Labyrinth design using string
by Benjamin Brink, Aug 2009
Some instructions for labyrinth design suggest using string to represent boundaries. This article describes an alternate approach inspired by the Cretan Labyrinth story about Theseus where the string represents the path walked ( http://dotsub.com/view/09b39d03-dd31-4d30-9f7b-1f351f440424 and http://www.sacred-texts.com/etc/ml/ml07.htm ).
More about labyrinths at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labyrinth
How to quickly generate labyrinth designs using string to represent the path walked
supplies:
- about 5 feet of string, preferably yarn or thread ie string that can make sharp corners. The string will represent the path (not the boundaries of the path).
- some thumb tacks, needles or other pins to hold the string in place as needed.
- a work surface, such as soft wood board, bulletin board or cardboard that can act as a flat "pin cushion."
Start at one end of the labyrinth path, though easier to build if starting at the path's end "center point". Then, arrange the string in a manner that follows these rules:
- The string cannot cross over itself or overlap (go backwards).
- The string should stay within the labyrinth's area.
Continue placing the string into a path and arranging the design until your design specifications are met.
The result is a dynamically built labyrinth with one path.
fractal variations
Rules of repeatable, fractal patterns can be added to the basic rules of arrangement to create fractal labyrinth paths.
A fractal M labyrinth design. This diamond patterned labyrinth design follows a fractal pattern based on the letter M repeated in scale and reflected (upside-down). It resembles some traditional Native American tapestry patterns.
Ballroom Carousel labyrinth design. This fractal design repeats a curled wave-like pattern and varies in scale.
confined labyrinth space
If the full-size labyrinth will be occupying a limited space, you can add design guides to prevent over-sizing the labyrinth design. Determine the width and length of the area designated for the labyrinth. Determine how wide you want the labyrinth's path to be. Include half of the minimum border width on the sides of the path (same as border width between paths).
The maximum number of rows in the width of the labyrinth is the labyrinth's designated area's width divided by the path width.
The maximum number of rows in the length of the labyrinth is the labyrinth's designated area's length divided by the path width.
more examples
Chakravyuha labyrinth design ( from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labyrinth )
Dampened Spring Harmonic labyrinth design. This one is inspired from following the inner workings of a clock.
Nazca Lines inspired labyrinth design. The Nazca Lines could look like very large labyrinths ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazca_Lines )
Traveling waves labyrinth design. This one emphasizes balancing exponentially differing perspectives.
Wave Dynamics labyrinth design. This one is inspired from the features of waves (crest, trough, curl, tube etc) and surfing.
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