|
||||
|
THE MONASTERY OF THE
THEOTOKOS, DUNLAP, CALIFORNIA
The Convent’s design is rooted in the traditions and heritage of the monasteries such as St. Katherine’s at Mt. Sinai and Mt. Athos. Phase 1 includes the new main church or “Katholikon,” which is a dome cruciform church-walled city, creating a protective, stable and permanent sacred space within. As one approaches the convent, its strength and sense of stability is overwhelming as it sits majestically on the mountaintop. In future phases, the gateway and bell tower will lead one to the world within. This project is zoned into three general areas within, such as the public area, the nun’s living quarters and work area or “Kelia” and the “Katholikon” or main church, which is the focal and pivotal point of the complex. The substantial use of concrete masonry throughout the project was utilized in a unique way, keying it with the 6th century Byzantine masonry techniques. This was achieved by utilizing alternating rustic stone courses (split-face block) with smooth “tie” masonry courses (brick) and the creation of a new concrete masonry rusticated base shape that connects it to ancient times. The main church as the “crowning glory” of the monastery with its masonry textures, supports a series of minor and major domes, clad in copper, celebrating the heaven, the eternity, and God Almighty.
ARCHITECT: EKONA Architecture +
Planning Christ J. Kamages, AIA OWNER: The Greek Orthodox Diocese of San Francisco |
|
|||
JURY
COMMENTS:
The Jury
was enamored by the complexity of the masonry units and how
they were used to form history with modern materials. They
also liked how the project was sited on a mountaintop,
creating a sense of strength and stability.
|
|