This diploma project dealing with the designing of a new monastery is an innovative study which readdresses questions concerning the function and the purpose of monastic architecture associated with the monastic life. Zaltsa, a remote area in Viotia, Greece is the location which historically is known for its famous monks and ascetics.
The purity of the landscape raises questions concerning the final decision of whether the architect to design or not in this environment. Prompt response comes from the traditional monastic architecture, when monasteries were constructed in the frailest environments with perfection.
Site: In the south, there is a grove of olive trees which extends all the way down to the sea. In the north, the area is defined by a linear rocky hill behind of which, and alongside stands Mount Helicon (1800m), dictating and reinforcing the main design, an expression of a linear openly developed monastery. It is an alternative concept to the common enclosed type, as a conscious and symbolic interpretation of how a contemporary monastery should be open to modern society.
Scenario – Concept: The linear development of the monastery is implemented through the straight and slightly downhill movement from the eastern borders of the site, to the point where the core of the synthesis was located, namely the Catholikon (the central church of the monastery). The monastery turns and opens itself to the rock, giving the monks the symbolic view of the rock that reflects the ascetic rigor of monastic life. On the contrary, the other lateral sides the monastery’s walls take a defensive character, with small openings, not only as a historical reference to the necessity of protection and defense against invaders, but also as a conscious expression of spiritual introspection of monastic life that should not be distracted by the beauty of the natural environment.
