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Coherence Theory: Structural Order Site structure Use the Tool Test a place

The Theory Summary The proposals Overview of the Theory What is coherence? What coherence is not Examples of coherent systems The theory visually Systems and frameworks Physical Systems diagram Living Systems diagram Human Systems diagram Frameworks and systems Compare the three domains Explore each domain in depth › Physical Systems Living Systems Human Systems Culture and cultural control frameworks › Culture and the three frameworks The properties of culture Cultural Interpretation and Expression Space What space is › Space as process, not container Processes and forms The four frameworks of physical space › The properties of the four frameworks The spaces and systems within them Positive and negative space Connected and isolated spaces Spatial processes and forms How we perceive space Relief and visual pause Reading spatial order Reading spatial order Reading spatial order: the thirteen conditions The thirteen conditions › Reading balance Reading proportion and part to whole Ease with curved and enfolding form Moving between detail and whole Reading structure, uprightness and hierarchy Telling one thing from another Reading what belongs together Holding richness without confusion Sustained attention through variation Anticipating what comes next Recognising order within complexity Life in restraint and imperfection Relief and visual pause Intrinsic Properties of Order The full lists The Generative Framework Map of the Generative Framework Foundation and Translation › Foundation › Energy and Entropy › Energy and entropy in depth Energy dynamics and modulation Fundamental Intrinsic Properties › Fundamental Intrinsic Properties in depth Form Material Boundary and spatial condition Force and structural condition The Triad Tension Translation › Activation Stabilisation Complex Intrinsic Properties › Complex Intrinsic Properties in depth Structural CIPs Operational CIPs and system behaviours Derivative and explanatory frameworks The Dynamic Engine › Dynamic Engine in depth Morphogenesis Emergence › Intrinsic Emergence System Emergence Becoming Unfolding Renewal and Feedback Advanced Dynamic Engine processes › Concentrating and integrating forces Asymmetry and activation Concentrating forces Integrating forces Symmetric Structuralism Rhythmic alternation and renewal Dynamic equilibrium Example — the traditional city Examples of the Dynamic Engine Extended examples of the Coherence Process › Speech: from impulse to shared meaning Music: from tension to temporal wholeness Living systems: biological morphogenesis Organisations and innovation Buildings and settlements Coherence Hierarchy Coherence Hierarchy in depth Centres and Forms › Centres Perceptive emergent centres › Utility Intellectual Life Positive Energy Tranquillity Awesomeness Objective Beauty Place attachment Connection to Nature Dynamic Beauty Harmony Intrinsic Form Structures and Form Languages Patterns › Patterns in depth › Structure of a pattern Pattern Library and Groups Human Conditions and Pattern Formation Complex Intrinsic Properties and Pattern Formation Dynamic Engine and Pattern Formation Coherence Effects of Patterns Pattern Languages Types of Coherence › Aesthetic / Structural Coherence Dynamic Coherence Livingness Coherence Societal Coherence Symbolic Coherence Connection to Nature Coherence Types of Coherence — Physical Systems Types of Coherence — Living Systems Types of Coherence — Human Systems The Outcomes Congruence From coherence to wholeness Wholeness › Wholeness Wholeness as process System Viability › System Viability in depth Outcomes across the domains › Human System outcomes Physical and Living System outcomes Self-actualisation › The path to self-actualisation Failure, disconnection and negative coherence › Failure and incoherence Coherence and disconnection Negative coherence The Human Regulatory System Human Conditions › What Human Conditions are Evolutionary origins › Evolution and human evolution in depth How Human Conditions are organised Men, women and the reading of space Human Conditions in the HRS Reading spatial order › Reading balance Reading proportion and part to whole Ease with curved and enfolding form Moving between detail and whole Reading structure, uprightness and hierarchy Telling one thing from another Reading what belongs together Holding richness without confusion Sustained attention through variation Anticipating what comes next Recognising order within complexity Life in restraint and imperfection Relief and visual pause Use of space and nurturing Social life and belonging Safety, protection, and exploration Movement and orientation Sensory modulation Connection to nature Symbolic meaning and cultural continuity Foundations of Human Perception › Neurophysiological Foundations Sensory integration and livingness From Perception to Transformation › From observer to participant Thresholds of coherence A regenerative ethic Understanding through patterns How we perceive space › Layers of spatial reality Internal evaluation and response › Perceptual resonance Perceptive Emergence Adaptive Regulation Cultural Interpretation and Expression Sublimation › Sublimation Symbolism Applications › Architecture and culture Architecture and culture — examples

The Reason Originality Coherence in images Testing and validation A testing programme for Coherence Theory Glossary Concept comparisons Concept clusters Context and comparisons › Comparative theories of wholeness Influences Christopher Alexander and Coherence Theory Gordon Cullen and Coherence Theory Intellectual integrations Coherence in time-based systems Coherence Theory, FEP, and Living Structure Coherence Theory and systems thinking Coherence across systems Coherence Theory, evolution, and consciousness Mehaffy, Incomplete Architecture, and Coherence Theory Coherence Theory and Mehaffy on symmetry Place Network Theory and Coherence Theory Coherence Theory and consciousness Coherence Theory and Philosophy About the author

Coherence Theory is an original theoretical framework developed by Richard Gane. All text, diagrams, concepts, and structural frameworks on this site are protected by copyright. Reproduction, adaptation, or use of the theoretical framework or its components without permission is not permitted.

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Definition

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Definition

Core process

Relationship to the wider framework