This project is a design of a prototype Carthusian cell in a monastery located in Spain, addressing the light expression of time in space. The cell will include dedicated spaces for work, pray and sleep. It also has an outside patio the same area as indoor spaces.
The whole cell is a monolith of pure geometry, absolute, in a tiny box. The outdoor and indoor spaces divide the box in half, each consists of a square volume measured 7 meters in all dimensions. The volume of the outdoor patio consists of a void in which a solid tower provides the only view to the outside world. Contrast in nature, the portion of indoor spaces symbolize a solid volume in which the meditation space becomes the ultimate void of contemplation, by the power of the Spirit.
Since the life of the monk living in this cell is strictly regulated by the passage of time, with tasks performed at the same time every day throughout the year, the sun carving process utilizes sun rays as means of time expression. Inside meditation space, spirituality and meditation joined together in a play of natural light entering horizontally and vertically at three times of a day (9:30am, 12:00pm and 3:00pm). The two layers of walls provide controlled illuminance so that sun rays are visible inside the space, while, at the same time, the gap between the layers admits more light that can reflected into the space by pond of water on the ground. In the working space, sun rays admitted through the roof lights up the space in the afternoon, drawing a dialogue with the sky.
The whole design takes a minimalist approach to materials and detailing. Built from rammed earth, a technique that the local still have construction experience with, the cell allowing the focus to be on art and nature, meeting the goal of creating a place of simple sophisticated elegance without being boastful. At the same time, the elliptical openings and the curved entrances provide modern day challenges to the old construction technique.
