The Alexandrian Planning Process: An Alternative to Traditional Zoning and Smart Growth

Braham Boyce Ketcham, University of Iowa

Abstract

This article proposes an alternative to traditional American zoning practices which is based on the work of the visionary architect Christopher Alexander. Alexander’s approach to architecture has broad implications for building and site design, as well as planning and development. Alexandrian planning represents a very different conception of the goals and methods of land use planning, focusing on a process rather than a planned final result. Instead of following a detailed master plan, this process would be generative, creating an environment that favors small, incremental improvements. Changes should be proposed and initiated by the users of a space, allowing uses to adapt in a way that centralized planning simply cannot produce. While there is considerable overlap between Alexander’s philosophy and the recent trend of smart growth, the differences are significant: Alexandrian planning is a unique solution.