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ON-SITE LABYRINTHS Besides making portable fabric labyrinths, we also do on-site labyrinth installations of all kinds. In most cases, these are budget driven, with the resources determining the type of labyrinth, the materials and method of construction, and the extent of our involvment. First, we can help to create enthusiasm for the construction of a permanent labyrinth by giving a lecture or labyrinth training. In one instance, I addressed a labyrinth committee and gave them 12 reasons why their church should have a labyrinth. Further, I responded to typical objections, thereby giving them increased skills in presenting the project to the church. As the planning continues, we can serve as a consultant. In just an hour or two, we can help the landscape architect achieve a creative plan which maximizes the effectiveness and utilization of the labyrinth. We can make them aware of considerations which they may otherwise have missed. As a further step, we can design or adapt a labyrinth pattern for the needs of the particular site and situation. Ultimately, we come to the site to help construct the labyrinth. We are not general contractors, or any kind of contractor. We are labyrinth artists. Below are descriptions and examples of some of the different possibilities. The blue links lead to photos and more detailed explanations. Consulting: The most skilled architects and planners seek professional advice in areas of which they have no previous experience. A more amateur approach is to plunge ahead without assistance. We have seen beautifully constructed labyrinths with serious errors or problems, not because the builders weren't skilled, but rather, because they didn't have a depth of understanding with regards to labyrinths and their geometry. They did their best, but fell short of what could have been accomplished with just a little more professional input from us. One of our biggest successes as consultants was the harmony.html and Sacred Garden in New Harmony, Indiana. Drawing the Labyrinth: Our particular expertise is in drawing the labyrinth, gained through making hundreds of labyrinths. We can come to the site and draw the pattern, which is then painted or cut and stained or otherwise utilized by volunteers or other subcontractors. For example, in the case of a terrazzo labyrinth, we can draw the pattern on the concrete subbase so that the metal dividers can be accurately installed, prior to pouring the aggregate. Concrete Labyrinths: Dollar for dollar, concrete is the best value in many situations in that it is long-lasting, durable, handicapped accessible, and involves established construction techniques. Concrete doesn't need to be that dull, gray material used for sidewalks. Previously, designs on concrete were done with paint or stain, which don't hold up. For that reason, we use polymer concrete, resulting in an all-concrete labyrinth. See many examples in the gallery section of the website. See also, polymer concrete. Paver Labyrinths: We usually make our paver labyrinths in association with Marty Kermeen, the world's greatest paver labyrinth maker, by far. For two very unique paver projects see Valparaiso University and the University of Southern Indiana. Granite resin labyrinths: In the Gallery section we have photos of half a dozen granite resin labyrinths that we have made. See the Project Gallery section for a gallery of some of our projects. . |