Our Plan

A woman enjoying a quiet moment on a labyrinth
similar to the one planned for Saltwater UU Church.

Our Plan (page title)

The Saltwater UU Church will build a permanent labyrinth of concrete pavers in the Chartres design. The surface of the labyrinth will be smooth enough for wheelchairs and walkers while maintaining rich contrast and texture.

Somewhat larger than the original labyrinth of Chartres, the Saltwater Labyrinth will also serve as a setting for public ceremonies and religious meetings. The center circle will allow visitors to be together in independent meditation or group worship.

The Project (subject heading)

A project of this size and scope requires hard work, skill and planning. The pavers at right were tumbled to produce an aged but timeless appearance. The gray pavers were cut to fit the Chartres pattern.

Design details such as these are not needed for the function of the labyrinth, but they add to the beauty, the allure, and the feeling of peace that the labyrinth provides.

Photo of labyrinth detail: Weathered pavers laid by expert hands create surfaces of timeless beauty and longevity.

Weathered pavers laid by expert hands create
surfaces of timeless beauty and longevity.

Photo of labyrinth detail: The Chartres Labyrinth includes 113 "lunations" which trace the days and nights in four phases of the moon.

The Chartres Labyrinth includes 113 "lunations" which
trace the days and nights in four phases of the moon.

Precious Details (subject heading)

The labyrinth of the Chartres Cathedral includes a six-petal rose at the center and 113 lunations on the outside edge. Details such as these can be difficult and very costly to implement.

To hold pavers in place, a cement curb was laid with precision around the edge of this labyrinth. It takes many thousands of pavers to cover a surface of this size, so even small errors can quickly add up.

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