In early fall of 2021, One Nature began working on an ecocentric design for the Pratt House at Vassar College. One Nature was tasked with answering this question: How do we incorporate spirituality and religion into the existing fabric of the campus? In answering this question, we created a plan that incorporates universally symbolic forms and textures, while encouraging movement and connection. Our main mission for this fall was to build the labyrinth, replace the existing pathway, and install the first round of plantings. We built the labyrinth completely out of reclaimed materials left on campus, including the stones we removed from the existing pathway. We used the same approach for rebuilding the pathway, incorporating custom patterns that reflect the surrounding architecture. After completing the hardscape, we installed a large planting bed around the north half of the labyrinth, which consisted of American Holly (Ilex opaca), Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica), and hundreds of ferns. Further, we crushed up leftover slate into mulch and used it to adorn a glorious White Pine (Pines strobus), turning it into an entry marker for the space. We spread wood chips around the tree and sculpted pathways that will later snake through the site around future planting beds.
