The Aspen Grove

LCOS Facility Pattern Language

Note Planted : 2025-03-18
Last Tended : 2025-04-03
27 min read

🌱Seed 🙂Agree 🟡Consideration 🌲Evergreen

Importance: 10%

The Big Idea

Set of patterns and resources to consider for LCOS campus development.

Planting and Gardening Resources

Plants Around Church

Emailed resources from Camila Leon

I am following up on our call about relevant grants and installing pollinator habitat on your property. I’ve included below grant and planting resources, a contact for education planning, and a plant list for your property.

There are quite a few resources available for your land, but I would really suggest checking out the Xerces Society Pollinator Resource Center for more info. The Xerces Society has some Habitat Kits you may qualify for to get seeds, Save our Monarchs has a couple of grant programs, Kids Gardening has an education garden grant, Planet Bee Foundation has a Seedball Stewardship Grant Kit you may apply for, and Project Apis has a Seeds for Bees grant that could work as well.

After looking at where your land is situated, some native trees + shrubs I can recommend for your needs are:

  • Blue Elderberry (Sambucus cerulea)
  • California huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum)
  • Redberry (Rhamnus crocea)
  • Lemonade bush (Rhus integrifolia)
  • Miner’s lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata)
  • Sugar bush (Rhus ovata)
  • White Mulberry (Morus alba) (non-native)
  • Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) (non-native)
  • Mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana)
  • Hollyleaved barberry (Berberis aquifolium)
  • Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon californicum)
  • Seacliff buckwheat (Eriogonum parvifolium)
  • Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)
  • Pink honeysuckle (Lonicera hispidula)
  • Hollyleaf cherry (Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia)
  • Golden currant (Ribes aureum)
  • California gooseberry (Ribes californicum)
  • Redflower currant (Ribes sanguineum)
  • Woolly bluecurls (Trichostema lanatum)
  • Whiteleaf manzanita (Arctostaphylos manzanita)
  • Wavyleaf ceanothus (Ceanothus foliosus)
  • Blueblossom ceanothus (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus)
  • Fuchsia flowered gooseberry (Ribes speciosum)
  • Black sage (Salvia mellifera)
  • California buckeye (Aesculus californica)

Possibilities of other grants for creating native plant landscaping - Redbud Grants - Pollinator Grant

We seem like we should qualify for this: xerces.org pollinator-conservation habitat-kits southern-california

Gardens

Sensory Garden for Preschoolers

Context: Preschoolers are naturally curious and learn best through direct sensory experiences. Existing gardens often lack the focused design to maximize these learning opportunities, becoming either passive spaces or overly complex for young children.

Problem: How do we design a garden that actively engages preschoolers’ senses and fosters their development through playful exploration?

Forces:

  • Preschoolers’ developmental needs: They require safe, stimulating environments that cater to their short attention spans and developing motor skills.
  • Sensory exploration: Young children learn by touching, smelling, tasting, seeing, and hearing.
  • Safety: The garden must be free from hazards, with age-appropriate features.
  • Accessibility: The garden should be easily accessible and navigable for small children.
  • Engagement: The garden should hold children’s interest and encourage active participation.
  • Maintenance: The garden should be relatively easy to maintain by caregivers or teachers.
  • Educational opportunities: The garden should provide opportunities for learning about nature, science, and the environment.

Solution: Create a Sensory Garden for Preschoolers, a carefully designed space that integrates diverse sensory elements into a cohesive and engaging environment.

Implementation:

