American Psychological Association's
Santa Rosa Labyrinth in Wahington DC
At the invitation of the American Psychological Association (APA) on the weekend of the Fall Equinox, 2008, I traveled to Washington DC for the dedication of the Santa Rosa Labyrinth.
I was invited to speak at the dedication ceremony on the significance of labyrinths and the Santa Rosa design. The labyrinth is located on the rooftop that houses the national headquarters of The World Resource Institute. This organization creates green work-spaces as well as finding ways to protect the earth and improve people’s lives.
These rooftops gardens:
- restore the original green footprint of the building, cutting down on the heating and cooling costs.
- lower rooftop heat.
- collect and purifies runoff rain water.
- provide space for employees and visitors to relax in a beautiful and peaceful environment.
Before and After
With the final pavers laid the Santa Rosa Labyrinth emerged... surrounded by GreenGrid® trays of mature Alpine plants in minimal soil that can survive in all weather conditions and are easily moved for changes, repairs, and maintenance.
From the center...
that looks over the heart-space which is directly in line with the US Capital building. And then looking back to watch the visitors enjoy the new labyrinth and gardens.
The signature recycled pickle barrel bench of the TKF Foundation was installed at the side of the labyrinth, housing a weather-proof journal for visitors to record their labyrinth experiences.
This completed project was the fifth of eight proposed green rooftops for the Washington DC area by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and is open to the public during business hours. Rooftop design and construction was done by Farrand & English and DC Greenworks.
From the heart of Santa Rosa to the heart of Washington DC it is my hope that this path will bring joy, beauty, and a greater awareness and appreciation to the diversity found in the twists and turns in the path of life...
Photos: Construction photos by Michael Mitchell, CFM, Director of Administrative Services at the American Psychological Association, all other photos by Lea Goode-Harris, PhD, Labyrinth Architects.
Links:
[American Psychological Association](http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2008/10/green-roof.aspx)
[World Resource Institute](http://www.wri.org/)
[TKF Foundation/Nature Sacred](http://naturesacred.org/)
[Chesapeake Bay Foundation](http://www.cbf.org/)
Lea Goode-Harris, PhD, Creative Labyrinth