135 Saint Godelieve Abbey Bruges

It is extraordinary to re-purpose a place of lost use without a new use. It sharply poses the question about architecture: if the future is tailored to what is already there, what should we then add, erase or transform?

1 For every activity, there is a place. And a time. The church serves to pray, the refectory to eat, the library to read. There is no multifunctionality here.

2 The transition from one activity to another is spatially guided. Changing action means leaving a space, walking along the pledge corridor only to enter the next space and start the next activity. Each time, one passes the courtyard as an invitation to contemplation.

3 The spaces form gradual layers between inside and outside. The abbey forms a continuous invitation for internalizing and encounter with others.

4 The sequence of spaces closely matches the order of the day. Each day is organized, activities have fixed moments in time and fixed places in the space.

5 Every space has its furniture which itself dictates its use. Every daily object has its fixed place. Every daily action is ritualized and repetitive, remaining the same every day.

6 Routine as Ritual is liberating. Being freed from daily chaos, hurry and speed gives space to reflect and focus on what is essential.

7 Architecture is an active component to make this experience real.