Baldegg Convent in Lucerne’s Seetal valley is looking for a way forward - also with the help of Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts: it is supporting the nuns in their transformation. As part of the project, the publication "Im Kloster Baldegg - Klösterliches Leben in einem Bau von Marcel Breuer" has now been published.
The renowned Bauhaus architect Marcel Breuer (1902-1981) created an architectural jewel with the Baldegg Convent: Breuer was commissioned by the Baldegg community of sisters to design a modern monastery complex in the Lucerne Seetal. The new building was opened in 1972. With its striking volumes and careful concrete and stone design, it is considered one of the most important sacred buildings in Switzerland.
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and Baldegg Convent are paying tribute to this pioneering architectural achievement in a joint publication. The 360-page volume pays particular attention to the interplay between the architecture and the spirituality lived by the sisters, the furniture by Breuer and the artistic decoration of the convent. In addition to experts from the HSLU, the Baldegg sisters themselves also have their say.
The richly illustrated volume also shows unpublished building plans for the first time as well as historical photographs of the construction phase and the collaboration between architect Marcel Breuer and the Baldegg Sisters. A photo essay by photographer Jürgen Beck complements the material.
The publication shows current and historical photographs, such as this photo by Marcel Breuer and Sister Basilda Umbricht.
HSLU accompanies new beginning of the monasteries
The publication is part of the "Sacred Landscape of Central Switzerland Platform" project launched by Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts in 2022. "The sacred landscape of Central Switzerland is a cultural heritage of global significance," says project manager Gabriela Christen, researcher at HSLU and Head of Strategy & Transformation at Baldegg Abbey. At the same time, the monasteries there - including Baldegg - are facing major challenges: "They are suffering from ageing. Today’s monastic life will in all likelihood come to an end in the next few decades."
The HSLU therefore accompanies and supports the monasteries with the platform in the upcoming transformation processes and works with them to find ways into the future. According to Gabriela Christen, two topics have emerged:
- The development of new and innovative educational formats against the backdrop of the digital transformation: These formats could be derived from the tradition and knowledge of the community life of monasteries and their sustainable use of natural resources.
Supporting the transformation processes of monasteries from the perspectives of building culture, regional planning and sustainable tourism. There is already a concrete project here with "Island Dreams": the plan is to convert the "Stella Matutina" educational building on the Hertenstein peninsula, which belongs to the Baldegg monastery, into a hostel.
Gabriela Christen: "In this sense, our new publication also sees itself as a contribution to this transformation." The different perspectives and views of Baldegg are intended to help create a new understanding of what a monastery is, what monasteries once were and what they could become in the future.
Vernissages "Im Kloster Baldegg"
The publication "Im Kloster Baldegg - Klösterliches Leben in einem Bau von Marcel Breuer" is published by the HSLU together with Baldegg Monastery. It will be published by Scheidegger & Spiess on November 12, 2024. The volume will be presented to the public at two vernissages:
Bookshop "Never Stop Reading"
November 22, 2024, 7 pm
Spiegelgasse 18 / Lower Fences
8001 Zurich
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Engineering & Architecture
December 5, 2024, 6:30 p.m.
Foyer Mädersaal, Wing IV
Technikumstrasse 21, 6048 Horw
Review copies
Review copies can be obtained directly from the publisher.
