Sept. 20, 2012
A peaceful setting greeted benefactors, architects, and religious at the dedication and blessing of the hermitage designed by Catholic University architecture majors at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America.
Designed by the School of Architecture and Planning's Design Collaborative (CUAdc), the 350-square-foot structure features a handicapped-accessible kitchenette, a sleeping area, bathroom, and deck on the grounds of the monastery in northeast Washington, D.C.
The hermitage houses one person looking for a place of solitude and prayer within the larger urban environment of Washington, D.C.
"This is a collaborative effort of Catholic University and the Franciscan Monastery. And it's been a very energizing cooperation," said Rev. Jeremy Harrington, O.F.M., guardian of the monastery, at the Sept. 17 ceremony. "We are very grateful."
He noted that Jesus often prayed by himself before making important decisions. St. Francis also regularly went to remote places, caves, and mountaintops, to pray. "The hermitage is also a sign, a symbol, we all need to pray," he said.
Prior to blessing the hermitage, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Washington and chancellor of the University, spoke briefly about the project.
"To all the students who participated in this, it's a moment of pride for us to know that these types of projects still capture the hearts of our young people on campus," he said. During the blessing, he asked that "the Word of God always be present here, and echo in the hearts of all those who use it."
University President John Garvey said the students have the unique privilege of working side by side, on and off campus, with religious priests, brothers, and sisters.
"The project we bless this morning is the fruit of this collaborative relationship," he said. "We are delighted by the success of this partnership, and by the excellent work done by our students."
The design studio - Studio 12 - composed of undergraduate and graduate architecture students, was led by William Jelen, director of CUAdc. The design collaborative provides students with opportunities for hands-on experience by working on community projects.
Between 50 and 60 students were involved in all aspects of the project, from site analysis, design, and construction, to designing the furniture and coordinating fabrication, right down to shopping for towels, tableware, and even a tea kettle, said Jelen. Guests will just need to bring their own food.
"This is very unique," he said. "The students never get to design for one person, and they really examined what that means, preconceptions about how you design something, like do you need a door for a bathroom, because it's only one person."
They also examined what it means to be alone, in quiet solitude, and incorporated those aspects into the design. The students "really pushed the envelope" on the project, he added.
Jelen acknowledged the work of two students who attended the blessing, project manager Patrick Keeney, who graduated in May, and Ruben Morgado, who worked on providing the finishing touches to the building.
Morgado, a graduate student, designed the desk, chair, and other furniture, and shopped for some of the furnishings. He said turning the project from "a dream" to reality "was the best learning experience."
Environmentally sustainable in keeping with St. Francis' regard for the environment and his "Rules for Hermitages," the building features natural ventilation and floorboards of reclaimed lumber from an old barn. It is not completely rustic, however - it has all the insulation, plumbing, and electrical connections of a modern dwelling.
The structure, which faces east toward Jerusalem, was designed to take advantage of the natural lay of the land, preserving the trees and vegetation around it. The design concept won the 2010 Unbuilt Award from the D.C. chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The project took about two years to complete, with construction started in February 2012.
Long-range plans include the construction of three more hermitage structures on the monastery's 42 acres. The hermitage is the second collaborative project involving the University and the Franciscan friars. In 2011, students from the School of Engineering installed solar panels to provide power to the monastery's greenhouse.
The hermitage is available for personal retreats of up to a week at $70 per night, with a reduced rate for men and women religious. For details, visit www.myfranciscan.org or email hermitage@myfranciscan.org .
To see a video of the hermitage, see http://www.myfranciscan.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=158&Itemid=62 .