I mentioned Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. Here he talks about the aims of his architecture: "this singular density and mood, this feeling of presence, well-being, harmony, beauty under whose spell I experience what I otherwise would not experience in precisely this way." In short, enchantment. Zumthor's severe Therme Vals, a thermal spa in Switzerland, for which he was recently awarded the Priztker Prize, comes as close to a contemporary version of the singular density, well-being, harmony and beauty of monastic architecture as any that I can think of.
Above, a corridor in San Marco. The rafters of the roof float above the dormitory cells like a giant wooden umbrella.
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