The First Green Rooftop Labyrinth in the USA

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Apr 28, 2018

Lea Goode-Harris

Statue of Grief (also known as America) weeping on the shoulder of History with the US Capitol dome in the background.

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 their 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 Construction of the Green Roof Top and Labyrinth

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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.

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
Wo r ld Resource Institute
TKF Foundation/Nature Sacred
Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Lea Goode-Harris, PhD, Creative Labyrinths

We hope you have enjoyed this post!

If you have something to add or questions to ask...

CONTACT LEA HERE

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