This link describes pattern languages and is helpful if you don't want to buy the book:
http://www.architypes.net/patterns.php?show=all
A lot of stuff isn't fleshed out at all--adobe, bamboo, even Prairie Style. Not a whole lot to say about colors either, from the brief look I took.
But it is a free site Amanda and has good information. True, it doesn't cover everything but it's a start in the right direction.
It also talks of communities and pattern languages on a broader scale than what I've seen in other free sites.
I'm new with this, that's for sure but it was enlightening to me and I thought it would be helpful to others as well.
After another look, I found this. It seems to cover color pretty well to my inexperienced eyes:
http://www.architypes.net/pattern/color
I looked at the communities - neighborhoods - there were some really cute cottages. Those links give you an overall outline & feel of what Pattern Language is all about & whets your appetite for more :) - helps to get you thinking & looking at stuff you might never have done until it's too late without a major overhaul.
Also (I should have put this in earlier) the things that are not fleshed out, we (maybe only if we're members?) are allowed to add thoughts to.
I'd looked at the warm colors/cool colors--the one sentence there brought institutional green to mind as a great color to induce relaxation.
Appears to be similiar to a Wiki. You could add your knowledge to it Amanda, I'm sure it would be appreciated and it could use the help!
I like the idea of having an outline to follow when designing spaces. I didn't consider tying the outside living to inside until I had read a description. Now I want outdoor living spaces after realizing how I've enjoyed them in the past.
Yes, on pattern languages as extremely useful.
Of course, Wright was great at tying inside with outside--making the lines on the concrete in the living room match the ones on the patio, for instance.
And yes, having patterns that you can look up is handy. On web or in that--expensive--book.
I think I might kill to have a place within walking distance with live music every week. :-/
One of the reasons that "life in the country" is not all it's cracked up to be. But then, life in the city or small town doesn't have that automatically.
I've been tired to the point of exhaustion lately. It's showing in my posts. Much more cranky than usual. This week I'm pretty much off for the week, and I'm really looking forward to it.
You take care of yourself Amanda. We can take cranky once in a while! We all feel that way occasionally and sometimes it is hard to keep it out of our posts.
Amanda:
We love you even when you're cranky... we just don't say as much. :-?
Here is a little lesson on site planning that was developed with some of Alexander's pattern information.
http://www.countryplans.com/landkit/tips.htm
Amanda, I hope you are getting some well-earned rest :) so you can keep posting on CP!
Hey Amanda, come out and see us, don't know what kind of music you like but we have a place http://www.javalinas.com/calendar.html within walking distance. Great music on the weekends-I'll miss it when we move. We can still go but it won't be walking distance!
Judy
Javelinas sounds wonderful.
Been having computer problems. So I got to come on as a guest yesterday.