Ondrej Jurčo ARCHITECTURE

Claustrum is a new typology, a new type of monastery that transforms its essence so
much that I decided to define it differently. A monastery is only the closest possible
reference. When we look at the origin of the word monastery, we come to the Latin term
CLAUSTRUM, which means closed space. It is precisely the name that expresses a new
typology of a new institution - the autonomy of a closed entity.
Claustrum can be built without theological content. Secular monastery. Because the
idea of Claustrum is also a political dream. I am not trying to define a new concept of an
ideal city or any utopian, unreachable vision. It is an idea of a specific architecture that
has its regularities. Optimal solution, not ideal. I perceive my project as a prototype of
a socio-cultural station attended by people seeking not only stopping but also fulfilling.
Claustrum is not an escape, but a solution. Therefore the aim is to create space for
autotherapy, which is often in the form of contemplation. This dimension of the concept
is the very core of the vision. The cultivation of silence, which leads to therapeutic
reflection in solitude, and the cultivation of a community.
Yet, claustrum has much of a similarity to a traditional Christian monastery. The aim
of claustrum is the design of a monastery, which in the first plan is free of traditional
Christian schemes and the whole theology. But not to deny Christianity, but to find its
authentic content in rebellion against traditionalism, and thus to open its arms to all
people. The monastery is not a court, but a forum for discussion. If there is Christianity
in the monastery, only in the second plan. In a form that does not elevate above
religions or atheism. Something like monks who take care of every pilgrim regardless of
the worldview and they are the ones who keep the monastery regime.