Urban Monastery

Arch 3020 | Spring 2015 | PHOEBE Crisman

THE TRAPPIST MONASTERY SITS ON A 25’ X 100’ SITE ADJACENT TO THE HIGHLINE IN MANHATTAN. THE CONVENT METHODICALLY ADDRESSES THE NARROW SITE BY CREATING “CUTS” THROUGH THE SITE IN PLAN AND SECTION TO ALLOW LIGHT TO REACH ALL LEVELS THROUGH A SERIES OF LIGHT WELLS AND COURTS. IN ADDITION, THE WELLS SERVE AS STACK VENTILATION AND PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTARY OUTDOOR SPACES.

THE MONASTIC PROGRAMS ARE ORGANIZED IN A PROCESSION FROM PUBLIC TO PRIVATE; WITH THE ATRIUM/SHOP ON GROUND LEVEL, WHERE THE TRAPPIST PRODUCT OF PRESERVES ARE SOLD, AND CONCLUDING WITH MONK CELLS AT THE OPPOSITE END OF THE SITE. THE CHAPEL LIES AT THE HEART OF THE COMPLEX HIGHLIGHTING ITS IMPORTANCE AND SIGNIFICANCE TO THE TRAPPIST WAY OF LIFE.