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Bahai Gardens as Catalysts forNeighborhood Transformation
William Gregg33rd Annual Conference
Association for Bahai Studies North AmericaWashington DC
13-16 August 2009
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Hypothesis
Gardens associated with Bahaisacred spaces catalyze positive
aesthetic and behavioral outcomesin surrounding neighborhoods
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Beautiful Gardensto Nourish the Soul
Communion with God
MeditationReflectionInspiration
Joy and Delight
Awe and WonderInsights into Creation
Love of NatureAppreciation for stewardship
.
Freedom
Peace and ReposeHarmonySolitudeComfort
RetreatDetachment
PatienceRestoration
.
Gardens to Sustain the Spiritual Life of
Individuals Families Communities World
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Gardens as Spiritual Metaphors
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Heavenly
Paradise
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Guide, then, the people unto the garden of delightwhich God hath made the Throne of His Paradise.Bah'u'llh
Bridge of Faith c1997 Thomas Kinkade
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Life of the Spirit
In the garden of thy heart plant naughtbut the rose of love. Bahaullah
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Renewal of Religion
Hear Me, ye mortal birds! In the RoseGarden of changeless splendor a Flower
hath begun to bloom. Bahaullah
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Unity in DiversityUnity in Diversity
Unity in Diversity
Let all associate, therefore, in this great human gardeneven as flowers grow and blend side by side withoutdiscord or disagreement among them. Abdul-Baha
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Sustainable Development The beauty
and magnificence of the Gardens and Terraces are symbolic of the nature of the transformationwhich is destined to occur both within the hearts of
the worlds peoples and the physical environment ofthe planet.Universal House of Justice
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World Order
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Hear Me, ye mortal birds! In the Rose Garden ofchangeless splendor a Flower hath begun to bloom.
Diversity of hues, form andshape enriches and adorneth thegarden, and heighteneth the effect
thereof. In like manner, whendiverse shades of thought,temperament, and character are
brought together under theinfluence of one central agency, thebeauty and glory of human
perfection will be made manifest.Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p.54-55.
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Bahai Shrines and TemplesModels for Beautification
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Bahai Temples Linked
with Neighboring Communities
Imagine a very lofty, imposing edifice surroundedcompletely by gardens of variegated flowers,with nine avenues leading through them, ninefountains and pools of water. Such a matchless,beautiful design. Now they are building a
hospital, a school for orphans, a home forcripples, a hospice, and a large dispensary.
God willing, when it is fully completed, it will be a
paradise. I hope the Mashriqul-Adhkar inChicago will be like this. Abdul-Baha,
Remarks on the first BahaI Temple, Ishqabad, Russia
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Beautification Projects in TempleNeighborhoods
Wilmette Temple - Beautification Projects India Temple - Spiritual Park
Bahai World Centre
Templar ColonyRestoration
Landscaped AccessCorridors
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The promotion of beauty, whether natural
or man-made, should become a guidingprinciple in community planning, for beautycan touch the heart and inspire the soul tonoble sentiments and actions.
Bahai International Community. Sustainable
Communities in an Integrating World, June 1966.
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Research Findings Relevant to the
Effects of Beautification on Individuals
Reduced aggression and violence in
- inner city residents- Alzheimers patients (gardens)
- Prison inmates (gardening)
Therapeutic benefits of gardens in health carefacilities
In children, regular early encounters with Nature
are associated with improved cognitivedevelopment, creativity, social skills,development of environmental ethic, etc.
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A Bahai Center in West Virginia
The Beginning
The idea of a center: prematurefor some, a vision for others
Two remarkable auctions
A turn-key building
An aesthetically challenged
neighborhood
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Future Bahai CenterConstruction vehicles
& unauthorized
landfill
UnoccupiedResidence
Commercial Building
AERIAL PHOTO OF NEIGHBORHOOD Before [2003]
Gravel Parking Area& Drug Store
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AERIAL PHOTO OF NEIGHBORHOOD A Year After [2008]
Bahai Center& Gardens
Vacant lot(trash removed)
Landscaped house& meditation garden
Unoccupied
Commercial Building
City Park
Ranson CivicCenter
Civic Center Parking
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FALL 2007
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SPRING 2008
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SUMMER 2008
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Bahai Center
gardens
Cooperative landscaping
Cooperative landscaping
CivicCenter
New City Park
Civic Center Parking
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AUGUST 2009
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POSITIVE OUTCOMES
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POSITIVE OUTCOMES
Reduced littering
Neighboring properties cleaned upand maintained
Neighborhood pride (?)Reduced vandalism (?)Reduced illicit activities (?)
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POSITIVE OUTCOMESEnhanced public image of the Faith
Friendly relationships with neighbors
Gardeners as ambassadors
Opportunities for Community Service
Establishment of tree nurseryWetland habitat restoration and park
planning
City roadside beautification project
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CITY ROADSIDE BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT
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Possible Next Steps LOCAL
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Possible Next Steps - LOCAL
Track changes in perceptions, attitudes, and
behaviors relating to our neighborhoodbeautification efforts and receptivity tothe Bahai Faith
Consider integrating garden projects forchildren and junior youth into neighborhood
teaching activities
Other Possible Steps
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Other Possible Steps
Obtain and share data and experiencefrom Bahai Centers relating tolandscaping and beautification
Increase guidance for planning and
maintaining Center gardens andlandscapes
Encourage study of the role ofbeautification in fostering sustainable
communities
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