Poznań, Poland
2017

Author: Jakub Turbasa
Author’s cooperation: Bartłomiej Pyrzyk, Tomasz Biłka OP
Location: Dominican Monastery, Poznań, Polska
Project: 2017
Client: Dominicans

The design concept involves the chapel within the Dominican monastery in Poznań. The simplicity of the design echoes the modernist monastery complex built according to the vision of architect Stanisław Cybichowski, as well as the adjacent church—modeled after early Christian basilicas—dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, designed by Adolf Szyszko-Bohusz. The chapel is located within the cloistered section, serving the monks in their daily prayers of the Liturgy of the Hours and the celebration of the Eucharist. The chapel’s design combines two traditions of constructing Christian sacred spaces: the concept of the path—that is, the symbolic journey through stages from the profane zone toward the sacred space; and the concept of the place—that is, gathering together in prayer. The layout of the chapel fosters a communal experience of prayer and liturgy, in accordance with the recommendations of the Second Vatican Council. The design incorporates elements reminiscent of early Christian architecture and symbolism.