Allegory of Life: A Retreat in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

Allegory of Life:

A Retreat in Cabo Rojo, P.R.

Eduardo Javier Frontera Biam贸n

Allegory of Life: A Retreat in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of the Department of Architecture in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Architecture at Savannah College of Art and Design

Eduardo Javier Frontera Biam贸n Savannah, Georgia 漏 June 2015

Carole Pacheco, Committee Chair Matthew Dudzik, Committee Member Mary Lou Davis, Committee Member

Dedication

I

dedicate

this

Thesis

to

my

Parents,

Dr. Herminio and Carmen Frontera. Your good example, dedication and eternal love towards me have made me the man I am today. For always wanting the best for me, pushing me to be the best I can be and supporting me in every decision I make.

Secondly, I dedicate this Thesis to my Grandparents, for teaching me that with hard work, dedication and effort I can achieve all my dreams and aspirations.

Lastly, I dedicate this Thesis to my siblings, Nino Jose, Alfonso AndrĂŠs, Ana MarĂ­a, Manuel Enrique and Maria Isabel. The years we have spent together have been eventful to say the least and helped me become the man I am today. Thank you for your constant support and advice and most of all for always being there for me.

Acknowledgements

Professor Carole Pacheco thank you for your constant support and investment into making this project come to life. Your dedication to the profession and your students inspire me to be the best designer and person I can be.

Thank you for pushing beyond my limits and making me think beyond this thesis project.

Professor Matthew Dudzik thank you for your investment in this thesis and your very

direct

and

and

suggestions.

excellent Your

feedback

passion

and

dedication for design and architecture inspire me to push myself and my work.

Professor Mary Lou Davis thank you for your time and effort into making this project the best it could be. I greatly appreciate your complements towards my work and your input from outside the field of Architecture.

To my peers, in particular the “A-team�.

Thank you for teaching me about myself and helping me become a better person and designer. My experience in the completion of this Masters degree would not have been the same without each and every one of you.

Table of Content

List of Figures

1

Thesis Abstract

6

Part 1: The Condition

8

Part 2: The Space

22

Part 3: The Visitor

34

Part 4: Creating a Journey

46

Part 5: The Spirit of Place

58

Part 6: Completing the Journey

64

Appendix

96

Conclusion

98

Work Cited

99

List of Figures Part 1

Part 2

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https://anotheralistair.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/1269309166-koyaanisqatsi1.png

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by Author 25 http://chiclanahoy.blogspot.com/2012/07/de-la-isla-ni-el-viento-por-el-abuelo.html 27 27 http://localizeme.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/caborojo1_loc.jpg 27 http://www.proyectosalonhogar.com/enciclopedia_ilustrada/Fotos/invasion3.jpg 27 http://english.zeepuertorico.com/place/interpretive-centre-las-salinas-de-cabo-rojo.aspx 27 https://d1u1p2xjjiahg3.cloudfront.net/0c02a900-2e55-4c2c-9327-53d9396c4315_l.jpg 27 https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/66/ff/3e/66ff3e3501469324026350e3b3ec05bb.jpg 27 http://edicionesdigitales.info/Blog/Blog/index/Entries/2008/4/5_Nuestro_mar_rojo_files/shapeimage_1.png 27

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Part 3

Part 4

Fig. 2.11 Fig. 2.12 Fig. 2.13 Fig. 2.14

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http://goseepr.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Cabo-Rojo-Lighthouse-8.jpg http://www.mayakoba.com/admin/uploads/imagenes/galeria/Red-Mangrove-Forest.jpg

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Part 5 Part 6

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Part 7

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Allegory of Life: A Retreat in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico Eduardo Javier Frontera Biamón June, 2015

Abstract

In the 21st Century, our lives revolve around comfort and a fast paced technological world. It seems that our main goal as a society is the path to success and economic stability of our future. Letting these become the center of our lives, in many cases our mental, physical and spiritual health have become secondary. Our daily lives revolve around routines of getting things done, the faster the better because we know that more things are heading our way. We go through constant stress in work, relationships, our studies and we rarely take time for ourselves. As a way to balance this, it is reasonable to search for a “wholistic” way of life. The term refers to the whole body; specifically the interrelationship between mind, body, and spirit. The space will provide a sanctuary for visiting travelers and locals. In it they will be able to regain their center and mend the wholistic connection with body, mind, and spirit. Not affiliated with any specific religion or spiritual practice, the space will provide the opportunity for the guests to live, sleep, reflect, relax and rejuvenate far from a technological, fast pace atmosphere.

