Yes, I agree with you. I actually didn't have software in mind when I wrote my post, but the differences you note are important.
Planning is indeed a mess. However, there are 'breaks' between 100-year plans and building-scale architecture such as neighborhood development, block-level revitalization projects, etc., which don't offer a greenfield opportunity but do allow a planner to make some important choices. Ideally, well-designed rooms would create an opportunity for homes, clusters of homes, streets, clusters of streets and business districts, and up and up. Obviously it is unlikely.
The reason it's unlikely is the patterns are so opposed to how things are done. You mention the bank. Commercial is actually addressed, but there is no place in Alexander for an isolated, cold, commercial bank branch that requires a commute for its employees. Alexander's vision for our work is too radical to happen right now.
Planning is indeed a mess. However, there are 'breaks' between 100-year plans and building-scale architecture such as neighborhood development, block-level revitalization projects, etc., which don't offer a greenfield opportunity but do allow a planner to make some important choices. Ideally, well-designed rooms would create an opportunity for homes, clusters of homes, streets, clusters of streets and business districts, and up and up. Obviously it is unlikely.
The reason it's unlikely is the patterns are so opposed to how things are done. You mention the bank. Commercial is actually addressed, but there is no place in Alexander for an isolated, cold, commercial bank branch that requires a commute for its employees. Alexander's vision for our work is too radical to happen right now.