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Abstract
Native Americans believe that there are sacred places that help them define and create a relationship with nature. This belief suggests that man must respect everything and recognize its purpose. Historically, sacred sites have acted as a source of reconnection and revelation. This thesis explores Native American sacred sites; the patterns and characteristics that exist in them, as well as ways designers can gain inspiration from the characteristics to guide the relationship between Humans and Nature. This thesis records firsthand, the existing patterns and characteristics of four Native American Sacred Sites. A qualitative, experiential research model was used to expound upon the sacred patterns defined in Christopher Alexanders book, A Pattern Language. A matrix is constructed in order to compare the patterns found at the different sites, resulting in a new list of sacred patterns that can be used as inspiration for designers to guide man in reestablishing a relationship with Nature.