Description
The Temple of Gratitude provides a space for us to acknowledge all that we are thankful for. This may refer to anything: ourselves, our health and creativity and uniqueness; another person, a friend or family member; or simply the privilege of viewing a landscape that moves us, or the joy of riding a bicycle.
The design is based on the Irish Father-Daughter Knot which, as legend goes, is a knot knotted by a girl at her father’s deathbed. The four edges that point inward symbolise family members looking towards the father. This design, however, is also often interpreted as a symbol of gratitude. The temple will have a hall-like ground floor, with the Father-Daughter Knot painted on the floor. Steps at the back of the temple will lead to the second floor, in the shape of the inner winged cross in the knot. “Towers” in the shape of half the knot flank the 2nd floor. |
Why?
Gratitude is an expression of appreciation for what one has as opposed to a consumer-driven focus on what one wants. Studies show that we can deliberately cultivate gratitude, and can increase our well-being and happiness by doing so. The expression of gratitude – and especially the expression of it to others – is also associated with increased energy, optimism and empathy.
Every year I have been to AfrikaBurn, I have learnt something. Over the years I have developed an immense gratitude for these lessons, and for the Burn for facilitating them. I am grateful for the fact that we are able to have such a privilege to learn and play in such a powerful way. With this in mind, I designed the temple based on the concept of gratitude. So that I could say thank you. And so that I could remind others of the power that lies in this simple concept that we so often overlook. |
The Structure
Dimensions
Height 8 m Foot print +- 100 m2 Weight +- 8000 kg Other relevant physical attributes
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Materials
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Safety
All design has been done in consultation with an architect. We have engaged with a structural engineer who has provided us with formal sign-off on structural safety and with whom we have discussed the temple’s design and build, taking into account the often difficult building conditions in the Karoo. This way everyone can play safely at AfrikaBurn.
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Join the Building Crew
Off site building
On site building
The Temple of Gratitude was designed and the building thereof is lead by Walter Böhmer.
Many thanks to everyone who has stepped forward to volunteer, share your gifts, time and energy to help us make this a reality. |