Keywords: retreat, wholistic, balanced life, seclusion, temporary architecture, spirit of place 6

7

Part 1

The Condition 8

Fragmentation of the Human Condition

As human beings we are in a constant search for what is unknown to us. Whether in the intellectual field or in a religious manner, humans strive to understand our position in the physical world as well as the spiritual one. Though not necessarily attached to any specific religion, in general we tend to seek a connection with that greater “force� that we place to exist in the spiritual realm. Our human condition is made up of three parts, the physical, the mental and the spiritual. The physical part is our body which we use to interact with other individuals and other physical objects that surround us. The mental part is that of the knowledge and insights we learn through our experiences in the physical world. The spiritual part is perhaps the most complicated to explain and it’s defined differently in many cultures and religions. In perhaps its simplest form, it has to do with that non-physical existence we understand to have, which is directly correlated with a sense of something beyond the known world. Because we are made up of these three parts it is important to maintain the interrelation between them. It is through that interrrelation that we live and experience as human beings.

Opposite Fig. 1.0

9

10

KO•YAA•NIS•QATSI noun - (from Hopi language)

crazy life life in turnmoil life out of balance life desintegrating a state of life that calls for another way of livingg

11

The film Koyaanisqatsi is a series of moving

Living

in

the

21st

Century,

our

lives

images that show the landscapes that inhabit

revolve around comfort and a fast pace

the human world, both natural and man

technological world where our main goal

made. The intention of the film, according

as a society is the path to success and

to director Godfrey Reggio, is for the viewer

economic stability of our future. Letting these

to make up his own conclusion or opinion

become the center of our lives, in many

in what the film means. Whether that is an

cases our mental, physical and spiritual

environmental film, a criticism or an ode to

aspects have become secondary. Our

technology the film shows us a reality, that daily lives revolve around routines of getting of our world and our lives. In an interview on

things done. The faster these tasks are done

the making of the film, the director explains

the better because we know that more

his views on technology and the idea that

things are heading our way. We go through

we live in it, that it has become such a big

constant stress in work, relationships, our

part of our lives that we don’t recognize

studies and we rarely take time for ourselves.

it anymore. This film was created in 1982,

As human beings, we seek fulfillment in

now in 2015 the question arises, have we

our goals, desires and dreams. In our early

changed? Has this idea that we live in or for

years of adulthood, we make decisions

technology still exist? Has it gotten worst?

thinking about the future and often choose to fulfill some but others are set aside.

12

“So it’s not the effect of, is that everything exists within. It’s not that we use technology, it’s that we live technology. Technology has become ubiquitous as the air we live. So we are no longer conscious of its presence.”

- Godfrey Reggio 13

Fig. 1.1-1.3

Fig. 1.4-1.6

Fig. 1.7-1.9

14

Sarah Susanka, is an architect who was able

day’s work. Though there is a constant

we are able to recognize people and

to break away from her busy scheduled

search for tranquility and peaceful living,

things around us as a reflection of who we

life, and take time for the things she had a

we don’t leave time in our schedules to

are and so we are able to live completely.

passion for. As a young adult she had two

meditate or pray or contemplate on that

By this she states that every action, from

passions, architecture and writing. A busy

spiritual aspect of our lives. Also we tend

talking to listening to reading or writing is

life took a toll on her and soon enough she

to receive a lot of useless information

a constant proof of one’s existence. The

was living a stressful, routined life where

which takes up space in our mental

problem is that most of us don’t realize it,

she became as a machine, everyday an

aspect

physical

thus according to her are not fully living.

ongoing process of a successful professional.

aspect gets affected when we don’t

Religious practices, meditation and other

Realizing that she was not taking time for

take care of ourselves; we wear ourselves

means of self-realization are constant

herself, she decided to make a change

down by not having healthy lifestyles

reminders of this. We might be aware of our

and make actual scheduled time to be with

and overworking our bodies to fatigue.

physical actions or our mental processes

herself. Eventually she was able to return

Taking time for ourselves, to care for those

but we don’t think about how these two are

to her other passion of writing, leading

three aspects can help reconnect them.

related and how both independently and

but

rarely

use.

The

together relate to the spirit. In other words

her to write her book The Not So Big Life.

15

Susanka states that for change to happen

there exists a break between the spiritual,

Most of us are not so lucky in achieving

we have to start seeing everything in our

physical, and mental parts of our lives.

this. Even after we get home from work

reality. She states that everyday life and

and prepare to end the day, another

encounters are like the ones in your dreams,

routine starts by preparing for the next

a waking dream. By being in the moment

“Everything that happens in our everyday life is a waking dream. Being in the moment we see, we are able to be alive completely...When we start living the not so big life, when you’re seeing everything in your reality reflecting back to you, thats the only place that change can happen.”

