The Physical Layout of the Monastery Buildings

Saint Teresa of Jesus wanted simplicity in her monasteries. The physical layout should foster prayer, silence, and solitude.

	Main building “…You are to eat whatever may have been given to you in a common refectory….” “…An oratory should be built as conveniently as possible among the cells….” - The Rule of Saint Albert This building includes the following areas: ▪ Entrance and visiting rooms ▪ Chapel / Sacristy ▪ Nuns’ Choir ▪ Prioress’ office ▪ Dining room and kitchen ▪ Infirmary room ▪ Recreation room
	Laundry Building (on the left) “The Apostle would have us keep silence, for in silence he tells us to work.” - The Rule of Saint Albert This building includes the following areas: ▪ The laundry and folding room ▪ Archive ▪ Sewing department ▪ Altar bread department  Annex (on the right) “…Each of you is to have a separate cell…” - The Rule of Saint Albert This building includes the Nuns’ cells (Nuns’ individual rooms – desk, wardrobe, bed, and sink)
	Residence “If it is necessary because of the extremely secluded life you live to have a stretch of land (and this even helps prayer and devotion) with some hermitages where you can withdraw to pray, well and good.” -St. Teresa of Jesus, The Way of Perfection, Ch 2, para 9 This building includes the following areas: ▪ Library ▪ Recreation room ▪ Hermitage ▪ Guest house (for retreat masters and family members)