Structura Naturalis Inc.
City Resilience Consulting Using the Acclaimed Pattern Language Methodology
Cities and towns today face compound risks: climate shocks, housing shortages, infrastructure stress, economic fragility, and social fragmentation. Conventional planning approaches tend to address these challenges one at a time, often producing siloed plans that are difficult to implement.
Pattern languages offer a proven alternative. Developed by architect and systems theorist Christopher Alexander, and now widely used in fields ranging from software engineering to environmental planning, pattern languages help communities articulate shared values and translate them into coordinated, actionable strategies, codes, ordinances, financial tools, and specific projects.
"Pattern
Sprint"
Two-day workshop creating a basic project pattern language
In a two-day facilitated workshop, we work directly with city staff, elected officials, and community stakeholders to produce a customized Urban Resilience Pattern Playbook.
The playbook includes locally tailored patterns addressing climate resilience, economic development, affordable and diverse housing, mobility and access, and public realm quality, along with implementation guidance suitable for policy, zoning, and capital planning.
Cost: $10,000 plus travel
Deliverables: Pattern language of 25-30 patterns in editable digital and print form.
SERVICES
"Patterns
Into Codes"
Three-month guided code development and adoption process
Building on the Urban Resilience Pattern Sprint, the Tier 2 service translates the agreed pattern language into clear, implementation-ready regulatory and policy guidance. Patterns are systematically mapped to zoning standards, form-based code elements, development guidelines, and capital planning priorities—ensuring that the community’s shared resilience goals are embedded directly into the rules and decision frameworks that shape everyday outcomes. This step bridges the common gap between vision and execution, allowing cities to move forward with confidence that adopted policies reflect locally supported, evidence-based strategies.
Reducing Risk and Accelerating Adoption
By grounding regulatory language in a stakeholder-generated pattern framework, this service significantly reduces political, legal, and administrative risk. Staff gain a coherent rationale for code amendments, design standards, and investment decisions, while elected officials can clearly see how proposed changes advance climate resilience, housing affordability, economic vitality, and public well-being. The result is a practical, defensible pathway from community values to enforceable standards—streamlining approvals, improving coordination across departments, and accelerating implementation without sacrificing adaptability over time.
Cost: $25,000-$35,000 (depending on scope)
Deliverables: Zoning and form-based code elements presented to your Council and/or Commissions for adoption
"Civic Scenarios"
Longer implementation process using AI visualization tools
The Tier 3 service extends the pattern language framework through the use of AI-enabled visualization and civic simulation tools, allowing stakeholders and decision-makers to explore the real-world implications of proposed strategies in an intuitive, evidence-rich environment. Patterns developed during the workshop are translated into visual and spatial scenarios, illustrating how different combinations of policies, investments, and design decisions influence urban form, mobility, housing outcomes, climate performance, and public space quality over time. This approach makes complex systems legible, enabling participants to see not just what is proposed, but how it is likely to function in practice.
Informed Decision-Making Through Scenario Testing
By integrating pattern logic with scenario modeling, the Tier 3 service supports comparative testing of alternatives under varying assumptions—such as climate stress, infrastructure constraints, market conditions, or demographic change. City staff can assess trade-offs, identify unintended consequences early, and refine strategies before committing public resources or regulatory changes. The result is a more resilient and adaptive planning process, grounded in shared understanding and supported by transparent, accessible tools that strengthen public trust and improve the quality of long-term decisions.
Cost and Deliverables: Depending on scope; we are happy to provide a quote.
Examples of urban resilience patterns:
