Ascetic traces: spiritual exercise in lake Prespa

The present project examines the possibilities which the mountaineous landscape of lake Prespa, Greece, entails, in order to accommodate spaces intended for a modern ascetic.

The particular idea stems from the inner need of a human to isolate temporarily from one’s hectic schedule and lead a more peaceful lifestyle, even for a short period of time, in order to exercise their spirit and reach inner completion. Due to the existance of previous hermitages in natural caves all across the lake shore, since 1400 AD, the area of lake Prespa was considered suitable for such an experimentation.

Thus, this project reconsiders the term of ascetic life within a contemporary context and attempts to revitalize the ascetic tradition in lake Prespa, suggesting a combination of built spaces, offering a sense of seclusion and providing friendly conditions for spiritual exercise. The final goal of this process is for the modern hermit to take time to re-evaluate their personal goals and needs in a peaceful environment, meet with travellers who came here for the same reasons and eventually return home, with a better self and social awareness.

The main proposal consists of a submerged structure in the coast of St. Eleousa, in particular at the point where the nearby cliff meets the pebbled beach of St. Eleousa. The aforementioned structure is formed by a group of individual cells, where visitors can stay temporarily, combined with a few spaces dedicated to serve some primary physical needs. Every space is submerged and cannot be seen by visitors or fishermen, except for the cells, which extend vertically in the form of wooden balconies above the surface of the beach, leaning on the cliff and offering a view of the lake. Moreover, a library is designed as a place where the temporary residents keep a record of the area’s history, while visitors can read about the ascetic tradition in Prespa. A submerged secret garden, as a place for "catharsis" lies inbetween the library and the private spaces, while a small channel of water runs through the whole composition, the sound of which connects all the spaces together.

Ascetic traces: spiritual exercise in lake Prespa by Spyridoula Kasimati in Greece won the WA Award Cycle 27. Please find below the WA Award poster for this project.