopeOn slopes, build terraces — plants and people need level ground.building170Fruit TreesPlant fruit trees near the house — they combine beauty, shade, and food.building171Tree PlacesMake tree places: each tree a room with seating beneath it.building172Garden Growing WildLeave part of every garden to grow wild.building173Garden WallA low wall makes a garden a garden; without it, it's just yard.building174Trellised WalkA trellis-covered walk is the best transition between buildings and gardens.building175GreenhouseEvery house gets a small greenhouse — a room for winter plants and warmth.building176Garden SeatA garden needs a single quiet seat where one person can sit and be alone.building177Vegetable GardenVegetable gardens belong close to the kitchen, not at the far end of the yard.building178CompostA compost heap where kitchen and garden meet.building179AlcovesEvery large room needs alcoves — small bays where one or two people can nest apart.building180Window PlaceEvery room needs a place at a window to sit, read, or stare out.building181The FireA fire — real or apparent — is the heart of a house.building182Eating AtmosphereEating places must hold the light low, the space snug, around the table.building183Workspace EnclosureA workspace is enclosed on at least two sides, open on the other two.building184Cooking LayoutThe cook must see out, see in, and work along a continuous surface.building185Sitting CircleSitting places work when chairs make a rough circle, not a line.building•Multiple Levels of SeatingProviding a variety of seating heights and levels in public spaces accommodates different activities and preferences.town186Communal SleepingSome groups live better when they sleep together in one big room.building187Marriage BedThe marriage bed is an anchor; give it weight, light, and a room of its own.building188Bed AlcoveA bed should be in an alcove, not a loose object in an empty room.building189Dressing RoomA real dressing room, however small, beats a closet in a bedroom.building190Ceiling Height VarietyVary ceiling height room to room — not every room wants the same height.building191The Shape of Indoor SpaceIndoor rooms want irregular shapes that respond to use, not perfect rectangles.building192Windows Overlooking LifePut windows where they overlook life, not parking lots or blank walls.building193Half-Open WallWalls between rooms are best when partially open — a half-wall, a sideways doorway, an opening overhead.building•Defined Personal SpaceEnsure each household has a clearly defined personal space separate from shared areas.building194Interior WindowsInterior windows connect rooms to each other when outer windows alone can't.building195Staircase VolumeTreat the staircase as a three-dimensional volume, not a diagonal of wasted space.building196Corner DoorsDoors in the corner of a room leave the walls free for furniture.building197Thick WallsMake the walls thick enough to hold shelves, nooks and window seats in them.building198Closets Between RoomsUse closets as acoustic barriers between rooms.building199Sunny CounterThe kitchen counter belongs under a sunny window.building200Open ShelvesMost of what you own should be on open shelves, visible and accessible.building201Waist-High ShelfA continuous shelf at waist height along a room wall gathers life.building202Built-In SeatsBuilt-in seats along windows and walls turn edges into living places.building203Child CavesChildren need caves — small enclosures they can crawl into, under a stair or in a wall.building204Secret PlaceEvery house needs one secret place — a small hidden room, chamber, or cupboard.building205Structure Follows Social SpacesLet the structural plan emerge from the social plan, not the reverse.construction206Efficient StructureEfficient structure tapers to bearings; fat where load is greatest, thin where it isn't.construction207Good MaterialsChoose materials that age well, can be worked by hand, and can be repaired in place.construction208Gradual StiffeningBuild loose, then stiffen as you know the building is right — don't lock in early.construction209Roof LayoutLay the roof out to follow the rooms beneath it.construction210Floor and Ceiling LayoutEach floor's structure follows the rooms above and below, not a rigid grid.construction211Thickening the Outer WallsThe outer walls hold life — thicken them for windows, shelves, seats.construction212Columns at the CornersPlace structural columns at the corners of rooms, not through them.construction213Final Column DistributionDistribute columns along walls until the building can stand — then stop.construction214Root FoundationsFoundations should root into the ground — broad feet, not narrow stilts.construction215Ground Floor SlabMake the ground floor a real mass — a slab that ties the building to the earth.construction216Box ColumnsBuild columns as hollow boxes that can be filled with wiring, plumbing, or shelves.construction217Perimeter BeamsPerimeter beams tie the building together at every floor.construction218Wall MembraneWalls are membranes between columns — skin, not structure.construction219Floor-Ceiling VaultsBuild floors and ceilings as shallow vaults — they carry load far better than slabs.construction220Roof VaultsRoofs can be vaulted too; vaults are easier to build and feel than flat roofs.construction221Natural Doors and WindowsDon't pre-fabricate all openings — leave room to place them where light and view invite.construction222Low SillWindow sills belong low — 12 to 14 inches — so you can see out while sitting.construction223Deep RevealsReveal the thickness of walls at windows — it softens the light.construction224Low DoorwayA low doorway at a threshold slows you down and marks arrival.construction225Frames as Thickened EdgesDoor