Create a Wind Phone
"This is why it doesn't work to just install a phone box anywhere in the world and call it a Wind Phone. There are certain conditions that are necessary for it to work, and these have to be created."
-Itaru Sasaki
“This is why it doesn't work to just install a phone box anywhere in the world and call it the Wind Phone. There are certain conditions that are necessary for it to work, and these have to be created."
-Itaru Sasaki
How to Create a Wind Phone
If you're here, something has stirred in your heart, the desire to create a place where grief can speak and love can be heard. Whether you’re making a Wind Phone in memory of someone you miss, as a community offering, or for private reflection, this page will guide you through every step of the journey.
You’ll find trusted advice on choosing a location, designing the setup, requesting permissions, and creating a space that welcomes others in grief.
Let yourself wander through the resources below - there are many. Each one is here to help you on your Wind Phone journey. You are welcome here.
Location Considerations
Choosing the "right" location for your Wind Phone is important and deserves careful thought. Itaru Sasaki, the creator of the original Wind Phone, highlighted the importance of placement: "You can't simply install a phone box anywhere and call it a Wind Phone.
Specific conditions need to be met, and these must be cultivated." Select a serene spot that gives visitors a sense of privacy for reflection, allowing them to express their emotions without feeling exposed.
Peaceful locations like parks, gardens, natural preserves, and secluded areas encourage reflection and connection with nature. Incorporating symbolic elements such as the natural landscape will enhance the experience for the visitor.
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Placing a Wind Phone on Public Land
Obtaining proper permissions and permits is essential when installing a Wind Phone on public land. It ensures compliance with local regulations, demonstrates respect for the community, and helps create a safe, lasting space for visitors. Securing approval also builds goodwill and supports ongoing maintenance and care.
To request permission, contact your local government office or town hall, or the Parks and Recreation Department if the location is a public park. Reaching out to community leaders and local grief support organizations can also help build support for your project.
To make the process easier, I created Wind Phone request letter templates and a brochure titled “Proposal to Install a Wind Phone.” These resources explain the purpose and impact of Wind Phones.
They are available to download here.
Placing a Wind Phone on Private Property
When installing a Wind Phone on your property, it is essential to consider your liability in case someone gets hurt while visiting. Ensuring safety measures can help prevent accidents and protect both visitors and you.
This may involve assessing the surrounding area for hazards, providing clear signage, and maintaining the installation regularly. By being proactive about safety, you not only foster a welcoming environment but also mitigate potential legal risks associated with injuries on your property. I am not a lawyer or insurance expert, so I advise consulting with one as part of your planning process.
Choosing a Community Location
Engage residents, hospice centers, hospitals, funeral homes, cemeteries, grief support groups, spiritual or cultural organizations, or other interested parties in the planning and location decisions for the Wind Phone. This involvement will help ensure that the placement aligns with the needs and sentiments of your community
Gather input on possible locations and be open to concerns or suggestions from those interested in assisting with placing the Wind Phone.
Housing a Wind Phone
When designing your Wind Phone, one important consideration is how you'll house the rotary phone itself. Think about whether you want an open-box structure that allows easy access and visibility, or a more enclosed design for added protection. If you anticipate needing to bring the phone inside during bad weather, an enclosed option might be more practical.
On the other hand, if you're comfortable leaving it out in all kinds of weather, an open design could enhance the experience by making it more inviting. Consider your local climate and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve when deciding.
I receive many questions about attaching Wind Phones to trees. I am not a tree expert by any means—I don’t know much about trees at all! So, I reached out to my childhood friend, David Riley, a highly regarded landscape architect with extensive experience in the Seattle area.* His insights have been invaluable, and I am grateful for his expertise. Read David's thoughts in the Wind Blog.
Choosing Your Phone
The type of phone you choose for your Wind Phone is a personal decision and entirely up to you, with no set rules to follow. Rotary phones are often the preferred choice for Wind Phones. That said, there is a reason for this. There is something deeply therapeutic about picking up the handset, holding the receiver to your ear as the coiled cord swings beside you, placing your index finger in the circle next to a number, and turning the dial until it stops. You can hear the familiar clicks as the wheel returns to its starting position, ready for you to begin dialing the next digit. Rotary phones have a distinct aesthetic that can enhance the artistic design of the Wind Phone installation. Combining a rotary phone with a contemporary concept, such as a Wind Phone, adds a creative touch that appeals to people of all ages.
My research has shown that rotary phones carry significant symbolism and evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection. Here are several reasons why this choice is commonly favored:
Why a Rotary Phone
A Tactile Experience
- Dialing a rotary phone provides a tactile experience that can awaken emotional responses, enhance memories, and create a more profound experience. With a rotary phone, you feel the weight of the receiver and the slow turn of the dial, each click making the moment more personal and immersive.
- The slower process of dialing allows for moments of reflection and contemplation.
They are Symbolic
- A rotary phone represents the act of reaching out to someone, making it a meaningful metaphor for communicating with loved ones who have passed on.
- A rotary phone serves as a link between the present and the past, acting as a bridge that offers visitors a tangible means to share their feelings and thoughts with their loved ones.
