This new-style convent in the centre of Utrecht brings the monastic community closer to the inhabitants of Utrecht by effecting a spiritual interaction between city and convent. This aim is achieved through both its use and its outward appearance.

The convent is intended for those who question their position in a hectic world and wish to retreat from it temporarily to reflect on fundamental issues. This swelling group is increasingly making a monastic establishment its abode. It means a new boost for today's dramatically depleted monastic communities. The combination of permanent residents and temporary guests from the outside world requires that the traditional convent format be modified. Taking as my basis research I did by interviewing individual residents of various monastic establishments, I designed a new-style convent that both takes into account the old monastic tradition and anticipates the wishes of a changing group of users. The new convent brings the monastic community closer to the city by means of a public ground floor, a semi-public first floor and a private second floor.

Place of education: AvB Tilburg
Specialization: architecture
Tutors: Dolf Dobbelaar