Community & Faith Project of the YearVajrasana Buddhist Retreat Centre by Walters & Cohen Architects

摘要

This extension and refurbishment of a Suffolk rural retreat, arranged around a series of courtyards and spaces including a large new prayer hall, was praised for being an ensemble of 'thoughtful, quiet buildings' perfectly suited to their function and site.Attached to a converted farmhouse, the new buildings are organised both functionally and as a spiritual journey through the site. Beginning with communityfacilities, including a dining hall and bedrooms leading off the first courtyard, the focus shifts to Dharma or teaching in two more formal courtyard spaces, and then to meditation and contemplation of the Buddha in the prayer hall, in a 'beautifully handled' sequence of spaces. There was no model for a purpose-built retreat in the UK, and the client praised the architect for its understanding of the community's requirements.