Earth Court Case Study 001 (Sanctum)

Designed and built by Kindred Studio, Sanctum is the first in a series of unique case study basketball courts, or ‘earth courts’, currently in development. Set in the forest of upstate New York, Sanctum is a sculptural basketball court organically integrated into the natural landscape; a place that transforms rural woodlands into an experiential site for gathering, play, and collective well being. Utilizing a biophilic approach to landscape architecture, this proof of concept serves as a template for a greater vision - one that leverages basketball to foster community engagement and environmental stewardship.



Imagined as a sacred space, Sanctum investigates the role and importance of public art, and its capacity to create impact and shape cultural identities. Infusing the beauty of nature with simplicity and minimalism, the space invites visitors to explore their relationship with nature and the natural world. Sanctum exists as purpose-driven functional art, and demonstrates some of the ways in which basketball has been, and continues to be a driver of ideas, and an aggregate for social impact.