Preliminary Announcement (some information may change)
Directions and Implications of Advanced Computing (DIAC-03) Workshop
Pattern Language(s) for Shaping the Network Society
Milano, Italy
July 15, 2003
A one-day workshop
for researchers, technologists, communicators and citizens
A new "network society," the product of ongoing social and technological
innovation is now "under construction."
Will new communication and information systems
help bring about PEACE, SOCIAL JUSTICE and ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH?
... or ...
Will they become WEAPONS of MASS DISTRACTION, serving the needs of
CORPORATIONS and other ELITES?
This workshop will explore how communication and information systems
can help meet human needs. Millions of people are working on these
issues but not always as effectively as they could be. Therefore we
are particularly interested in identifying and publicizing important
concepts that we can use and the linkages between them.
We will be using the "pattern language" framework to help us pursue
these goals.
"A pattern is a careful description of a perennial solution to a
recurring problem." Each "pattern" is structured the same; each
contains a problem, context, discussion, and solution.
"A pattern language is a network of patterns that call upon one
another. Patterns help us remember insights and knowledge about
design and can be used in combination to create solutions."
-Definitions from A Pattern Language
(Christopher Alexander et al, 1977)
One of the more pressing activities is continuing to work on our current
pattern language project that now has nearly 300 pattern submissions.
http://www.cpsr.org/program/sphere/patterns.
Other ideas include: "A pattern language for CPSR/Italy" or "A pattern
language for civic engagement in Italy."
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Send registration information including name, affiliation, address,
email address to: Doug Schuler, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
In addition, each registrant should:
(1) add a pattern proposal to the system, edit their pattern, or evaluate
another person's pattern submission using the online evaluation
system (http://www.cpsr.org/program/sphere/patterns/pattern-eval.php); and
(2) include with your registration information a brief description of your
interest in this approach and any knowledge and/or experience you have
with patterns and pattern languages.
Registration Fee: 50 Euros (tentative)
The workshop will adopt an emerging agenda determined by the participants.
Attendance will be limited to 40 participants.
For more information contact Doug Schuler ([EMAIL PROTECTED]).
Please note that the DIAC-03 Workshop will be preceded (on Monday 14th,
at 6 PM) for a "pre-launch meeting" of the CPSR Italian Chapter. For
more details see http://www.cpsr.org/program/sphere/towards-cpsr-italy/.
Sponsored by the Public Sphere Project
Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility
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* SHAPING THE NETWORK SOCIETY *
* Patterns for Participation, Action, and Change *
* http://www.cpsr.org/program/sphere/patterns/ *
* Tomorrow's information and communication infrastructure *
* is being shaped today... *
* But by whom and to what ends? *
* Public Sphere Project (CPSR) http://www.cpsr.org/program/sphere *
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