and window frames are thickened edges — give them real depth.construction226Column PlaceEach column makes a small place around it — recognize it, don't hide it.construction227Column ConnectionColumns connect to what they carry through a visible capital — not a sharp line.construction228Stair VaultBuild the stair as a vault — it's self-supporting and it thickens the wall it rises against.construction229Duct SpaceLeave continuous duct space where wires and pipes can be added or replaced later.construction230Radiant HeatHeat is best when it radiates from large warm surfaces — floors, walls — not from blowing air.construction231Dormer WindowsDormers turn an attic into a room.construction232Roof CapsA cap or lantern at the highest point of the roof finishes the form.construction233Floor SurfaceFloors shift surface between rooms — hard near entrances, soft near sitting.construction234Lapped Outside WallsOuter walls lap and weather in layers, not flush cladding.construction235Soft Inside WallsInside walls are best when slightly soft to the touch — plaster, wood, not hard gypsum.construction236Windows Which Open WideWindows should open fully — at least half their area, not a small hopper.construction237Solid Doors with GlassMain doors are solid with a pane of glass — you can see and still shut.construction238Filtered LightFilter direct sun through leaves, lattice, or trellis; raw sun is blinding.construction239Small PanesBreak large panes into small ones — the light pattern is livelier and scale is human.construction240Half-Inch TrimTrim elements at half-inch increments — thick enough to hold a shadow line.construction241Seat SpotsEvery outdoor space has spots where sitting feels natural — mark them with real seats.construction242Front Door BenchA bench beside the front door welcomes arrivals and lingerers.construction243Sitting WallLow walls at seat height double as seats wherever they run.construction•Craftsmanship in Street DetailsWell-crafted street details enhance a street's character and user experience, as reflected in Jacobs' studies of great streets around the world.construction244Canvas RoofsCanvas roofs shelter outdoor rooms in summer, roll back in winter.construction245Raised FlowersRaise flower beds to waist height so they can be tended and smelled.construction246Climbing PlantsGrow climbing plants on walls and trellises — they cool, shade, and soften buildings.construction247Paving with Cracks Between the StonesLeave cracks in paving for grass and insects — a living floor.construction248Soft Tile and BrickUse soft, hand-made tile and brick; machine-hard surfaces never acquire life.construction249OrnamentOrnament where edges meet — not pasted on, but at real joints.construction250Warm ColorsWarm colors on indoor surfaces — cool colors only accent them.construction251Different ChairsNever furnish with identical chairs — every chair should be itself.construction252Pools of LightLight rooms in pools — several small lights, not one uniform ceiling fixture.construction•Water Features in PlazasWater features attract people, offering aesthetic pleasure and a sense of tranquility in urban environments.town253Things from Your LifeFill a house with objects from your own life, not decorator's choices.construction•Boulevards with Multiple RolesThe design of boulevards should accommodate various activities and transport modes while maintaining a cohesive urban fabric, as per Jacobs' analysis of successful boulevards.town•Craftsman-Like DetailingIncorporate craftsmanship and authenticity in building details to enrich architectural experience and foster local identity.construction•Edge Cities as Transit HubsEdge Cities serve as hubs for suburban transit, facilitating the movement of people and goods.town•Empathetic Urban DesignDesign urban spaces that empathize with the lived experiences of its inhabitants.town•Gradual MoneyLocal economies thrive when investment is gradual and responsive, rather than large and rigid.town•Green CorridorsIntegrate green corridors into urban areas to connect neighborhoods and provide recreational spaces.town•Integrate Nature into Urban SpacesIncorporate natural elements into urban environments to enhance their distinctiveness and livability.town•Multilayered Ecological Site AnalysisUse overlays of ecological data for informed decision-making in planning and development.town•Parking Accommodates DensityProvisions for extensive parking are necessary for the dense development of Edge Cities.town•Population DiversityA diverse cross-section of residents enriches the social and economic fabric of a city.town•Prioritize Short CommutesLong commutes decrease happiness; design urban areas to enable shorter travel times between home and work.town•Promiscuous Street UsesEncourage a mix of various, overlapping street uses to create vibrant urban areas.town•Respect Natural HydrologyOverlay a site's hydrological patterns onto development plans to protect water cycles.town•Short Walking DistancesFacilitate short walking distances to encourage people to engage in optional and social activities.town•Traffic Calming MeasuresImplement design measures to slow down traffic to ensure a lively and sociable street environment.town•Visual PermeabilityMaximize visual transparency between private and shared spaces to promote safety and connection.building

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Christopher Alexander253Jane Jacobs15Lewis Mumford14Kevin Lynch14Oscar Newman12Jan Gehl12William H. Whyte11Edward Relph10Yi-Fu Tuan10Camillo Sitte10Ian McHarg10Charles Montgomery10Allan B. Jacobs10Donald Appleyard10Fred Kent & Project for Public Spaces9James Howard Kunstler9Andrés Duany & Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk9Joel Garreau6Mike Davis3