Fortna monastery, Hradčanské Squar

concept: 2019

Years ago, we were given the opportunity to make an architectural intervention in the historically exceptional setting of Hradčanské Square. The Order of Discalced Carmelites (nuns), who occupied the convent by the Church of St. Benedict on Hradčanské Square, were relocating to a quieter site in Drasty, handing over the church to the Order of Discalced Carmelites (friars). The nuns’ order is characterized by a strict enclosure—a seclusion from the outside world—whereas the friars’ order is highly open, organizing numerous activities for the general public; thus, the exchange made sense for both orders. The convent complex itself has a turbulent history. The nuns were expelled by the Communists, and the complex was subsequently used as a luxury hotel for foreign guests and the elite of the Communist regime. Artists and architects who were political prisoners were forced to work on the hotel’s interiors.

Our task was to open the complex to its surroundings, demonstrating what kind of spaces could be created within it and how these places might be interconnected. We were fully aware of the significance of the location we were entering, yet we did not want to be overly restrained. Beneath the existing cloister garth, we designed a hidden underground chapel featuring three light wells that rise above the ground level, their forms reminiscent of nuns. In an adjacent courtyard, we installed an elevator that provides barrier-free access across all levels of the complex. The underground chapel can be reached either by descending a long, narrow staircase or by taking the elevator. The underground chapel itself is a calm, quiet space bathed in indirect light. A corridor leads from the chapel directly to the Radnické Stairs below the monastery. Beneath the adjacent courtyard, we have placed an underground parking garage, accessible via a car lift located at the entrance. We designed a lightweight roof structure for this courtyard, featuring glazing where it meets the original cornices; the resulting hall will house a pleasant restaurant. The monks' private quarters are located in the monastery’s northeastern wing. The first floor, which connects to the Church of St. Benedict, is dedicated to social interaction. The southwestern section contains rooms for both individual and group therapy. The second floor houses the original assembly hall as well as guest rooms for monastery visitors. Tucked away in the attic are a quiet retreat space and an art studio.

During the design process, we discovered that the original doorway at the center of the façade facing Hradčanské Square had been removed and walled up during the building’s conversion into a hotel under the communist regime. We decided to restore this entrance, giving it a contemporary architectural character while remaining respectful of traditional craftsmanship. May these doors serve as a symbol of the new monastic life.