By Glen Van Horn and Carlie Maciejewski

The idea of constructing a labyrinth at First Christian Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., was born of the desire to develop an urban landscape in a downtown environment.?????EUR??,,?EUR

As Landscape Architects are aware, creativity is a crucial element in any award-winning design.?????EUR??,,?EUR New ideas and thoughts often find their roots in original design. One such design is the labyrinth, a walking path born in the Cradle of Civilization.?????EUR??,,?EUR The labyrinth is an ancient pattern that was used in many cultures around the world. Not to be confused with mazes, another popular architectural design which can be puzzling, labyrinths are circular, spiraling paths meant to provide a means of meditation to those who choose its journey.

Dr. Gay Hatler, pastor of First Christian Church, sees it as a means of reflection and spiritual growth.?????EUR??,,?EUR First Christian Church, located in downtown Colorado Springs, uses a labyrinth to reach out to residents in the downtown area, other denominations and to those who would like to find themselves in a troubling world.?????EUR??,,?EUR The idea of constructing a labyrinth at First Christian was born of the desire to develop an urban landscape in a downtown environment.?????EUR??,,?EUR Alison Mullholland of Thomas & Thomas Architects was brought in to lead the design development.

The labyrinth is an ancient pattern that was used in many cultures around the world. Not to be confused with mazes, another popular architectural design which can be puzzling, labyrinths are circular, spiraling paths meant to provide a means of meditation to those who choose its journey.

The design committee at First Christian met with Dave & Kathy Knight, owner of Knight Solutions, to discuss concrete paver styles and colors. Choosing Pavestone as a supplier was a natural fit for this project. Advantages of concrete pavers include: flexibility of the system (Colorado soils tend to heave and contract), meeting requirements for freeze/thaw testing, strength three times that of concrete and a better aesthetic appearance. Virtually no maintenance would be required after the project was installed. The combination of Plaza Squares, Plaza II and Plaza III (fan pattern) were then chosen as the material used for the path and delineator (edge of the labyrinth walkway). Colors of Oaks Blend (combination of Red & Charcoal) and Charcoal were chosen. This separation of colors would show a clear path for each individual walker, which Hatler says is crucial so that the walker can easily follow the path. The construction of a sitting wall that would surround the labyrinth was planned to allow a place for individuals to reflect while remaining out of the path of walkers. The lights inset in the sitting wall make the labyrinth a journey to be experienced day or night.?????EUR??,,?EUR A paver path that would circle the labyrinth and separate it from the sitting wall was also part of the design.?????EUR??,,?EUR Holland stones in an Antique Terra Cotta (combination of Terra Cotta & Charcoal) were selected to construct a separate walkway outside the labyrinth. This color was chosen to match the exterior of the church.

irtually no maintenance would be required after the project was installed. The combination of Plaza Squares, Plaza II and Plaza III (fan pattern) were then chosen as the material used for the path and delineator (edge of the labyrinth walkway). Colors of Oaks Blend (combination of Red & Charcoal) and Charcoal were chosen. This separation of colors would show a clear pathfor each individual walker.

Before construction could begin, Knight Solutions was faced with the obstacles of changing elevations, re-grading the landscape, re-routing drainage and meeting handicap access regulations.?????EUR??,,?EUR Dave met the challenges head on and worked in cooperation with the staff and parishioners of First Christian to make the vision of the labyrinth a reality.

Construction from concept to completion took less than 10 months and cost $70,000 to build. The labyrinth is 60 feet in diameter and was made with 51,720 bricks. The center stone of the labyrinth was placed by the mayor of Colorado Springs at its dedication ceremony in October 2004. The completed project garnered local attention and was awarded Excellence for Sympathetic New Construction by The Historic Preservation Alliance of Colorado Springs and The Partnership for Community Design 2004 Award. First Christian Church uses the labyrinth for praise services, barbeques, meetings and community events.

Holland stones in an Antique Terra Cotta (combination of Terra Cotta & Charcoal) were selected to construct a separate walkway outside the labyrinth. This color was chosen to match the exterior of the church.

The Dominican Sisters?EUR??,,????'??? Labyrinth

Near the bustling downtown of Houston, Texas in a beautiful wooded setting lies the campus and home of the Sisters of the Dominican, a religious order of the Congregation of the Sacred Heart.?????EUR??,,?EUR Guided by the four pillars of their order-prayer, study, community, and preaching-the local Dominican Sisters embarked on a journey in early 2000 to explore the labyrinth as a possible spiritual tool for use within their community of faith.?????EUR??,,?EUR After much research, they initially purchased an indoor canvas labyrinth created by world renowned and master labyrinth maker Robert Ferre.?????EUR??,,?EUR Based on the 11-circuit design in the floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France, the indoor labyrinth was dedicated in 2001 and was soon integrated into the worship activities of the order.?????EUR??,,?EUR The success and positive feedback that was received by the addition of this tool led the Sisters to continue their journey toward the creation of their permanent outdoor labyrinth.

A visit to nearby Galveston, Texas gave the Sisters the opportunity to observe first-hand a beautiful outdoor labyrinth located at the University of Texas Medical Branch.?????EUR??,,?EUR An exact replica of the Chartres design in France, this labyrinth was installed by master craftsman, Marty Kermeer, owner of Labyrinths in Stone and Artistic Pavers, from Yorkville, Illinois.?????EUR??,,?EUR Sister Heloise Cruzat expressed the group’s reaction upon seeing the UTMB work of art.?????EUR??,,?EUR ?EUR??,,????'??We knew we wanted Marty to build our labyrinth,?EUR??,,????'?? she said, ?EUR??,,????'??because we wanted ours to be a top of the line finished product.?EUR??,,????'??