  1. Divide the garden into distinct sensory zones:
    • Touch Zone:
      • Use a variety of textures: smooth stones, rough bark, soft moss, fuzzy lamb’s ear, bumpy gourds.
      • Include a “touch path” with different materials underfoot.
      • Provide water play with shallow basins and textured toys.
      • Plant tactile plants like silver sage and succulents.
    • Smell Zone:
      • Plant aromatic herbs like lavender, mint, rosemary, and chamomile.
      • Include fragrant flowers like roses, honeysuckle, and stock.
      • Create a “scratch and sniff” area with different herb leaves.
    • Taste Zone:
      • Plant edible fruits and vegetables that are easy to grow and harvest: strawberries, blueberries, cherry tomatoes, snap peas, herbs.
      • Create raised beds for easy access.
      • Ensure all plants are safe for consumption.
    • Sight Zone:
      • Use a variety of colors and patterns: brightly colored flowers, painted rocks, wind chimes with reflective surfaces.
      • Create a “discovery area” with magnifying glasses and mirrors.
      • Include items that move, like pinwheels or bird feeders.
    • Sound Zone:
      • Install wind chimes, rain chains, and water features.
      • Plant grasses that rustle in the wind.
      • Create a “musical garden” with simple instruments like drums and xylophones.
      • Include bird feeders and birdhouses.
  2. Create a central gathering space:
    • Provide a shaded area with seating for storytelling, group activities, and snack time.
    • Use natural materials like logs or large stones for seating.
  3. Incorporate playful elements:
    • Include a small tunnel or playhouse.
    • Create a “fairy garden” with miniature plants and figurines.
    • Provide opportunities for digging and building with sand or soil.
  4. Ensure safety and accessibility:
    • Use non-toxic materials.
    • Create smooth, level pathways.
    • Provide shade and water.
    • Ensure all features are age-appropriate.
  5. Encourage interaction and discovery:
    • Provide tools like watering cans, small shovels, and magnifying glasses.
    • Create activity stations with sensory exploration prompts.
    • Incorporate signage with simple images and words to reinforce learning.

Resulting Context: A Sensory Garden for Preschoolers becomes a vibrant and engaging outdoor classroom, fostering sensory exploration, learning, and development. Children develop a connection to nature, enhance their observation skills, and build a foundation for lifelong learning. The garden becomes a place of joy, discovery, and shared experiences.

Related Patterns:

  • Children’s Play Area: Provides general guidelines for designing play spaces for children.
  • Edible Landscape: Describes how to integrate edible plants into a garden design.
  • Water Feature: Explores the use of water to create sensory experiences.
  • Shaded Outdoor Room: Describes how to create comfortable outdoor spaces.

Butterfly and Pollinator Garden

Context: Butterflies are vital pollinators, but their populations are declining due to habitat loss and pesticide use. Children are naturally fascinated by butterflies and can learn about ecology through direct observation. Many gardens lack the specific features needed to support butterfly life cycles.

Problem: How do we design a garden that provides essential habitat for butterflies, fostering their populations and offering educational opportunities for children?

Forces:

  • Butterfly Life Cycle: Butterflies require specific host plants for caterpillars and nectar sources for adults.
  • Pollinator Support: The garden should contribute to the overall health of pollinator populations.
  • Child-Friendly Design: The garden should be safe, accessible, and engaging for children.
  • Educational Value: The garden should provide opportunities for learning about butterfly biology and ecology.
  • Observation and Interaction: Children should be able to observe and interact with butterflies in a meaningful way.
  • Low Maintenance: The garden should be relatively easy to maintain and require minimal pesticide use.
  • Seasonal Variation: The garden should provide resources for butterflies throughout their active season.

Solution: Create a Butterfly Haven Garden, a carefully planned space that provides food, shelter, and breeding sites for butterflies, while also offering a rich learning environment for children.

Implementation:

  1. Plant Host Plants:
    • Research local butterfly species and their specific host plants.
    • Include a variety of host plants to support different butterfly species.
    • Plant host plants in clusters to make them easier for butterflies to find.
    • Examples: milkweed (for monarchs), parsley/dill/fennel (for swallowtails), violets (for fritillaries).
  2. Provide Nectar Sources:
    • Plant a variety of nectar-rich flowers that bloom throughout the butterfly season.
    • Choose flowers with different shapes and colors to attract a diversity of butterflies.
    • Plant flowers in sunny areas.
    • Examples: coneflowers, asters, zinnias, butterfly bush, lantana.
  3. Create a Shelter and Basking Area:
    • Provide sunny areas with flat rocks or logs for butterflies to bask in the sun.
    • Plant shrubs and trees to provide shelter from wind and predators.
    • Include areas with tall grasses or wildflowers for butterflies to rest and hide.
  4. Provide Water:
    • Create a shallow water source, such as a birdbath with pebbles or a shallow dish.
    • Ensure the water source is easily accessible to butterflies.
  5. Avoid Pesticides:
    • Use natural pest control methods to protect butterflies and other beneficial insects.
    • Educate children about the dangers of pesticides.
  6. Create Observation Areas:
    • Provide seating areas where children can observe butterflies without disturbing them.
    • Create pathways that allow children to explore the garden without trampling plants.
    • Place magnifying glasses, and butterfly identification charts in a weather proof box.
  7. Incorporate Educational Elements:
    • Install signage with information about butterfly life cycles and the importance of pollinators.
    • Create a butterfly garden journal for children to record their observations.
    • Plant host plants and nectar plants in groupings that visually show the butterfly life cycle.
  8. Create a chrysalis viewing area:
    • A mesh enclosure, or clear container can be used to observe the chrysalis phase safely.