-Sarah Susanka 16

A space to get away from space

17

The built environment is also a factor that

meditating. Though this is not always the

the Skin, Juhani Pallasmaa talks about

contributes to this fragmentation. A lot of the

case, a large majority of the population

architecture as an art form. He states that

architecture we see today is not influenced

constantly

spaces.

through architecture we are confronted

by an architect throughout its design

Our surroundings are a great part of the

with questions of human existence. It

process. This can affect many things, from

way we live and the things we do. Though a

emphasizes our reality and experience

the general aesthetics of the space to the

temple of any kind may provide temporary

of being alive in the world. He states that

functionality. A lot of the spaces we inhabit

sanctuary, once you step out the door you

we live in a technological oriented culture

are not beneficial for our mental, physical

find yourself back in the congestion and

and that has caused a break between our

and definitely not our spiritual aspects.

routinely life you had an hour or so before. senses. As an alternative he talks about

Office buildings are designed to hold as

There are very few places that can take

life-enhancing or significant architecture. It

many people as possible in a large space

you away from your daily activities to think,

is this type of space that addresses all the

with small partitions as dividers, schools are

contemplate on your life choices, and to

senses and unites us as a single unit with

designed to fit as many students possible

react to your mental, physical and spiritual

the rest of the world. At the same time, it

with closed-off corridors with no views to

aspects. Architecture since the beginning

makes us experience ourselves completely

the exterior. Supermarkets and stores are

has been used as a place of safe guarding,

as both physical and spiritual beings.

reproduced excessively as large boxes

from natural elements to enemies. It also

with no thought of design. Buildings today

serves as a place of spiritual connections

do not offer spaces that are conducive to

of different kinds. In his book The Eyes of

inhabits

these

This

is

not

to

say

that

contemporary

architecture distracts us or is the cause of our fragmentation. Japanese architect, Tadao Ando is perhaps the perfect example of how contemporary architecture can serve and offer wellbeing and interconnection between our physical, mental and spiritual selves. Ando’s work is very much based on three elements which he believes are essential for architecture; authentic materials, pure geometry, and nature. He claims that a sense of void and nature is missing from our consumer oriented life. In his architecture he manipulates natural elements contrasted with his materials pallet to experience a space that addresses the human being completely.

Though

using

contemporary

designs, he goes back to the essence of everything and allows the space, lighting, views and materials to speak for themselves.

Fig. 1.10

“Instead of simply pursuing superficial comforts, I want to re-examine what has been discarded in the process of economic growth and to seek after only those things that are essential to human dwelling.�

-Tadao Ando

18

Architecture as petrified silence

19

Architecture also makes us aware of our

Other times, a pleasant directed empty

senses, from touch to smell, it makes us

view of a natural environment makes you

experience a variety of things. Good

think about things beyond your physical

architecture silences all external noise, and

or mental state, things beyond our realm

should make us aware of our humanistic

and of the pure perfect atmosphere that

selves. It also should make us aware of the

surrounds us. These elements stimulate

time and place we are at that moment.

the self-realization thought process that

The design should be influenced by the

in our daily life is missing. Architecture is

place it is located creating a harmony

also able to create tranquility with sound.

between what is built and the environment

In some spaces it’s created with silence

it sits in. Whether it’s natural, cultural or

that emphasizes solitude, in others is a

historical environment, the structure should

specific sound that emphasizes tranquility,

address it in whichever way seems proper.

like the breeze as it hits trees and birds

This is achieved with a series of architecture

chirping or the sound of the ocean. The

elements

senses

use of natural sounds and sights create the

throughout the space. Light and shadow

experiences that we have each day but

help with thinking clearly by manipulating

do not usually acknowledge. In solitude,

the vision. By suppressing the vision one

away from the chaos of the everyday life,

is able to concentrate on their thought

we are able to embrace these elements

more clearly without visual distractions.

and through that embrace ourselves fully.

experienced

by

the

RETREAT Fig. 1.11

the process of receding from a position or state attained

WHOLISTIC physical

mental Fig. 1.13

spiritual

Fig. 1.12

refers to a whole or whole body; taking into consideration the whole body or person. Considering the mind, body and spirit.

What is this architecture?

A secluded space that will living, the constant schedule purpose, to have the visitor their life and reconnect their

help unplug from the everyday and the technology driven life. Its regain their center or balance in physical, mental and spiritual parts.

