The Labyrinth Project

By Madeline Rugh and Kimberly Faulkner

"The United Nations SDG’s do not address “inner sustainability” - the need for a foundational shift in western consciousness. Our worldview fosters a profound disconnect from the natural world resulting in seismic levels of environmental, social, and political upheaval fueling an epidemic of anxiety and stress.

This Labyrinth research and building project represents a cultural healing intervention addressing this catastrophic disconnect. Offered by the Creative Arts Therapy Department (CAT) to the Pratt community, the labyrinth provides time and space for students, faculty, staff to reflect, relieve stress, and build connection – for establishing environmental mindfulness and inner sustainability.

The labyrinth is a circular, circuitous single path for walkers to follow as they journey to the center and return – it is not a maze. Over 4,000 years old, existing in all cultures it provides an evidence-based structure for stress reduction and mindfulness.

This study represents a Pratt wide, CAT led collaborative effort to build a labyrinth on campus. The whole process (creating, building and walking) will be viewed and recorded through the lens of Narrative research.

The stories and themes that evolve from this project will be shared with two global organizations:

1. Veriditas: Legacy Labyrinth Project – a worldwide labyrinth building process promoting global unity and
2. The Labyrinth in Higher Education Initiative.

There are four phases:

1. Has already begun with the CTL and includes - disseminating information about labyrinths, ascertaining departmental, student interest and support, determining and resolving issues and concerns.
2. Assuming sufficient support. Collaboration with interested students’ faculty and departments to design & develop the labyrinth model and materials.
3. Upon agreement for the model and materials, funding resources will be sought.
4. Construction of the labyrinth will proceed with an anticipated opening scheduled for May 1st, 2028 World Labyrinth Day."