For some time now I’ve been trying to understand how architect Christopher Alexander’s idea of 15 structure preserving transformations might apply to systems outside of physical architecture.
Alexander himself noted that his overarching theory about form and life would apply to all kinds of structures. You can strengthen the whole by systematically strengthening its component parts.
But how should you – or can you – apply his list of geometric transformations to a non-spatial structure? Could you use these transformations on, say, a novel, or a collection of notes?
Does “Positive Space” Translate Semantically?
Let’s take Alexander’s “positive space” transformation for example. If you have a big squarish frame house you could transform the front of that house using positive space – extending the front of the house into a covered porch. This would make the appearance of the house stronger and more interesting
But could you use “positive space” on a collection of notes? What would that even look like? I’ve seen a couple of people try and apply the 15 transformations to things like office processes or information systems but the answers I’ve seen have been unconvincing.
Let’s Ask ChatGPT
Just for kicks I decided to ask the Artificially Intelligent ChatGPT how this might work. And the results were…weird.
Here’s the question I asked:
How do the 15 structure preserving transformations apply to information systems?
What I got back was the assertion that the 15 properties are attributed to Niklas Luhmann, inventor of the Zettelkasten note-taking system, and not to Christopher Alexander. And while the properties listed do in fact generally echo some of Luhmann’s ideas, few if any of them have anything to do with Alexander’s principles. But the scary part of it is that it all sounds so reasonable and plausible:
The 15 structure preserving transformations, as described by Niklas Luhmann, are a set of principles that can be applied to information systems to ensure that the structure of the system is maintained as information is processed and stored. The principles are as follows:
1. Differentiation: The system should differentiate between different types of information, allowing for the effective processing and storage of different kinds of information.
2. Reduction: The system should simplify and reduce the amount of information processed, making it easier to understand and manage.
3. Coding: The system should encode information in a standardized way, allowing for easy comparison and processing of information.
4. Selectivity: The system should be selective about the information it processes, focusing only on the information that is relevant and important.
5. Closure: The system should close off its processing of information, allowing it to focus on the information that is currently being processed.
6. Decentralization: The system should decentralize the processing of information, allowing multiple agents to process information simultaneously.
7. Transformation: The system should transform information into a different form, allowing for the effective processing of complex information.
8. Compression: The system should compress information, reducing the amount of data required for storage and processing.
9. Modularity: The system should be modular, allowing for the easy addition and removal of components as needed.
10. Embedding: The system should embed information in a larger context, allowing for the effective processing of complex information.
11. Aggregation: The system should aggregate information, combining multiple pieces of information into a single unit for processing.
12. Reduction of complexity: The system should reduce the complexity of the information processed, making it easier to understand and manage.
13. Specialization: The system should specialize in the processing of certain types of information, allowing for the effective processing of complex information.
14. Autonomy: The system should be autonomous, allowing it to operate independently and make decisions based on the information it processes.
15. Evolution: The system should evolve over time, allowing it to adapt and change as needed to meet the changing needs of the organization.
By applying these principles, an information system can maintain its structure as information is processed and stored, allowing for the effective management of information and promoting productivity and efficiency.
