[mfsch]

Related: There was a recent discussion on HN [1] of an article in which someone described their process for designing a new home, and the author recommended “The Timeless Way of Building” by Christopher Alexander as one of their inspirations. I’ve since started reading the book and found it very inspiring so far. I haven’t read “A Pattern Language” yet, but my impression is that “The Timeless Way” is focusing a bit more on the “why” rather than the “how”.

[1]: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23881363

[ratrocket]

I don't remember where I read it (sorry), but I recall that "The Timeless Way of Building" and "A Pattern Language" were supposed to be, or were conceived as, one book. But it would've been way too long, so it was split up. Generally, I think you're right: "TTWoB" is sort of the set up to "APL", motivating why "APL" is useful, and telling you how to use it. I remember I used to be more drawn to "APL" because you can just open it up anywhere, and since the patterns are so short, you just read a little bit and get inspired. It's bite-sized fun! But when I finally read "The Timeless Way of Building", things really clicked. "APL" is really illuminated by digesting "TTWoB" first. (I also think "APL" is more useful read cover to cover, though nothing wrong with taking some bite-sized inspiration once in a while :) )

So, I guess, besides just agreeing with you, sort of also saying, keep reading "TTWoB", soak it up, then you'll be primed for "APL". It's such a fun journey! (If you can't tell, I'm a big admirer of Christopher Alexander :) )

[duncanawoods]

Another reading suggestion along those lines is "The design of design" by Fred Brooks (of Mythical Man Month fame). He discusses design approaches as uses his process of building his own house as the primary example:

https://www.amazon.com/Design-Essays-Computer-Scientist/dp/0...