Pattern book
The term 'pattern book' is normally used to refer to a book of samples or examples. It might be used in relation to fabric or wall paper selections, but also in design as a guide or set of instructions for certain objects with drawn examples.
An architectural pattern book, in particular might contain different example drawings of elements and distinctive features of types of building, or in urban planning, different street blocks and neighbourhood layouts..
One of the first set of what might be called architectural pattern books, was a series of Ten Books on Architecture, written and illustrated by the architect Vitruvius. Although some may refer to this as Illustrated architectural book or design code, it is in many ways a pattern book as it not only standardised the planning and construction of military camps and towns throughout the Roman Empire, but also codified the correct use of architectural orders for columns, entablatures and entranceways.
In doing this,Vitruvius provided a complete description of planning and building associated processes, in effect creating a framework for replication, practical instruction and dialogue that spanned centuries. Palladio too, as a follower of Vitruvius produced his Four Books of Architecture which might be considered a treatise and in a way a pattern book.
By the late 1700's many pattern books targetted potential client or noble landowners, containing illustrations of different types of housing designs. These books slowly developed and were not all tomes as Vitruvius had written but ranged from larger books to small booklets, designed as much for builders and carpenters as for clients. The books allowed users to share and popularise designs and to follow or recreate a given pattern outlined in them.
By the time the UK entered the Georgian era, and a period of mass development, pattern books had became important tools to both build with, but also as a form of marketing for the Georgian style,not only in the UK but also America, India, and Australia. By the 1800's in America many practical publications, builder’s companions and carpenter’s manuals were published such as Asher Benjamin’s American Builder’s Companion (1806); Owen Biddle’s The Young Carpenter’s Assistant (1805); and Minard Lafever’s The Modern Builder’s Guide (1833).
In 1881 two brothers by the name of Mitchell, embarked on an almost 30-year journey of writing, updating and modifying what became two separate construction books, the First Stage or Elementary and the expanded Advanced and Honours series, of the Mitchell’s construction books. Published initially by Batsford, and later Routledge they have become seminal books from this period giving both an understanding of design and construction for this period, but also showing the way to upgrade and or repair historic structures.
Pattern books and studies of buildings styles and methods continued to be recorded and shared throughout the 1900's. As digitisation grew and the availability of the first commercial Computer Aided Design (CAD) packages were a reality, digitalised pattern books of whole house designs for a variety of house types and styles were on offer. Today, off the shelf designs in 3 dimensional format can purchased by self builders along with more accessible tools to design bespoke schemes.
These to some extent owe a debt right back to the original pattern books that shared specialist knowledge and made it more readily available.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
ECA Industry Awards 2024 shortlist revealed
22 leading businesses from across the electrotechnical and engineering services sector.
Government unveils Skills England strategy
Skills England to transform opportunities and drive growth.
New Government Hub for York Given Planning Green Light
For up to 2,600 civil servants, due for completion by 2028.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards
July update on Professionally Qualified and Academically Qualified Person Cards.
BSRIA Briefing 2024, November 22
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
The CLC on driving competency in the retrofit sector
Previously published roadmap on skills for net zero.
The first labour government King's speech in fifteen years
Construction industry reactions, support and some concern.
CIOB Retrofit of Buildings Technical Information Sheet
What retrofit is, the approach to be taken and processes to be followed.
Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency
Historic England advice note 18, free download published.
10 retrofit projects revisited 10 years after completion.
Information orders, building liability orders and SPVs
Key BSA terms and how they impact special purpose vehicles.
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.