Resulting Context: A Butterfly Haven Garden becomes a thriving ecosystem that supports butterfly populations and provides a valuable educational resource for children. Children develop a deeper understanding of nature, learn about the interconnectedness of living things, and become stewards of the environment. The garden becomes a place of wonder, discovery, and inspiration.

Related Patterns:

  • Wildlife Garden: Provides general guidelines for creating habitats for wildlife.
  • Edible Landscape: Includes plants that can provide food for both humans and wildlife.
  • Children’s Play Area: Ensures that the garden is safe and engaging for children.
  • Sun Trap: Describes how to create warm, sunny areas for basking.
  • Water Feature: Provides water sources for wildlife.

The Rain Garden

  • Context: Impervious surfaces increase stormwater runoff, leading to flooding and pollution.
  • Problem: How can we capture and infiltrate rainwater on-site to reduce runoff and recharge groundwater?
  • Solution: Create a rain garden, a shallow depression planted with native plants designed to collect and infiltrate rainwater.
  • Implementation:
    • Site Selection: Choose areas where rainwater naturally flows or can be directed.
    • Excavation: Create a shallow depression with gently sloping sides.
    • Soil Amendment: Amend the soil to improve drainage and infiltration.
    • Plant Selection: Choose native plants adapted to wet and dry conditions.
    • Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
    • Maintenance: Regularly remove debris and maintain plant health.
  • Resulting Context: A rain garden effectively captures and infiltrates rainwater, reduces runoff volume, recharges groundwater, and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the landscape, while also providing habitat for wildlife.

A Tea Garden

Problem: People in the midst of their busy lives often lack a dedicated, tranquil space for quiet reflection, social connection, and the simple pleasure of enjoying tea, leading to stress, isolation, and a diminished sense of well-being.

Context: This pattern is applicable to a wide range of settings, from small residential gardens and balconies to larger community spaces, rooftops, and even designated areas within commercial or institutional grounds. It is particularly relevant in environments where a sense of calm and connection to nature is desired.

Forces:

  • The Need for Tranquility: In a world often filled with noise and distraction, people crave moments of peace and quietude for introspection and mental restoration.
  • The Social Ritual of Tea: The act of sharing tea is often a social one, fostering connection, conversation, and a sense of community.
  • The Restorative Power of Nature: Contact with plants, water, and natural materials has a demonstrably calming and uplifting effect on the human spirit.
  • The Sensory Experience of Tea: The aroma of brewing tea, the warmth of the cup, the taste of the liquid, and the visual beauty of the setting all contribute to a holistic and satisfying experience.
  • The Importance of Defined Space: A dedicated area signals its purpose and encourages a shift in mindset, allowing people to fully immerse themselves in the experience of tea and reflection.
  • The Practicality of Tea Preparation: The space should be conducive to the simple acts of preparing and serving tea, making the ritual effortless and enjoyable.

Solution:

CREATE A SEMI-ENCLOSED SPACE within the larger garden or area, defined by natural elements such as hedges, low walls, trellises covered in climbing plants, or even a change in ground level. This space should contain comfortable seating arranged to encourage conversation or solitary contemplation, along with a small, stable surface for setting down cups and perhaps a simple tea preparation setup. Incorporate elements that engage the senses: fragrant flowering plants, the gentle sound of a small water feature, textured paving stones underfoot, or the dappled shade of a tree. Orient the tea garden to capture pleasant natural light and views while providing a sense of enclosure and privacy, shielding it from the most disruptive elements of the surrounding environment.

Discussion:

The semi-enclosed nature of the tea garden creates a sense of sanctuary, a room outdoors, that feels distinct from the surrounding environment. This allows for a greater sense of focus and relaxation. The use of natural elements blurs the boundary between the built and the natural, fostering a feeling of connection to the earth and promoting a sense of calm. Comfortable seating, whether a simple bench, a few individual chairs, or even cushions on a low wall, encourages people to linger and truly enjoy the moment. The presence of a small table or stable surface makes the act of drinking tea more practical and enjoyable.

