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Over the past 20 years, TKF has collected thousands of journal entries left by visitors to our Open Spaces Sacred Places. We recently started sharing these journal entries in a weekly feature, #Benchstories. And while the journals are an important feature of our Open Spaces Sacred Places, the thoughts recorded in them are often the culmination of a visitor's experience at one of these sacred spaces. Every TKF Open Space Sacred Place includes four specific design elements which work together support the TKF mission of offering a temporary place of sanctuary, encouraging reflection, providing solace and engendering peace. These design elements include a Portal, a Path, a Destination and a Surround--each of which serves an important purpose in the overall design of the space.
Portal
The first design element you will find as you enter a TKF Open Place Sacred Space is a portal which the visitor passes through. This could be an archway, gate, trellis, overhanging trees or other marker of some sort. Passing through the portal marks the transition from the space of every day life to a reflective space where one can experience the power of nature.
Surround
The surround consists of design elements which define the boundary of the sacred space. It could consist of a small fence or plantings, a natural opening in the trees or even previously existing structures. No matter what it is made from, the surround creates a sense of security and separation from the stress and challenges of everyday life.
Path
Path
