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The Missile Labyrinth

The History of the Labyrinth

The labyrinth is the referent in the familiar Greek patterns of the endlessly running meander, to give the "Greek key" its common modern name. In the 3rd century BC coins from Knossos were still struck with the labyrinth symbol. The predominant labyrinth form during this period is the simple 7-circuit style known as the classical labyrinth (illustration).

The term labyrinth came to be applied to any unicursal maze, whether of a particular circular shape (illustration) or rendered as square. At the center, a decisive turn brought one out again. In the Socratic dialogue that Plato produced as Euthydemus, Socrates describes the labyrinthine line of a logical argument:

“Then it seemed like falling into a labyrinth: we thought we were at the finish, but our way bent round and we found ourselves as it were back at the beginning, and just as far from that which we were seeking at first."

The Cultural Aspects of the Labyrinth

Prehistoric labyrinths are believed to have served either as traps for malevolent spirits or as defined paths for ritual dances. During Medieval times the labyrinth symbolized a hard path to the God with a clearly defined center (God) and one entrance (birth). Labyrinths can be thought of as symbolic forms of pilgrimage; people can walk the path, ascending towards salvation or enlightenment. Many people could not afford to simply travel to holy sites and lands, so the use of labyrinths and prayer substituted that need. Later, the religious significance of labyrinths faded and they were used primarily for entertainment, although recently their spiritual aspect has seen a resurgence. Many newly made labyrinths exist today, in churches and parks, to provide people with a meditative way to relieve stresses and regret.

Concept

The idea behind the Missile Labyrinth is to create a visually striking contrast by using weapons of war to build an ancient meditative structure. The classic labyrinth is defined as one path leading into the centre. The only way out is to back track. The centre is historically a place to contemplate God. The path is used to clear one’s mind and enable it to connect to the spirit. The path of the Missile Labyrinth will provoke a visual reaction and a meditative contemplation of war. The centre signifies the “dead end” of war.

Construction

The labyrinth is made from rows of missiles, using empty casings, be it antique, modern, or both. Each missile will be painted using traditional army colors. Each missile will be planted into the ground, side by side to create a closed wall on either side of each row.

Possible Additions to the Missile Labyrinth

It will be possible to mount a plaque in memory of a fallen soldier on each of the missiles.

The missile casings can be filled with fireworks, so at war’s end we could launch a spectacular light show to celebrate peace.


	The Missile Labyrinth The History of the Labyrinth The labyrinth is the referent in the familiar Greek patterns of the endlessly running meander, to give the "Greek key" its common modern name. In the 3rd century BC coins from Knossos were still struck with the labyrinth symbol. The predominant labyrinth form during this period is the simple 7-circuit style known as the classical labyrinth (illustration). The term labyrinth came to be applied to any unicursal maze, whether of a particular circular shape (illustration) or rendered as square. At the center, a decisive turn brought one out again. In the Socratic dialogue that Plato produced as Euthydemus, Socrates describes the labyrinthine line of a logical argument: “Then it seemed like falling into a labyrinth: we thought we were at the finish, but our way bent round and we found ourselves as it were back at the beginning, and just as far from that which we were seeking at first." The Cultural Aspects of the Labyrinth Prehistoric labyrinths are believed to have served either as traps for malevolent spirits or as defined paths for ritual dances. During Medieval times the labyrinth symbolized a hard path to the God with a clearly defined center (God) and one entrance (birth). Labyrinths can be thought of as symbolic forms of pilgrimage; people can walk the path, ascending towards salvation or enlightenment. Many people could not afford to simply travel to holy sites and lands, so the use of labyrinths and prayer substituted that need. Later, the religious significance of labyrinths faded and they were used primarily for entertainment, although recently their spiritual aspect has seen a resurgence. Many newly made labyrinths exist today, in churches and parks, to provide people with a meditative way to relieve stresses and regret. Concept The idea behind the Missile Labyrinth is to create a visually striking contrast by using weapons of war to build an ancient meditative structure. The classic labyrinth is defined as one path leading into the centre. The only way out is to back track. The centre is historically a place to contemplate God. The path is used to clear one’s mind and enable it to connect to the spirit. The path of the Missile Labyrinth will provoke a visual reaction and a meditative contemplation of war. The centre signifies the “dead end” of war. Construction The labyrinth is made from rows of missiles, using empty casings, be it antique, modern, or both. Each missile will be painted using traditional army colors. Each missile will be planted into the ground, side by side to create a closed wall on either side of each row. Possible Additions to the Missile Labyrinth It will be possible to mount a plaque in memory of a fallen soldier on each of the missiles. The missile casings can be filled with fireworks, so at war’s end we could launch a spectacular light show to celebrate peace.