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Garth looking South


Southeast corner - altar location

The design repurposes the bricks as a small altar in the southeast corner of the garth space. The area is ideal for a meditative place, sheltered by the wisteria that hangs from above. Its adjacent to the columbaria and out of the immediate flow of traffic. We felt that the location and use of this space would be a good way to honor the use of the bricks that supported the altar for so many years. The proposed altar would be suitable for burning candles.

Simple model images indicate design concept

The design preserves the wisteria and the existing handrail along the breezeway. It also provides privacy through the extension of the planted hedge around the space.

In addition to the altar, although not built from the 52 bricks, we’ve proposed a bench that could accommodate two people. The bench would face west. The design of the bench and the altar would be modest and without ornament - a very simple and quiet design.

Southeast view rendering (the altar is obscured by the planted hedge).


Detail of the meditation space with the brick altar in partial view.

The size of the Altar is small and utilizes all of the of bricks. It may be necessary to supplement with some additional contrasting bricks to complete the construction. The ground surface of the path and the meditation area is a fine crushed gravel. The gravel identifies the space as unique within the garth. It also provides a tactile ‘crunch’ with each step that slows the visitor’s pace and promotes awareness of the experience of the place. We’ve designed the altar with a marble top to ‘cap’ the structure and provide a subtle reference to the brick’s former duty supporting the altar in the Sanctuary.

Stacey and I have enjoyed working on this design concept. As the plans move forward, we’ll develop more detailed imagery of the altar and bench designs. We’re open to answer questions about this idea. Please feel welcome to email us with your comments or questions.

Sincerely,
Bret Park