The Gestalt of Wholeness

Gestalt: an organized whole that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts.

The concept of gestalt, which refers to the holistic perception of a pattern or form, plays a central role in the work of Christopher Alexander. Alexander is an architect and design theorist who is known for his ideas about the importance of creating built environments that promote human well-being and reflect the natural patterns and processes of the world. In Alexander's work, the concept of gestalt is closely related to the idea of wholeness. He believes that a building, town, or city can only truly be whole if it is designed in such a way that all of its parts are interconnected and support each other. This means that each element of a building or environment must be carefully designed to fit with the others, creating a cohesive and harmonious whole. According to Alexander, the creation of a truly whole environment requires a deep understanding of the natural patterns and processes that underlie all of life. He advocates for an approach to design that is based on the observation and emulation of these patterns, rather than on preconceived notions of what a building or environment should look like. Ultimately, Alexander sees the concept of gestalt as essential to the creation of buildings and environments that are not just functional, but that also inspire and uplift the people who use them. By designing spaces that are whole and harmonious, he believes that architects and designers can help to create a world that is more beautiful, more sustainable, and more conducive to human flourishing.

That Which Emerges

Natural Order

Radical Abstraction