20

21

Part 2

The Space 22

Finding an ideal location

Puerto Rico sits in the Caribbean Sea as the smallest of the Greater Antilles, just east of the Dominican Republic and followed by the Virgin Islands. Originally inhabited by the TaĂ­no indigenous people, in 1493 it was officially discovered by Christopher Columbus in his second voyage. Under the reign of the Spanish crown the island thrived as a strategic point for the Spanish defense and slave trade. In 1898, during the Spanish-American War, the island was invaded by the American troops and to this day it is a commonwealth of the United States.

Its geography allows for a subtropical climate with very minimal seasonal change. Constant presence of tropical rains is common throughout the year, especially in the north which receives it first before hitting the main mountain chain, the Cordillera Central. This chain creates a barrier for the south where rain is sparser. With seven main ecosystems throughout the island, the environment is always changing from sandy beach to tropical forest to mangrove making a desirable destination for visitors looking to get away from the city commotion. The scenery is also a constant reminder of nature’s geometry and perfection making it an ideal space to house a retreat away from large cities and stressful living.

23

Golf of Mexico

Puerto Rico

Caribbean Sea

Fig. 2.0

24

Access to the site

San Juan|2.5 hr. drive

dilla|1.5 hr. drive Fly to: Miami Orlando Newark New York

Aguadilla|

1.3 hr.

Miami Orlando New York Newark

San Juan|

Atlantic Ocean

Fly to:

Tampa 1.3Miami hr.

Atlanta Orlando Newark Baltimore Miami Philadelphia New York Washington DC Orlando Mexico Dallas Philadelphia New York Madrid Dallas Venezuela Atlanta Panama Paris Washington

Cabo Rojo Caribbean Sea

Ponce|

Cabo Rojo

Fig. 2.1

25

1.3 hr.

Ponce|1.3 hr.Miami drive

Orlando Fly to: New York Miami Orlando New York

N

Morillos de Cabo Rojo Fig. 2.2 Road Pedestrial trail Historic Lighthouse

Fig. 2.3

Cabo Rojo|30 min. drive

Bahia Sucia Bahia Salinas

26

Cabo Rojo Red Cape

27

Cabo Rojo is a town along the west coast of

with the salt crystals. With an abundance

Puerto Rico. Its name is derived from the red

of natural environment and ecosystems,

color of the stone in its southern coastline as

in 1974 The Fish and Wildlife Reserve was

well as the reddish tint in the water due to its

created in the area by United States

high concentration of salt. In 1512 it became

Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

one of the first nucleus of Spanish settlers in

This gave way to the conservation of all

this area of the island. Because of its unique

this area, helping preserve the plants and

qualities and advantages it provided for

wildlife in the area such as the endangered

the defense of the island, they settled in

mangrove and regional bird, Mariquita de

the area known as Los Morrillos. This lead

Puerto Rico. Los Morrillos is the south most

to the salt harvesting which in 1525 had

area of Cabo Rojo. Its topography consists

great economic importance in the region.

of two main islands made of red limestone

This process has left the area with a unique

connected to each other and to the main

landscape of natural salt flats where half

island by a sand bank as a tombolo. The

of the time is filled with reddish tone water

secluded and conserved area creates a

and the other an almost snow-like texture

great opportunity for seclusion and isolation.

First Spaniards of this area settle in the Morrillos area

1512 1525

Fig. 2.4

Salt flats economic boom

Fig. 2.9

Fig. 2.10

Fig. 2.11

Fig. 2.12

Fig. 2.13

Fig. 2.14

Fig. 2.15

Fig. 2.16

1882

Innaguration of lighthouse

Fig. 2.5

1898

Colonization of Puerto Rico

Fig. 2.6

1974

Fig. 2.7

US Fish & Wildlife Service Refugee established

1999

Fig. 2.8

Salt Flats added to the reserve

28

Fig. 2.17

29

30

1

Fig. 2.18

The peninsula allows for 360 degree views from East to West. Although there is little rainfall and constant winds from the East, the site is open to other natural elements such as hurricanes and tropical storms. Understanding that no site is perfect, the seclusion of this site and the strong connection it holds with the natural environment around it, Los Morrillos still seems ideal for the scope of this project.

Fig. 2. 21

31

2

Fig. 2.19

3

Fig. 2.20

Hu

Hurricane San Agapito II

rric

an

eH

ort

Summer Sunset

cia

Summer Sunrise

1

SITE

Winter Sunrise

Hurricane San Narciso

en

3

Winter Sunrise

2

N

Fig. 2.22

32

33

Part 3

The Visitor 34

Who will attend this retreat?

Because of the complexity and the universal aspect of this fragmentation, it is only just that the retreat be open to everyone.

