Honorable mention (ex aequo) in the categories:
Conservation of Monuments, Renewable Energy Sources
author
Gabriela Ziaja
work
"Loret. The project of an eremitic monastic complex together with the revaluation and restoration of the original function of the Church of Our Lady of Loretto in Chodl".
supervisor
Dr. Elżbieta Waszczyszyn, prof. PK
abstract
The pretext for the subject of this thesis was the ruins of the post-Jesuit church of Our Lady of Loretto in Chodl, located on an island in a picturesque landscape among ponds and forests. Being cut off from the world by nature and the legal conditions, i.e. the protected landscape area created here, became the inspiration for the creation of a place intended for a unique social group, which are the Camaldolese monks - hermits from the Camaldolese congregation. They will function among low-intensity, scattered, ecological buildings that fit into the context. The monastery, located on the outskirts, amidst nature, is intended to provide a perfect place of escape for those who need it. However, in order not to take the place completely away from the world, additionally a zone will be created for lay people in need of spiritual renewal, a church will also be made available, which is a sign of the times and a reminder of the village's illustrious times, moreover, its restored sacred function will provide a pretext for pilgrimages to the place - the church is to this day a very important place for the residents of both Chodel and the surrounding villages. The Loret settlement is to refer to the name of the former village founded centuries ago by the Jesuit congregation. The function introduced is not to disturb the natural landscape, not to trample it, but nevertheless to take care of it and find users who will use it to the fullest. Sustainability, ecology and sustainable construction were also important issues for the entire establishment. These principles are fulfilled in elements such as a sustainable farm that produces its own food, eco-friendly construction and finishing of buildings, or renewable energy sources such as solar energy generated from a photovoltaic farm. The premise is also surrounded by reservoirs in the form of ponds and an additionally designed reservoir under the paved area next to the monastery. The design of the monastery complex and adaptation was preceded by extensive research into modern and ancient monastic architecture. Loret is one of the steps to renew spiritual life and create a friendly place for devotion to faith for those who really need it.
The realized idea of introducing between the ponds a complex of monastery buildings stems from and is a continuation of absolute respect for nature. Outside viewers of the space thus shaped may not even notice that an architectural intervention has been made among the ponds, meadows and forests.
