It is a universal goal of mankind to seek or to create sacred spaces. What is a sacred space, and what are the qualities which describe that space? For thousands of years, the grove has possessed qualities which have made its space sacred. What defines a grove and the space it makes and how does this form relate to us today? In September 2002 Congress passed legislation for the establishment of Living Memorials to honor and commemorate the losses of September 11th, 2001. Through a program developed by the United States Forest Service and American Forests, these Living Memorials are taking the form of memorial groves. Washington, D.C. chose Kingman Island, located in the Anacostia River, as the location for their 9/11 Memorial Grove. Using the Kingman Island site, this thesis investigates the qualities of sacred space, and the qualities of the grove, to discover how a contemporary grove can create a sacred space that reflects the traditions of the Living Memorial, and honors the losses of September 11th. / Master of Landscape Architecture

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