Before a certain point in our lives, our obligations are minimal and we live or act under our guardian’s wings. As we enter our mid-twenties, the independence starts becoming apparent, and we are faced with new obligations, families start forming, jobs become more stable and the financial and social duties solidify. It is at this stage that the fragmentation begins. The retreat will focus on people from this age on.

For the experience to be effective and fulfilling, the visitors must seek to unplug from their daily life schedules and immerse themselves in a personal journey that will be unique for them. These might include but are not restricted to couples, small groups, Individuals and religious groups.

35

Logan age 32

Maggie age 53

Milan age 45

Chelsea age 46

Cy age 39 Jerome age 60

Samuel age 35

Pieter age 28 Pablo age 25

Cheryl age 50 Fig. 3.0

36

Creating a place to...

37

Think

Breath

Transform

Unplug

Enjoy

Renew

Pray

Replenish

Laugh

Meditate

Recharge

Regain

Contemplate

Restore

Content

Experience

Enlighten

Mend

Connect

Appreciate

Unite

Flourish

Evaluate

Fix

Learn

Smile

Live

Reflection or meditation is a process that though universal, it is individual and every person does it differently. At the same time it is important to integrate amongst others and share the new experiences occurring daily in the retreat. The built structures will seek to house processes and activities with a diverse range allowing people to meditate in their own way and terms. Physical, mental and even intellectual activities all help reflection and meditation. With the diversity of people coming into the retreat the space should provide the opportunity for the visitor to experience a variety of activities that will activate the mental, physical and spiritual rejuvenation in them. Ultimately as these three parts are engaged, the connection Fig. 3.1

between all three will become apparent.

38

music

walk

paint draw act

swim dance sculpt

PHYSICAL

silence pray yoga SPIRITUAL contemplate meditate breath

ME YOU

read write MENTAL think silence research dream Fig. 3.2

39

Spacial Adjacency Needed

Fig. 3.4

Circulation Connection Needed

Fig. 3.3

40

A place for the mind, body and spirit

The space will provide the opportunity to place the visitor in relation with the natural elements that define our world and universe. The endless sky and sea and the earth provide the opportunity to come to terms with the enormity of the universe in relation to the human race. By doing this, the visitor is made aware of the existence of their physical, mental and spiritual parts and how fragmented they might be. Being constantly obscured by it, a technology free space will provide the opportunity for this three parts to flourish.

This will also allow the visitor to have a journey, both within themselves and with others.

41

Fig. 3.5

42

Purification

The

concept

deals

with

the

idea

of

purification or filtration. By entering the spaces, the visitor will filter through their way of living and rejuvenate. After this journey, the architecture will have helped them, restore the fragmented parts of their selves.

Self|Others

The The concept is based on the idea of having one journey addresses one the self as well as others. The inner journey will help balance the visitor’s life. The outward

journey

will

help

create

a

balance with yourself in relation to others.

Sunrise|Sunset

The concept deals with the awareness of our mortality. In the physical world, our life is short and spending this time with fragmentation is not living fully. The sunrise reminds us of the birth and the sunset of our death.

Fig. 3.6

43

Fig. 3.7

Fig. 3.8

Fig. 3.9

44

“…There ain’t no journey what don’t change you some” - David Mitchell

45

Part 4

Creating a Journey 46

Creating a Journey

The retreat will provide the opportunity for a journey. This journey will be different for each visitor. For this reason though there are suggested pathways, nothing is straight or direct. It is up to the visitor to create his own journey. The spaces provided will create thresholds to achieve this journey.

Fig. 4.0

47

Fig. 4.1

Fig. 4.2 ;Opposite Fig. 4.3

48

Beginning the Journey

The entrance through the retreat acts a threshold to the journey that will commenced the moment the visitor decided to attend it. In many cultures water is a symbol of purification, like baptism in the catholic faith and other rituals in other religions. As you enter water prepares you to begin the journey.

Fig. 4.4

49

Fig. 4.5

Fig. 4.6;Opposite Fig. 4.7

50

Bohios:A place to stay

Deriving

their

name

from

the

native

indigenous living huts, the bohios act as a small retreat for each guest, where privacy is of much importance. Each of them have their own separate entrance and face the east so that each guest will wake up with the sunrise as a sign of rebirth.

Fig. 4.8

Fig. 4.9

51

Fig. 4.10 ;Opposite Fig. 4.11

52

Mind & Body

Because of the variation in people, the spaces provided for the flurishment of the physical and mental parts deal with introversion vs. extroversion. The physical journey might be influenced by the external views or elements whereas the mental might be in need of seclusion and controlled views.