Engaging multiple senses deepens the experience. The fragrance of jasmine, chamomile, or other aromatic plants enhances the sensory pleasure of tea. The sound of trickling water can be incredibly soothing and help to mask unwanted background noise. The texture of natural paving underfoot provides a tactile connection to the garden. And the play of light and shadow through foliage creates a visually appealing and dynamic environment.

By carefully orienting the tea garden, you can maximize the benefits of natural light and views while minimizing distractions. Consider the path of the sun throughout the day to provide a mix of sun and shade. Frame pleasant vistas while creating a sense of enclosure and privacy to foster intimacy and contemplation.

A well-designed tea garden becomes more than just a place to drink tea; it becomes a small oasis, a refuge for the mind and spirit, a place to connect with oneself and with others in a simple and meaningful way.

Cross-references:

  • QUIET CORNER: To ensure a sense of peace and seclusion.
  • GARDEN WALL: To define the boundaries of the tea garden and provide a sense of enclosure.
  • TRELLISED WALK: To create a natural and permeable boundary with climbing plants.
  • SITTING WALL: To provide informal seating and define the space.
  • WATER IN THE GARDEN: To introduce the calming sound and visual appeal of water.
  • FRAGRANT GARDEN: To enhance the sensory experience with aromatic plants.
  • OUTDOOR ROOM: To think of the tea garden as an extension of indoor living.
  • PATH SHAPE: To guide movement and create a sense of journey towards the tea garden.
  • PLANTING POCKETS: To integrate plants seamlessly into the structure of the tea garden.

A Prayer Walk

Problem: Individuals and communities often lack a dedicated and thoughtfully designed space that facilitates a more embodied and intentional form of prayer and spiritual reflection through movement, leading to a sense of disconnection between the physical and spiritual aspects of their lives.

Context: This pattern is applicable to a variety of settings where people seek a deeper connection with their faith or a sense of spiritual grounding. This includes religious institutions, retreat centers, hospitals, schools, parks, gardens, and even designated routes within urban or rural landscapes.

Forces:

  • The Desire for Embodied Spirituality: Many find that physical movement can enhance their spiritual experience, allowing for a more active and engaged form of prayer.
  • The Need for Focused Intention: In the midst of distractions, a designated path can help to direct thoughts and intentions towards prayer and reflection.
  • The Influence of the Environment on the Spirit: The surrounding environment can profoundly impact one’s mood and ability to connect with the sacred. Natural settings often evoke feelings of awe, peace, and reverence.
  • The Value of Pauses and Reflection Points: Specific locations along a path can serve as prompts for different types of prayer, contemplation, or remembrance.
  • The Balance Between Solitude and Community: Prayer walks can be a deeply personal and solitary practice, or they can be a shared experience that fosters communal spirituality.
  • The Need for a Sense of Journey: A well-designed prayer walk should feel like a purposeful journey, guiding the participant through a meaningful progression of thought and feeling.

Solution:

CREATE A DEFINED PATH or route, either circular to symbolize the cyclical nature of prayer and life, or linear to represent a journey of spiritual growth. Along this path, CAREFULLY PLACE POINTS OF INTEREST or PAUSES that invite specific forms of prayer or reflection. These points might be marked by natural features like a particularly striking tree, a flowing stream, a rock formation, or a vista point offering a sense of perspective. Alternatively, they could be intentionally placed elements such as a simple bench for rest and contemplation, a stone with a meaningful inscription, a small contemplative garden dedicated to a specific theme, or even a series of stations representing different stages of a spiritual journey. Ensure the path itself encourages a slow, deliberate pace and allows for moments of both solitary reflection and potential interaction with others who may be sharing the walk. Use natural materials for the path and its elements wherever possible to enhance the connection to the environment.

Diagram: Start | V [Point 1: Reflection on Gratitude]
\ Winding Path
V [Point 2: Intercession for Others]
\ Gentle Slope
V [Point 3: Contemplation by Water]
\ Level Path
V [Point 4: Moment of Silence/Stillness]
\ Gradual Turn
V Finish (Potentially same as Start)

Discussion:

The defined path of the prayer walk provides a physical structure that supports a spiritual practice. The act of walking engages the body and can help to quiet the mind, making it easier to focus on prayer and reflection. The carefully placed points of interest act as anchors, providing specific prompts or themes for contemplation. For example, a point overlooking a beautiful view might inspire prayers of gratitude, while a secluded bench could be a place for quiet intercession.

