Mission Farm accepted a national recognition at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Conference in Boston on June 6. Mission Farm was honored for its thoughtful integration of land and spirituality, earning the Sacred Landscape Award for the creation of the “Odeon,” a stone amphitheater designed as a community gathering space in Killington.
The Sacred Landscape category, part of the Faith & Form International Awards Program for Religious Architecture & Art, recognizes outdoor environments—either new or restored—that invite prayer, meditation, or meaningful community engagement. The program is co-sponsored by Partners for Sacred Places and Interfaith Design, an American Institute of Architects (AIA) knowledge community.
The vision for the Odeon emerged from conversations at Mission Farm focused on building connection, reducing isolation, and deepening the community’s relationship with the land. In 2022, the organization commissioned Vermont stone artisan Dan Snow to bring that vision to life.
“The community members wished to craft an assemblage of stones into a space that would concentrate the earth’s energy into a light-capturing atmosphere,” said Snow. “Two belief systems would have to intersect and amplify one another to bring the project to successful completion.”
The result is a striking stone amphitheater that flows naturally from the hillside and reflects the spirit of Mission Farm’s stone church. In 2023, the design was further enhanced with the addition of a “sike”—a cyclorama-like structure that completes the circular Odeon.
The AIA jury noted, “The larger stones act as an extension from the stone church. The level of detail in the placement of the stones makes it seem as if it belongs to the landscape as if it has always been here. Spirituality extends into the landscape.”
Lisa Ransom, executive director of Mission Farm, emphasized the importance of the award. “Recognition of work by the Partners for Sacred Places is a tremendous honor. For the past five years, we have worked towards conservation of the land, building connection with our community, and offering peace and connection with Creation.”
The project was a collaborative effort. Snow was joined by apprentices Jared Flynn and Whitney Brown and supported by local partners, including landscape designer Jack Rossi, excavation specialist Craig Mosher, and stoneworker Scott Baughman.
To celebrate the award and the growing role of the Odeon in the community, Mission Farm will host a community celebration on Sunday, Aug. 24, from 12 -4 p.m. The event will feature live performances, food artisans, blessings from local faith leaders, and family activities.
For more information, visit: missionfarmvt.org or acredplaces.org.
Lisa Ransom, executive director of Mission Farm accepts the award with an AIA representative.