53

Fig. 4.12

Fig. 4.13

54

Culmination of the Journey

The sacred space is the culmination of the journey. In this non-religious affiliated chapel, the visitor will understand his journey and be place in the center of the universe through the natural landscapes around it above it and under it. It will also provide the opportunity for risk-taking as a reassurance of the completed journey.

Fig. 4.14

55

Fig. 4.15

Fig. 4.16

Fig. 4.17

56

57

Part 5

The Spirit of Place 58

Fig. 5.0

59

“Architecture has to have a metaphor, it has to have a story, a meaning,�

-Travis Price

60

For all intended purposes, architecture is an

nature will not be able to recuperate from

object within the landscape. It is imperative

it. Charred trees, plants and ashes remain

that this object is grounded to the site in

as vestiges of what happened that day.

more than just a physical way. For this it

In life we are constantly reminded of our

seems important to find a spirit of place. This

mortality and the fact that nothing lasts

concept consists of an element, event or

forever and with the blink of an eye, it all

story that will not only relate to the site but

can end. This fire became a reminder of

to the architecture in the space. The lack of

that. At the same time, purification is an

this element results in disconnect between

element present in many cultures around

the human being and the space created.

the world. This process is represented by two

Seeking this element can results in cohesive

natural elements, water and fire. While one

project that takes into consideration the

cleanses away the things we don’t want

place, the visitor and the architecture itself.

the other eliminates completely those things

Returning to the site in Los Morillos de Cabo

and provide the opportunity for a new

Rojo, resulted in eye opening experience

beginning. Fire also reminds us of what’s to

that will transform the project. In the months

come, after our time is done on earth we

leading to the visit the area suffered a

become ash. This event and the vestiges left

series of fires that would soon consume

behind have become the spirit of the place.

a great area of the site. The fire affected around 30 acres that do to the intensity of it, 61

Opposite Fig. 5.1

“By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.�

-Genesis 3:19

62

“The core of man’s spirit comes from new experiences” - Jon Krakauer

63

Part 6

Completing the Journey 64

65

The Cabo Rojo Retreat provides a secluded

and depths of the engulfing oceans, the

series of spaces that removes the visitor from

resilient

the everyday distractions of life, allowing a

the earth, and the vast expanses of the

time to center, balance and reconnect the

universe. Ultimately, the retreat experience

physical, mental, and spiritual components

teaches that the world of technology can

of life. This is achieved through a winding

create a lifetime of reactive responses that

journey through experiential spaces woven

obscure the journey of self-discovery. The

into the landscape. Here the visitor confronts

Cabo Rojo Retreat creates the opportunity

their own relationship with the world’s natural

for an experience that will enable us to

elements. Here they begin the discovery of

better envision our own place in relation

finding their own unique place in relation to

to the world, and prepare us to be the

the universe, their own singular path in the

protagonist and author of our own story.

midst of the infinite blue sky, the expanses

Opposite Fig. 6.0

and

regenerative

qualities

of

Entry Pavilion

Dining Room

Living Quarters

Exit Platform Sacred Space

66

Fig. 6.1

67

The Initial Procession After adjusting to the bright sun light and

for miles. Suddenly, the passengers reach a

At the shore the vista opens up to reveal

deeply inhaling the cool ocean breeze,

clearing, where a vast landscape expands

a beach of pure white sand bordering the

the visitor looks around and is aware that

to the horizons, and in the distance ahead,

crystal clear blue water of the Caribbean

the beginning of a transformative journey

far away, almost like a church, a lighthouse

Sea. Heading down to the shore, stopping

is about to commence; the destination is

appears on top of a hill. But the lighthouse

half way and then turning to face the

the Cabo Rojo Retreat, set in the midst of

is not the final destination, and eventually

ocean, one glimpses the horizon, acting as

a national wildlife refuge in Puerto Rico,

the vehicle reaches a dead end where the

a bridge between the intense blue color

and surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. dirt road narrows and becomes a pathway

of sky and sea. To either side, guardian-

The traveler begins the journey without

of white sand that can only be traversed

like mogotes of red limestone frame the

luggage, with a small vehicle transporting

on foot. From that point, the visitor follows

painting of the horizon line. To the right

them to the Cabo Rojo Retreat. The

the beach’s edge to a path that leads

is the lighthouse, and, to the left, the

usual stay is one month, and as the small

directly to the entry pavilion of the retreat.

mogote seems to rise from the landscape,

vehicle starts down the dirt road, the

untouched by human hands. Moving

driver explains the history of the peninsula,

towards the end of the beach a small path

and the importance of the salt flats, the

emerges, winding up the mound, through

vegetation, and the wildlife. Gradually, all

the vegetation and ultimately arriving

of the buildings vanish and the travelers

at an entry pavilion that simultaneously

enter the reserve; the remnants of and old

protrudes from the landscape and blends

metal footbridge are the only infrastructure

with the natural elements surrounding it.