The environment plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of a prayer walk. Natural settings often evoke a sense of the sacred and can facilitate a deeper connection with the divine. Using natural materials for the path and its elements, such as wood, stone, and earth, further enhances this connection.

The design of the prayer walk should encourage a slow and deliberate pace, allowing participants to fully engage with their thoughts and feelings. The path should also offer a sense of journey, with a clear beginning and end, even if it is a circular route. Opportunities for both solitude and potential interaction with others should be considered, recognizing that prayer can be a deeply personal or a shared communal experience.

Ultimately, a well-designed prayer walk creates a sacred space in motion, a place where the physical act of walking becomes an integral part of the spiritual practice, fostering a deeper sense of connection, peace, and purpose.

Cross-references:

  • PATH SHAPE: To consider the symbolic meaning of different path forms (linear, circular, labyrinthine).
  • POINTS OF INTEREST: To emphasize the importance of specific locations for reflection.
  • QUIET CORNER: To create secluded spots for deeper contemplation.
  • CONTEMPLATIVE GARDEN: To incorporate small, focused garden areas as prayer stations.
  • BENCH: To provide places for rest and extended periods of reflection.
  • NATURAL MATERIALS: To enhance the connection with the environment.
  • THRESHOLD: To mark the entrance and exit of the prayer walk as a distinct and sacred space.
  • SEQUENCE OF SPACES: To think about the progression of experiences along the prayer walk.
  • SYMBOLIC ELEMENTS: To incorporate objects or features that hold spiritual significance.

Outdoor Spaces

The “Book Nook”

Problem: How can we create a cozy and inviting space for people to read and relax?

Solution: Design a “Book Nook” - a small, seating area near the library.

Implementation:

  • Use natural materials, such as wood and stone, to create a sense of harmony with the surrounding environment.
  • Provide comfortable seating, such as benches or chairs.
  • Add plants and flowers to create a relaxing atmosphere.
  • Include lighting for evening use.

Result: A “Book Nook” provides a comfortable and inviting space for people to enjoy reading and spending time together.

The Living Sound Barrier: A Hedgerow for Campus

Context: Modern campuses often suffer from noise pollution, disrupting the learning environment and creating a less-than-ideal atmosphere for students, faculty, and staff. Traditional noise barriers can be visually unappealing and lack the ecological benefits of natural solutions.

Problem: How can we create a natural barrier that reduces noise pollution, enhances the campus environment, and supports biodiversity?

Solution: Establish a diverse hedgerow along noise-sensitive areas of the campus.

Implementation:

  1. Strategic Placement: Carefully select locations for the hedgerow, prioritizing areas most affected by noise (e.g., roads, railways, construction sites).
  2. Species Selection: Choose a variety of native plant species with varying heights and densities to maximize noise reduction and visual interest. Consider species with dense foliage, such as:
    • Evergreens: For year-round noise reduction and visual screening.
    • Deciduous Trees: For seasonal beauty and potential food sources for wildlife.
    • Shrubs: For a dense understory and additional layers of sound absorption.
  3. Diverse Planting: Incorporate a mix of flowering plants to attract pollinators and support local ecosystems.
  4. Maintenance: Establish a regular maintenance schedule, including pruning to maintain desired shape and size, and removing invasive species.

Result: A thriving hedgerow that provides a natural sound barrier, enhances the visual appeal of the campus, and supports biodiversity.

Benefits:

  • Noise Reduction: Dense vegetation effectively absorbs and deflects sound waves, creating a quieter and more peaceful learning environment.
  • Improved Air Quality: Plants absorb pollutants from the air, improving air quality for the campus community.
  • Enhanced Biodiversity: Hedgerows provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals.
  • Erosion Control: Hedgerows help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
  • Visual Appeal: A well-maintained hedgerow can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of the campus.
  • Educational Opportunities: The hedgerow can serve as a living laboratory for students to learn about ecology, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship.

Related Patterns:

  • The Green Roof: A living roof that provides insulation, reduces stormwater runoff, and creates habitat for wildlife.
  • The Bioswale: A vegetated swale that filters stormwater and reduces pollution.
  • The Rain Garden: A depression planted with native plants that collects and filters rainwater.
  • The Pollinator Garden: A garden planted with flowers that attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
  • The Campus Arboretum: A collection of trees and shrubs that provides educational and recreational opportunities.

