Landscape Architect Articles

LSMP - July 06 - PMBR - Purpose and Popularity of a Labyrinth06-29-06 | News

Purpose and Popularity of a Labyrinth

By Glen Van Horn and Carlie Maciejewski

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.

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. The labyrinth is an ancient pattern that was used in many cultures around the world. 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. First Christian Church, located in downtown Colorado Springs, uses the 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. At the entrance of the labyrinth, individual walkers gather information from a literature stand to understand the history and purpose of their walk. While rural labyrinth designs can incorporate rock, bark and other elements of nature, the downtown location of the church dictated an urban design. With the layout of the labyrinth in mind, concrete pavers were chosen for the distinctive style they would lend to the labyrinths urban setting.

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.

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). A combination of red and charcoal pavers 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. A paver path that would circle the labyrinth and separate it from the sitting wall was also part of the design. Some of the obstacles faced during the construction of the labyrinth were changing elevations, re-grading the landscape, re-routing drainage and meeting handicap access regulations.

On any given day up to twenty people will wind their way through the labyrinth in search of the perspective it can bring. First Christian Church uses the labyrinth for praise services, barbeques, meetings and community events. An annual New Years walk is a tradition the labyrinth has begun.

Individuals are encouraged to walk inside the labyrinth releasing their problems, frustrations and failures of the past year and then walking out reflecting on their opportunities for the New Year. Eighteen months after the dedication, the labyrinth continues to be a source of spiritual meditation and architectural beauty in downtown Colorado Springs.