68

Entry Pavilion

A curved wall guides the visitor to the entrance, up a gentle ramp and with the everincreasing sound of water as a way finder, ushers the guest into the arrival pavilion. The surface of the wall glimmer with the crystals and spray of falling water, which rushes over the face of the wall and flows below the ascending ramp, leaving the unforgettably tactile feeling of being cleansed and purified.

At the top of the ramp, the view expands to a 360 degree breath-taking panorama of the surrounding landscape, and the winding path that leads to this remote coastal retreat.

Opposite Fig. 6.2

69

70

71

Fig. 6.4

Fig. 6.5

Opposite Fig. 6.3

72

Living Quarters

After checking in, the visitor is guided to a bohio, the living quarters at the retreat where the guest resides for the next 30 days. Clustered in groups of five and named after the living quarters of the natives Indians of the island, the bohios each have individual entrances and serve as a personal haven and get away. Each unit has an unobstructed view to the ocean with privacy from adjacent units.

Opposite Fig. 6.6

73

74

75

Fig. 6.8

Fig. 6.9

Opposite Fig. 6.7

76

Dining Room

77

The pathway from the bohios leads down

the outcomes that they are striving for,

to the dining room and is engulfed with

and as dinner is served, the great ball of

panoramic views of the site. The dining

fire that is the setting sun slowly slips below

room, which serves as the communal

the horizon of the sea, followed by the

space, is situated on the western side

fleeting image of a green flash.With each

of the bluff; it offers an inviting and

experience that is ignored in everyday

comfortable space for people to gather,

life surrounded by high technology, one is

share meals, and communicate thoughts of

made acutely aware that time is fleeting

excitement, expectation, and experience.

and human beings are in a constant state

It is a place to find common ground in the

of movement in this fourth dimension.

adventures that guests are seeking, and

Opposite Fig. 6.10

78

79

Fig. 6.12

Fig. 6.13

Opposite Fig. 6.11

80

Sacred Space

As the visitor’s stay comes to an end,

path. The pathway enters a space that

reminders

of

forms a viewing window that frames the

guest

vestiges of a charred tree. During its lifetime,

realizes that the moments spent alone in

the tree was sculpted by the wind. The

reflection were in no way lonely, and in

tree is a memorial to the destruction that

many ways immeasurably enriched their

engulfed and destroyed this place that

own self-knowledge and life perspective.

once teemed with so much life. Now, this

The stay at the retreat culminates in the

charred wooden sculpture is reminiscent

sacred space that is perched on the edge

of the limited time all humans have on

of the rock. On the approach to it, one is

this earth, as the panorama of landscape

given a challenge: to take the path that

surrounding it rushes out with the fullness

leads to the extreme edge of the precipice.

of life. The path moves closer to the end.

experiences

of

the

rich

resurface,

spectrum

and

the

Before accepting that challenge, the participant is encouraged to take another 81

Opposite Fig. 6.14

82

83

Fig. 6.15

84

85

A semi-circular space allows for the vast

reaches for spirituality and challenges one to

landscape

architecture,

go beyond the limited dimensions of human

reminding one of how minuscule the human

existence. Finally, one feels confident to take

is in comparison to the vast expanses of the

the challenge and to walk at the edge of

world beyond. It is this space, this hallowed

the precipice. The mind feels a connection

ground that connects the human spirit with

with body and heart; mind, body and

the sky above and grounds the human

spirit are regained and reimagined. As

existence into the earth. The place clarifies

one reaches the end of the path of

an understanding of the strong connection

challenge, a oneness with the sky, earth

between planet earth and the vastness

and sea is achieved. There is nothing in the

of heavens beyond. As the earth grounds

surround but natural elements, the perfect

and reinforces the physical being, the sky

architecture by the most perfect architect.

to

become

Fig. 6.16

Fig. 6.17

86

Temporary Spaces

Reflection and contemplation happen in many forms. Sometimes it is important to have an inner process and address the individual. Other times this process happens outward and we reflect on others and the things around us. Through the meandering paths, a series of temporary spaces are erected. Done by invited artists, the natural aspect of the spaces allows them to weather and erode returning the natural materials to the earth. These spaces vary in shape form and function. While some might emphasize a breathtaking view others might promote a silent and inward oriented meditation. The visitor is able to experience the spaces as well as help in the construction also

87

serving

as

a

meditative

process.

