Novitiate for Franciscan Sisters
A place of Devotion
It is a place of discipline and devotion, where the outside world is shut out.
The chapel rests quietly on one side of the courtyard, designed to evoke simplicity and reflection. There are no statues here—only a narrow split in the rear wall forming a cross behind the altar, through which light gently fills the space. The sacraments are placed on a small cantilevered ledge projecting from the wall, maintaining the spirit of restraint and purity. The walls, painted in a soft yellow ochre, catch and reflect the incoming light, creating a warm, glowing ambience. The highly polished floor mirrors the play of shadow and light from the cross, so that as the sisters sit in prayer, they are enveloped by the tranquil radiance of this sacred light
To preserve the purity of light entering through the main cross opening, the other openings of the chapel are purposefully kept small. The walls are chamfered to enhance the play of light and emphasize their sculptural quality, allowing sunlight to gently wash over the surfaces and pour into the sanctuary. A warm golden ochre tone enriches the interior, captures the radiance of natural light.
In a world where outside is prohibitted, an internal courtyard was created as the breathing place.
It is the epicenter, the nucleus;
A focus that can be seen from every where. The backdrop for all daily routines and is also the place of observation and contemplation.
The openings around the courtyard are made in such a manner, that sisters that walk along the corridors become the objects that move ; whom the novices observe and emulate one day. Openings capture different parts of the moving sisters; headdress, robes, feet and hands as one walk across. The many fenestrations are carefully orchestrated that the object does not feel being watched and the external corridor wall is a gallery that capture these many elements.A
While the court yard is for community life and a place of observation the roof top is the place of contemplation and solitude.
The Roof top opens to the sky and the outside world , to be looked at from far. This is the place where one can be alone and commune with one, the world she tread and the everlasting God…. A place to find one’s destiny.
