Living Landscapes
Observe. Integrate. Design

Module 04 / 25

Patterns and Pattern Application

A Living Landscapes planting plan with curved garden beds and paths.

The site observations you began can reveal patterns in the shapes, movement, and relationships around you. This module asks you to look at what a pattern does and how its form relates to that function, so you can judge where it might inform a design.

The opening video and readings introduce pattern recognition. Garden examples and the pattern-language material then connect that way of seeing to design decisions. The final reading on edges prepares you to explain a pattern you might use on your own site, including the conditions that would make it appropriate.

Topics

  • Visible patterns in nature: Form follows function
  • Tools and methods for noticing patterns and interpreting significance: Flows, orders, indicators, anomalies, paradoxes, attractors
  • Examples of applying pattern to design
  • Edge strategies

What you’ll learn

Learning goals

  • Recognize and analyze patterns found in the natural world and gain some perspective on how to apply them to landscape design

Read, watch & explore

Getting the books · access & editions

Use your own copy, buy the book, or borrow it through a library when possible. If you are local to me, contact me about borrowing a copy. You can also contact me for information about digital or other access to assigned readings.

If your edition uses different page numbers, contact me and we can match the correct section.

For articles, excerpts, videos, and other resources, use the links in the lesson. If a video player does not load, try its source link. If you cannot access a reading or media resource, or it has no link, contact me with the module number and resource title.

Ask about books, readings or media access ↗

Recognizing patterns

Watch

Decoding Patterns Video

YouTube

Look for ways to recognize a pattern and interpret its function before deciding how it might inform a design.

Watch on YouTube

If the player does not load, use the source link.

Read

Pattern Understanding - Permaculture Design Course Handbook

treeyopermacultureedu.com

Open resource

Patterns in a garden

The next resources move from recognizing patterns to considering relationships in a garden. Look for connections between the arrangement of elements and the functions they serve.

Book reading

Edible Forest Gardens, Volume 1

Dave Jacke and Eric Toensmeier

Pages 110 to 134: Garden case study and niche/relationship concepts

Book access & editions

A pattern language for design

A design pattern describes a recurring problem and an adaptable response. In the pattern-language selection from Edible Forest Gardens, Volume 2, look for the problem each pattern addresses and the conditions in which the response makes sense. Then use the Aranya Farm example to consider how broad relationships guide detailed choices. “What is a Pattern Language, Anyway?” provides another explanation of the term.

Book reading

Edible Forest Gardens, Volume 2

Dave Jacke and Eric Toensmeier

Pages 64 to 140: pattern language

Book access & editions

Watch

Permaculture Design from Patterns to Details at Aranya Farm Video

YouTube

Follow the move from an overall pattern to detailed design choices, and consider how those choices relate to the setting of the farm.

Watch on YouTube

If the player does not load, use the source link.

Edge and function

For this module's pattern discussion, annotate one natural pattern on your design sketch or site map and explain its function. Include a reason that copying its shape might not suit your site. Keep this work in your portfolio; Design Exercise 10 develops the same question through observations of forest and water edges.

Exercise & discussion

Discuss with me what natural patterns may be used in your design.

What to prepare

  • Your design sketch or map with one natural pattern annotated.
  • Notes explaining its function and why its shape may or may not suit your site, as described in Edge and function.

Save written notes as a document or PDF. For paper maps or handwritten notes, use a clear photo or scan. You can combine related work in one file.

Share & discuss

Attach your annotated pattern sketch or map and explanation.

Email the address listed under “Get In Touch” on my contact page. Do not use the contact form. Include the Permaculture Design Course, Module 4, and “Patterns in your design” in your subject or message.

Find my email address ↗

Readings & resources

Return to the course outline ↑