Indoor Spaces

Sanctuary Windows as Sacred Story

Problem: The current light and windows in the sanctuary feels either too harsh, or too dim and uninspiring, failing to evoke a sense of the sacred and to actively engage the congregation with the central narratives of their faith.

Context: Your church sanctuary is a space dedicated to worship, reflection, and communal gathering. It is a place where people come to connect with the divine and to deepen their understanding of biblical teachings. The existing windows, if any, may be plain glass, outdated designs, or lack a clear connection to the core tenets of your faith. The congregation consists of individuals with varying levels of biblical literacy and visual interpretation skills. The overall architectural style of the sanctuary may range from traditional to contemporary.

Solution: Introduce new stained glass windows into the sanctuary, designed not merely as decoration, but as carefully crafted visual narratives that shape the quality of light and communicate essential biblical truths through symbolic imagery.

  1. Diffuse and Color the Light (HOLY LIGHT): The primary function of the stained glass should be to transform natural light into a soft, diffused glow that washes the sanctuary with color. This colored light should not be overwhelming, but rather create a sense of warmth, reverence, and transcendence. Choose colors that resonate with biblical themes: deep blues for the heavens and the Holy Spirit, rich reds for sacrifice and the blood of Christ, vibrant golds for divinity and glory, calming greens for new life and hope. The intensity of the colors can vary depending on the desired atmosphere at different times of the day or during specific liturgical seasons.

  2. Embody Core Biblical Narratives (SACRED STORIES IN GLASS): Each window, or a series of windows, should depict key stories or themes from the Bible that are central to your congregation’s understanding of their faith. These narratives should be chosen thoughtfully, considering their theological significance and their ability to resonate with a diverse audience. Examples might include:

    • Creation Window: Depicting the Genesis account of God creating the world, using swirling patterns of color and light to represent the cosmos.
    • Exodus Window: Illustrating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery, perhaps focusing on the parting of the Red Sea or the giving of the Ten Commandments.
    • Nativity Window: Showing the birth of Jesus, emphasizing themes of humility, hope, and the arrival of the Messiah.
    • Crucifixion Window: Representing the sacrifice of Christ, using somber colors and powerful imagery to convey the weight of this event.
    • Resurrection Window: Depicting the triumph of Christ over death, utilizing bright, joyful colors and upward-reaching forms to symbolize new life and victory.
    • Parables Window: Illustrating key parables of Jesus, such as the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son, using relatable imagery to teach moral and spiritual lessons.

  3. Employ Clear and Accessible Symbolism (SPEAKING THROUGH IMAGES): The symbolism used in the stained glass should be clear enough for most members of the congregation to understand, even without extensive theological knowledge. Avoid overly abstract or obscure imagery. Instead, focus on recognizable symbols that have a long tradition within Christian art:

    • Dove: Representing the Holy Spirit.
    • Lamb: Symbolizing Christ as the sacrificial Lamb of God.
    • Cross: The central symbol of Christianity, representing the crucifixion and resurrection.
    • Water: Signifying baptism, purification, and new life.
    • Bread and Wine: Representing the Eucharist and the Last Supper.
    • Stars and Light: Symbolizing divine guidance and revelation.
    • Plants and Flowers: Representing creation, growth, and the abundance of God’s grace.

  4. Integrate with Architectural Form (LIGHT FOLLOWING STRUCTURE): The design and placement of the stained glass windows should be carefully integrated with the existing architectural form of the sanctuary. Consider the natural light patterns throughout the day and how the stained glass will interact with them. The size and shape of the windows should complement the scale and proportions of the walls and openings.

  5. Create Focal Points for Reflection (WINDOWS AS MEDITATION): Position key narrative windows in locations where they can become focal points for individual and communal reflection during worship. Consider placing windows depicting pivotal moments in biblical history behind the altar or in prominent side chapels. Smaller, more symbolic windows can be placed in areas for private prayer or meditation.

  6. Tell a Coherent Story (NARRATIVE SEQUENCE): If multiple stained glass windows are planned, consider their placement in a sequence that tells a larger story, perhaps following the chronology of the Bible or highlighting key themes of salvation history. This can create a sense of journey and progression as one moves through the sanctuary.

  7. Involve the Congregation in the Design Process (SHARED VISION): Engage members of the congregation in the process of selecting the biblical narratives and symbolic imagery to be depicted in the stained glass. This fosters a sense of ownership and ensures that the windows resonate deeply with the community’s shared faith and understanding.

