5 key facts about this project
Poetry Cloister is a conceptual retreat located in Latvia, intended to support both communal interaction and personal reflection for poets. The proposal situates the building within the natural landscape, emphasizing integration with its surroundings while creating a quiet environment for creative activity.
Spatial Organization
The layout organizes functional spaces compactly to reduce fragmentation across the site. Public programs and accommodations occupy the northern and western sections, forming a partial enclosure that buffers noise from adjacent roads. This arrangement creates a central courtyard that serves as a gathering space, fostering interaction among residents while maintaining a cohesive spatial experience.
Private Retreats
Guest accommodations are placed in the southern and eastern sections to provide privacy and views of the surrounding forest. The deliberate separation of public and private zones allows for both social engagement and individual contemplation, responding to the varying needs of users.
Central Tower and Materiality
A central tower functions as a venue for exhibitions, lectures, and public events, adding a focal point that supports diverse activities. Material choices, including rammed earth and wood, reflect local building traditions and establish a visual and tactile connection with the landscape. The textures and finishes of these materials contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere while referencing the historical context of Latvian Christian architecture dating back to the 12th century.