Proto-Urban Monastery
Austin, Texas
Based on the new age philosophies of Brothers Wayne Teasdale and Thomas Merton, the Proto-Urban Monastery is an exploration in the archetype of monasteries both as a building type and as a program. This studio, co-taught by professors Marlon Blackwell and Bradford Payne, challenged the notion of both of these archetypes by proposing a new type of monastery for a new type of monasticism. One that focused on the spiritual, ritual, and communal elements of a monks life without being exacting in regards to religion. This modernization of monastic living commanded a rethinking of what a monastery might be. In addition to adjustments compelled by such a modernization, this new monastery would also be required to accommodate a relocation from the countryside into an urban environment. Beyond being a reimagining of a monastery for the sake of reimagining, this conversion from rural to urban was brought on by the intention of creating a space which connects with diverse communities often found more commonly in urban environments while also looking at the challenges born out of these environments such as the need to build vertically and engage with the street effectively.
DeCo - Leco / Reco - Leco
As a way of beginning to understand the needs of the monastery as a type we looked to precedent to guide us. Le Corbusier’s La Tourette monastery in France provided our studio with all the information we could ask for in terms of the essential components of a monastery, the organization of its spaces, and its massing. This was study was our deconstruction. Once we had completed the task of studying La Tourette as it is, we moved on to reimagining it as it might be had it been built on a site half the area, but vertically unlimited. This became our reconstruction.
The Vertical Monastery
Located at a small infill site on 8th Street between Congress and Colorado this monastery seeks to establish itself as a truly vertical and efficient intervention in the burgeoning Austin landscape. The site, just blocks away from the Texas state capitol, and adjacent to one of the roads busiest cities, sets the project up to actively participate in urban life. With a brewery and beer garden inspired by centuries of monastic tradition, and a communally gracious approach to street-front, this monastery aims to be incredibly public in its invitation on the lower levels while maintaining the discipline and dedication common in traditional monasteries as one rises through its floors.