Resulting Context: The newly installed stained glass windows will transform the atmosphere of the sanctuary, bathing the space in a soft, colored light that evokes a sense of the sacred and encourages contemplation. The visual narratives depicted in the glass will serve as powerful teaching tools, reminding the congregation of core biblical truths and inspiring deeper engagement with their faith. The symbolism will provide a visual language that transcends words, allowing individuals of all ages and backgrounds to connect with the stories and messages of the Bible on a profound and personal level. The sanctuary will become not just a building, but a living testament to the enduring power and beauty of the Christian story, illuminated by the very light it seeks to understand and reflect.

Alcove as Retreat in Stahnke Hall

Problem: Alcoves, often conceived as mere leftover space or shallow recesses, frequently become underutilized or cluttered, failing to provide the sense of focused retreat and quiet activity they inherently promise.

Context: In any building, large or small, there is a tendency for the main spaces to become dominant, leaving smaller, recessed areas feeling like afterthoughts. Yet, human beings have a deep need for places of quiet (123), intimacy (127), and a sense of being slightly removed (119) from the main flow of activity. An alcove, when properly conceived, can fulfill this need, offering a sanctuary for reading, working, playing, or simply being. This pattern is relevant in living rooms, bedrooms, libraries, hallways, even offices – anywhere a larger space can benefit from a smaller, more focused area.

Solution: Design and furnish alcoves as distinct activity pockets (124) that offer a sense of enclosure and retreat within a larger space. Focus on making them feel different and special, encouraging their use for specific, quiet activities.

  1. Define the Alcove Clearly (SHAPE OF INDOOR SPACE - 191): Ensure the alcove has a clear physical boundary. This can be achieved through a change in wall plane, a lowered ceiling (CEILING HEIGHT VARIETY - 190), a change in flooring material, or even a simple archway or doorway (THRESHOLD - 187). The depth of the alcove should be sufficient to comfortably accommodate the intended activity – too shallow, and it feels like an awkward niche; too deep, and it loses its connection to the main space. Aim for a depth that allows someone to feel enveloped without being entirely cut off.

  2. Orient Towards Light and View (INDOOR SUNLIGHT - 188, WINDOW PLACE - 180): Whenever possible, position the alcove to take advantage of natural light and views. A window seat built into an alcove is a classic example of this. The light should be soft and inviting, perhaps filtered through curtains or blinds to create a gentle ambiance. If a view is not possible, consider orienting the alcove towards a fireplace or a carefully chosen piece of art to provide a focal point.

  3. Create a Sense of Enclosure and Comfort (SITTING WALL - 173, BUILT-IN SEATS - 251): Emphasize the feeling of being held and protected within the alcove. This can be achieved through built-in seating, such as a window seat or a banquette, which defines the space and provides a comfortable place to settle. Consider adding soft cushions and throws to enhance the feeling of coziness. The back of the alcove can be painted a different color or textured differently to further distinguish it from the main space.

  4. Equip for Specific Activities (WORKSPACE ENCLOSURE - 183, BOOK NOOK - 206, CHILDREN’S REALM - 136): Tailor the alcove to a specific purpose. If it’s intended as a reading nook, include good task lighting (NATURAL DOORS AND WINDOWS - 222), perhaps a small shelf for books (OPEN SHELVES - 175), and a comfortable chair or cushions. If it’s meant as a small workspace, consider a built-in desk and appropriate power outlets. For a child’s alcove, think about low shelves for toys, soft flooring, and perhaps a playful canopy. This focused approach makes the alcove more likely to be used and appreciated.

  5. Maintain Connection to the Main Space (DEGREES OF PUBLICITY - 37, SITTING CIRCLE - 185): While the alcove should offer a sense of retreat, it should not feel entirely isolated. Maintain a visual and sometimes auditory connection to the main space to avoid feelings of being cut off. This can be achieved through an open archway, a partial wall, or even simply the orientation of the seating within the alcove. The level of connection should be appropriate for the intended use – a reading alcove might be more secluded than an alcove intended for quiet conversation within a living room.

Resulting Context: A well-designed and properly used alcove will become a cherished part of the building, offering a valuable place for quiet reflection, focused activity, and a sense of personal space within the larger whole. It will enhance the overall feeling of comfort and well-being within the building, providing a necessary counterpoint to the more open and active areas. People will naturally gravitate towards these inviting retreats, finding solace and inspiration in their gentle embrace.

Backlinks

Graph View