Classification

Labyrinth Families

In general, the existing major categories are still a practical way to understand labyrinths, especially in terms of their basic structural differences and historical development (see Jeff Saward's labyrinth typology document):

• Classical Labyrinths

• Roman Labyrinths

• Medieval Labyrinths

• Contemporary Labyrinths

However, we have reached a point of having enough "other"/miscellaneous types, new variations related to historical labyrinths, and new innovations, as well as inconsistencies in current systems, to warrant the development of a more comprehensive system.

See Classification Tree page for more information.

Class > Family > Group > Type

In order to accommodate known historical labyrinths, contemporary designs, and future innovations, the classification system (a domain-specific spatial ontology) that I am developing expands in both directions outward to classes of labyrinths which include the established families, and inward to groups of related patterns which allow for a finer level of detail. Series and sets can also be used to facilitate understanding of types and how they are related.

Classes (and Families)

• Simple Labyrinths: uniaxial patterns usually resulting in full-circuit movement (includes proto-labyrinths and Classical labyrinths)

• Divided Labyrinths: multiaxial patterns with movement completed in each sector (or sector group) consecutively, often with the same pattern of movement in most or all sectors (includes Roman labyrinths, radial labyrinths, and mirrored labyrinths)

• Complex Labyrinths: multiaxial patterns with movement completed in combinations of circuit segments that traverse part of a sector, leave, and return until all segments in all sectors have been covered once (includes Medieval labyrinths, interlocking labyrinths...)

• Serial Labyrinths: patterns that connect multiple component labyrinths (separate centers or orientation points) with one continuous path

• Transverse Labyrinths: patterns that self-intersect yet can be followed as one continuous path covering each segment once

Groups, Series, and Sets

• Groups: Each labyrinth type is part of one Base-Dual-Transpose-Complement symmetry group of one to four labyrinths.

• Series: Patterns with at least one expandable part result in a series of related labyrinths such as Nested Meanders (Single Meander, Double Meander, Triple Meander, etc.).

• Sets: Labyrinths that use the same components, although in a different order, are part of the same set.

 Type and Style

A type is a specific pattern of movement: a topology that remains the same through any changes in shape, size, or style.  

Expression of labyrinth types can involve style, design, and intention.

• Style: recognizable visual and/or physical form (general styles)

• Design: specific artistic expression of a labyrinth type in a particular style (highly individualized)

• Intention: symbolism and/or specific purpose intended in the use of a design

See Andreas Frei's 15-post series Type or Style for examples and more information about this distinction.

See Conceptual Model page for more my theoretical framework for understanding labyrinth types.