Eames House + Pattern Language

The legacy of Charles and Ray Eames is essential due to their approach to architecture in an innovative way for the time. Although this work was not made based on Christopher Alexander's speech in Pattern Language, elements that are presented in line with his practice must be highlighted. Christopher Alexander explains in his book that the ephemerality of patterns is based on the fact that it is a language that permeates and manifests itself in any context in its own way. There are 253 patterns on display, but below a relationship will be developed between 10 most relevant patterns present in the Eames House.

• 77 - House for a Couple

• 136 - Couple's Realm

• 157 - Home Workshop

• 253 - Things From Your Life
  

The Eames House is, without a doubt, a house designed for the lifestyle of both. It interestingly adjusts to the needs of both, where each space has a particular meaning and use. Christopher Alexander mentions that an important aspect is to provide a private space for each person and at the same time there is a shared space. It also explains that everyone's identity is different, and that over time the need to be alone and comfortable without interfering with feelings is essential to maintain a daily balance. It is interesting how the Eames couple propose a floor plan that almost communicates their needs, allowing them to divide their work space and their rest space in advance. For them it was also essential that their experience be directly related and connected to the sublime beauty of nature. The interior of the house, on the other hand, houses a series of specific furniture for each area. Part of the decoration accompanies countless gifts provided by friends, family and colleagues and this promotes a unique feeling of belonging for them. They took into consideration how the house welcomes visitors, and that in particular is interesting for the adaptability of the space, not only from the needs of the couple but for others.

• 127 - Intimacy Gradient

• 129 - Common Areas at the Heart

• 131 - Flow Through Rooms

The route of this house is simple and straightforward but each of the spaces belongs to a use, private and public. It is evident that, in terms of specialty, the kitchen area shared with the living room houses the largest footprint, giving the house a slightly more public character. The main entrance makes it evident that this area is where the most movement occurs. The study and bedrooms are more private areas and their location is key. For the study, the central patio is used as an anteroom, while a vertical circulation is used for the rooms.

• 159 - Light on Two Sides of Every Room

• 206 - Efficient Structure

• 221 - Windows

"It is interesting to consider how the rigidity of the system was responsible for the free use of space," Charles wrote, "and to see how the more practical structure resulted in patterns and textures."

The Eames House is unique in its composition, it is simple in terms of geometry but it is interesting the way in which they unify the structure with the main aesthetic of the House. The main material is steel and this is in black tone. This detail allows contrast with the use of transparent windows and primary colored surfaces. These elements were from a catalog, so the combination of all its parts comes to life once the work is finished. The surrounding environment is part of the life of the building, since placed in another context its meaning and elegance would change.