Evolving pattern-based approaches for interdisciplinary collaboration in ecology and design

Pattern languages emerged in the 1960s as a means to share architectural design knowledge in a way that would empower people to participate in the design of their own environments. Since then, they have been adapted for other disciplines and purposes resulting in a proliferation of patterns and developments to the underlying approach. While there is now a substantial body of pattern-based literature, there are few publications that consider the discourse across multiple disciplines, or which seek to identify key developments within the evolution of the pattern-approach. This paper addresses these gaps through a synthesis of the pattern literature from multiple disciplines and identifies three phases of evolution: 1) invention of the original pattern-approach within architecture, 2) adaptation by software designers resulting in documented methodological advances, and 3) proliferation across many fields leading to an increasing sophistication and diversity of applications. Throughout this evolution, the pattern-format and pattern-writing methods have enabled knowledge-sharing and collaboration, contributing to advances in practice. This paper proposes schematic pattern-graphics as a further innovation that can enhance the existing pattern-approach. By facilitating knowledge co-development and strengthening interdisciplinary communication, the pattern approach now has greater potential to inform ecological design practices and thereby help address biodiversity loss and other environmental challenges. • Pattern languages were invented to share knowledge and aid participatory practice. • Pattern-based approaches evolved and proliferated in three phases since the 1960s. • Innovations and refined methodologies support new applications of patterns in practice. • Pairing existing knowledge with design concepts could potentially aid ecological design. • Our novel pattern-graphic illustrates the vision the pattern language seeks to create.