Understanding Wholeness and Place through Pattern
“A deep discussion surrounding the concept of 'wholeness' and 'place' with David Seamon, a geographer and phenomenologist, and Andrea Hiott, a philosopher. The conversation traverses the work of Christopher Alexander, particularly his book 'A Pattern Language,' and how his architectural theories interconnect with environmental serendipity, phenomenology, and the deeper human experience of being in the world. The dialogue encompasses the importance of understanding place as a dynamic, evolving entity intertwined with human existence, emphasizing the significance of phenomenology, holistic approaches, and the work of scholars like Henri Bortoft and Edward Relph. David Seamon reflects on his lifelong pursuit to understand the integrated phenomenon of place and its impact on human life, advocating for a broader acknowledgment of these ideas in academic and practical realms.”
#christopheralexander #patternlanguage #pattern #place #placemaking
The Photo of Matisse we Discuss:
00:00 Introduction to Pattern Language
00:58 The Significance of Place in Human Life
01:21 Exploring Human Connection to Place
02:36 Philosophical Insights on Space and Place
03:26 Christopher Alexander's Influence
05:41 Understanding Wholeness and Relationality
09:40 David Seamon's Journey and Contributions
12:54 The Role of Phenomenology in Geography
25:56 The Concept of Wholeness in Phenomenology
30:14 Practical Applications of Wholeness
41:24 Introduction to David Bohm's World Tubes
41:48 Exploring Place Processes
43:53 Understanding Place Release
49:02 The Concept of Synergistic Relationality
50:15 Goethe's Influence on Phenomenology
57:07 The Importance of Place in Human Life
01:09:05 Challenges in Academia and Personal Reflections
01:17:20 Recommended Readings and Conclusion
Christopher Alexander, A Pattern Language
Henri Bortoft, The Wholeness of Nature
Environmental and Architectural Phenomenology
Edward Relph, Place and Placelessness
Jeff Malpas, Place and Experience
Edward Casey's Getting Back into Place
Some of David Seamon’s Books:
Phenomenological Perspectives on Place, Life, Worlds, and Lived Emplacement
#davidseamon #andreahiott #christopheralexander
www.andreahiott.com
www.loveandphilosophy.com
These are conversations I’ve been having with scientists, artists, & philosophers to understand how our approach to life and cognition might address some of the urgent divides we face today. It started as part of my philosophical (academic) research in phenomenology and neuroscience whereby I elucidate the practice of holding the paradox when it comes to the philosophy and science of mind.
By love and philosophy, I mean the people, passions, and ideas that move us, shape the trajectories of our lives, and co-create our wider social landscapes.
Partly due to my trajectory in philosophy, embodied cognition, neuroscience & technology, I’m hoping to better observe binary distinctions in our academic & personal lives (science vs. spiritual, mental vs. physical, technological vs. biological). What positive roles have these structures played? How might rethinking these structures & their parameters open new paths & ecological potentials?
The Substack for those who want to go deeper:
Pattern Language, Christopher Alexander, and the Synergies of Place