A Carmelite Monastery : an exploration of affective presence in architecture

The goal of this thesis design was to explore whether or not architecture can have an affective presence on people in todays modern (electronic) world and indeed it can. An affective presence can be achieved in the search for singularity. A singular expression of existence is found through an appeal to the human senses in relationship to the climatic factors and materials surrounding us. In this relationship, the building becomes a mediator between the human and his environment. It is in this mediation that the potential for an affective architecture can be found.The monastery houses 20 sisters and includes all the necessary support spaces for living, working and spiritual needs. It is located in an area known as the Crest at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis, Indiana. The actual site is at the end of an east facing peninsula, which fingers out into the reservoir. The site sits roughly 40 feet above the water line in a very densely wooded setting. Overall the site provides isolation and a strong connection with nature that enhances the sister's life-style. The design of the monastery is based on the play of geometries in relationship to the topography. A second driving force is the separation of secular and sacred The physical structure of the building serves as a mediator between the sister's lives, God, and the environment around them. Throughout the monastery this dialog is carried out to enhance and heighten affective presence of the, building. The overall form of the monastery is made much more affective by expressing many of the important functions individually. Elements such as the secular functions, chapter house, the chapel and the contemplation space are juxtaposed against each other to make the overall complex more dynamic and interesting In essence the facility enhances and promotes each sister's sense of spirituality and their individual relationship with God by creating dynamic and affective space.