Labyrinth

Client: Nancy Olnick and Giorgio Spanu
Location: Garrison, NY
Completion Date: 2014
Design and Construction Management: Miguel Quismondo
Collaborator: Jesús Aparicio Alfaro
Contractor: Gregorio and Gregorio Construction

Photography: Miguel Quismondo

As a representation of the spiritual quest of the pilgrim traveling to the holy land, labyrinths like this began appearing in Europe in the 12th century, mostly in Italy. This particular one is a reinterpretation of the one at Chartres Cathedral, where pilgrims have been visiting to walk the famous labyrinth for 1000 years now.

The client wanted to recreate a full scale Labyrinth (42 feet diameter) using the same pattern in a hidden corner of the property. The project included civil engineering work and the construction of a circular retaining wall to create an isolated environment adequate for meditation.

We decided to build the piece in two phases: there would be a structural reinforced floor slab that would serve as a form to the actual maze on top. The top pattern was replicated from the original layout and cast in place in two different textures.