Fig. 6.18

Fig. 6.19

Patrick Doughtery

Andy Goldsworthy

Chris Drury

The twig and branch structure provide

The earth dome provides a space to

The stone dome opens up to the

a

meditate, pray or contemplate internally.

heavens above, contemplating

will

natural

shaded

weather

into

space the

that

slowly

landscape.

Fig. 6.20

the

vast

universe

above.

88

Fig. 6.21

89

One Last Purification

As the day ends, one make a way from

limestone cliffs of the mogote that wrapped

the bohio down to the shore, eventually

them in its arms and wove together the

reaching the shore. There the visitor steps

parts of the human being that were once

into the warm Caribbean water and walks

fragmented. Looking westward as the sun

the path to the submerged platform; the

slides slowly into the sea, the mind retrieves

water reminds one of the first arrival to the

recollections of every moment here, and

retreat, the ascension of the ramp that seem

the growth and the change that triumphed

to purify with the falling water. Completing

over fragmentation, confusion and the

a full circle, the visitor ends the experience

feeling

with a final purification to prepare for the

again, the visitor prepares to recommence

return to everyday life, and a new life that

life in a different way. Looking to the

implements practices that have been lived

vanishing sun, the visitor feels a tangible

over the past month. A boat approaches.

excitement in the possibilities of a life where

This is the visitor’s final experience. As the

the mental, physical and spiritual coexist in

sun sets in the west, one reflects on their

harmony within the human that is being.

of

being

overwhelmed.

Once

home for the past month, not the bohio or the dining room, but the magnificent red 90

Continuing into the Future

Due to the nature of the site as a wild

with the rising and setting sun; the charred

life preserve, its history and its future, the

remains of the tree reflect the destruction

structures created needed to embrace

inflicted by the great fire that consumed

the landscape and touch lightly on the

and destroyed so much of the site. Nothing

land. Natural materials such as wood and

in the physical world remains indefinitely.

rammed earth walls tie the architecture

Everything is in a constant state of flux. In a

to the surrounding natural landscape,

split-second, all of life can come to a sudden

providing the possibility for disassembly

end. The retreat will receive visitors for five

without disrupting the natural re of the area.

years, but beyond that interval of time,

Sustainable strategies such as solar energy,

it will abruptly cease to exist. Temporary

solar water heaters, water desalinization and

structures will be removed. Installations

decomposing sewage systems help maintain

and spaces constructed by invited artists

the site to remain as untouched as possible.

will deteriorate, weather, erode, and meld into the landscape. The Modular Living

91

Though the intention of the retreat is

Quarters, the Dining Room and service

to transform a way of thinking by the

spaces will be disassembled and removed.

experience of a life-changing journey, the

Each day that the visitor engages with the

facility is also purposely designed to reflect

retreat, they will be reminded of the rapidly

the transient, ever-changing quality of life.

advancing end of being able to come here.

The visitor is reminded of life’s fleeting quality

Opposite Fig. 6.22

Two structures will remain as vestiges of the

Eventually, nature will be the victor in seizing

place that drew visitors to embark on a

back the landscape and transforming it into

spiritual journey in this remote and beautiful

a place that is teeming with life. Though the

place. The first, the Entry Pavilion, will offer

retreat will end, the experiences will live on

an umbrella of shade and respite from

in the people that experienced this place,

the heat. It will welcome all who enter its

and the stories that they tell. In the future,

ascending ramp to experience this poignant

the man-made structures will vanish, but the

allegory of life that is the nature of the land.

unforgettable experience of understanding

The Sacred Space will remain, continuously

life’s

creating a sense of place, exuding an all-

regenerative

fragility,

transient

qualities,

powers

will

and

remain.

embracing understanding of the vastness of the universe that surrounds planet Earth.

92

Fig. 6.23

93

Fig. 6.24

94

Appendix:Final Exhibition

Fig. 7.0

95

Fig. 7.1

96

97

Starting out with a completely different

quickly. The driving force of this thesis has

project created the opportunity for a

been my personal experiences and the

self-guided journey of my own. Realizing

places I have visited. With different cultures,

what I am truly passionate about, I was

practices and traditions in mind, I tried

able to change my topic into one that I

creating an architecture project that was

am completely invested in. This thesis is a

equally as universal as the problem. I hope

reflection of me as designer, a person and

to have created a project that in more

a human being. With it my intent was to

than one way helps lessen this problem.

bring to light a problem that, although a

Thought the temporary aspect of the

universal one, it is not address many times.

project will not let the physical structures

Taking on the challenge I sent out to try to

last forever, I hope to have created a place

lessen this problem. Like many this is not a

and experiences that will last forever in the

problem that can be solved easily and

visitors and the people they share it with.

Conclusion 98

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