Introducing, Small Bites.
Small Bites is a virtual training series delivering relevant and valuable tools on the implementation of small-scale development. Led by our diverse faculty, they’ll offer expertise drawn from real-life experiences. These one-hour “bite size” sessions are for people of all skill levels, from small-scale developers and local advocates, to policymakers. An opportunity to ask questions is included at the end of each session.
Time advertised is in Central Time.
Bringing Pattern Language into Practice
Presented by Ross Chapin
Christopher Alexander’s pattern language has inspired generations of planners, architects, and developers, yet it often remains more admired than applied.
In this session, architect Ross Chapin shows how pattern language can become a practical tool for shaping real projects. Drawing from his experience designing pocket neighborhoods and small-scale communities, Ross demonstrates how patterns translate human experience into clear design moves—from street layout and parking placement to the subtle layers of personal space that support everyday neighborly life.
Through examples from built work and current projects, participants will see how patterns guide site planning decisions and help create places where people naturally gather, linger, and belong.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Ross Chapin, FAIA, Principal Architect at Ross Chapin Architects and Author of Pocket Neighborhoods
Ross Chapin, FAIA, is an architect, author, and community designer based on Whidbey Island, Washington. Since the early 1980s, his work has focused on modestly sized homes and small clusters of nearby neighbors organized around shared outdoor space. In the 1990s, he coined the term pocket neighborhood and helped demonstrate its viability through built projects and supportive zoning. Ross is the author of Pocket Neighborhoods: Creating Small-Scale Community in a Large-Scale World and works with practitioners, nonprofits, and developers on human-scaled, incrementally feasible housing.
REGISTRATION
Small Bites sessions are a complementary membership benefit for Associate and Charter Members. Become a member today! Non-members can register for each session for $25 per ticket.
Recordings will be sent to those who register following the session. This event will be held in Central Standard Time. Details will be sent to attendees upon registration.
Contact
For any questions, message us at training@incrementaldevelopment.org.