About The Labyrinth: Design and History
A New Labyrinth Design at the University of Kent in Canterbury
Since the labyrinth symbol first appeared over 4000 years ago, there have been many design variations employed in its construction, but two specific forms, the so-called “Classical” and “Medieval” types have proved by far the most popular. Many of these labyrinths have a pleasing visual symmetry combined with a surprising length of pathway enclosed within a relatively small area. Unlike the later mazes, labyrinths have no choices along the way – the only decision is whether you enter and trust that the path will lead you to your goal.
Within these extensive groups of labyrinth designs there exist a few examples that have specific mathematical properties – in particular the property of a pathway that has topographic symmetry, i.e. the first half of the path traced as one follows the meandering design is the mirror image, and therefore the exact opposite, of the second half of the pathway. This property is evident in the original seven-circuit classical labyrinth design, found worldwide from the Neolithic period until modern times, the paved labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral in France and several of the late medieval-period turf labyrinths here in England, most notably the example at Breamore in Hampshire with its enlarged goal to accommodate walkers pausing at the centre. Many modern commentators believe that these symmetrical labyrinths are by far the most pleasing and meaningful to walk.
The design of the labyrinth proposed for the University of Kent combines the seven concentric circuits of the original classical labyrinth, the topographic symmetry of the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral and the enlarged centre of the Breamore turf labyrinth to produce a new design with a unique combination of both visual and topographic symmetry. Contained within an outer perimeter 17 metres in diameter, the path of the labyrinth, from start point to the very centre, is 204 metres in length. The stone path set into reinforced turf will provide a hardwearing, low maintenance outdoor labyrinth suitable for year-round use.
Jeff Saward, Labyrinthos