Monastery Chapel in Catskill Mts.The Monastery of Bethlehem is set amidst the Catskill Mountains of New York State. It is home to an order of cloistered nuns, who devote themselves in solitude to a life of prayer. The Monastery serves as a retreat open to anyone seeking serenity, prayer, and contemplation. Only the Sisters and the Celebrant occupy the nave of the chapel, and visitors observe the Mass and hear the Sisters' choir from the balcony above. The Burley Partnership designed the Sisters' Chapel in conformance with the Romanesque format of the Order. A large portion of the sisters' day is devoted to singing. Therefore, acoustics would be of paramount importance. Proportioning the space and utilizing high density materials in the wood frame-heavy timber structure produced an acoustic environment of exceptional quality. Simple furnishings, a sparing use of stone, and a half-dome of ceramic tile complete the apse. |
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