Working with Architects

Having built labyrinths for more than a decade now, we are recognized as among the leading authorities in the world. Labyrinth Enterprises, LLC, works closely with architects and building committes in the ways described below. Robert is a member of the ASLA. In the photo to the right, he is working with architect Ron Sovinski measuring the labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral, France, prior to the creation of the beautiful Cathedral Labyrinth and Sacred Garden in New Harmony, IN.

Consulting
Coming to the proposed site or reviewing photos via email and advising as to the possibilities for labyrinths. For more information on this service, see consulting.

Design
Reviewing your plans, making rough layouts, or producing more detailed drawings of the labyrinth. These will be sketches, as we are not equiped to make large-scale architectural plans. We are experts on labyrinths, but not plants, for example. See design. Need a complete Chartres labyrinth? We have done it for you: CAD.

Repair and Maintenance
Now that the labyrinth revival is 15 years old, there are some labyrinths out there that could use a spruce up, repair, sealing, or other attention. We cn help.

On-Site Installation
We specialize in concrete, pavers, and stone. For concrete, we have developed a proprietary method in which we score the pattern into the concrete and color it with polymer concrete, resulting in an all-concrete labyrinth that is durable and low-maintenance (see polymer concrete). We also work together with the world's greatest paver and stone labyrinth artist, who has 25 years of experience and produces work that will last for generations. Together we have created patterns and techniques unique to labyrinth building.

Gallery Photos
In the Our Work section are photos of many kinds of labyrinths, including concrete and pavers. You may feel free to download any of these photos to show clients some of the possibilities. Here are some of our favorites:
. . . Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton, IL. We used our proprietary polymer concrete technique in this beautiful setting between the old and new hospital buildings.
. . . Zion Evangelical Churchof Christ, Florissant, MO (pavers) - pdf format. Here are two photos showing the quality of ourpaver installation. The Center, and The Entrance
. . . Our Lady of Victory Hospital, Stanley, WI (polymer concrete) - pdf format. This has an adendum about visiting the labyrinth two years later, showing how the polymer concrete held up in Wisconsin winters.
. . . Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN (pavers) - pdf format. This is an example of a unique pattern and situation, in which the labyrinth solved a drainage problem and reclaimed an unattractive site.
. . . St. Anne's Episcopal Church, Nashville, TN (painted on concrete) - pdf format and Trinity Episcopal Park and Columbarium, Ashland, OR (painted on concrete) - pdf format. Painting concrete is the least expensive (and least durable) alternative.
. . . Wings Cancer Foundation, West Clinic, Memphis, TN (acrylic surface over concrete) - pdf format. Usually we only color the lines (pattern), but in this case, we resurfaced the concrete entirely. Wings Cancer Foundation has an exemplary program for complementary care for cancer patients (see www.wingscancerfoundation.org).
. . . Trinity Episcopal Church, Santa Barbara, CA (polymer concrete) - pdf format. Given as a memorial to the church, this is an example of our standard polymer concrete installation.
. . . Global Harmony Labyrinth, Como Park, St. Paul, MN - pdf format. This is a contemporary design for the Sister Cities program, installed by "shooting" the polymer concrete rather than apply by hand (a cost savings).
. . . First Presbyterian Church, Livermore, CA (polymer concrete) - pdf format. This is a typical installation of a labyrinth in a church courtyard. We have done a number of these. (We're puzzled about one thing. Why do all of the restaurants in Livermore have Swedish Pancakes on the menu? We haven't found that anywhere else.)
. . . First Congregational Church, Wellesley, MA (painted floor) - pdf format. This is an example of an interior floor, in which we instructed volunteers who did the work.
. . . Church of the Good Shepherd, Augusta, GA (stained interior floor) - pdf format. This shows that we still do some staining, although in exterior applications, polymer concrete is usually superior.
. . . Canvas labyrinths. In a number of cases institutions planning to build permanent labyrinths a year or two down the road have bought portable canvas labyrinths to build interest and introduce labyrinths to their facility.
. . . Snow labyrinth in Robert's backyard. It lasted two weeks.

Planning Booklet
Although it is getting a little dated, this resource still has some good information for architects. It is a large file (43 pages, color illustrations) which may take a while to download. Planning Book - pdf format.

Materials to Consider
Polymer concrete, concrete, pavers, granite resin. Here is a link to three projects done in polymer concrete, showing how it looks three years later: Durable.

Supervision of Labyrinth Installation
Perhaps you have all of the resources to install your own labyrinth, but you have no one who is familiar with the patterns. We can keep an eye on the work and make valuable suggestions. For example, we know of some expensive terrazzo labyrinths that were beautifully crafted, but have serious errors in the geometry. We can help prevent such situations.

Sample Email
Here is a typical email exchange with an architect interested in doing a labyrinth. Inquiry.