Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Insight Meditation Society Barre, Mass.


The Thai buddha is flanked by roses in celebration of the ten year anniversary of The Forest Refuge, the meditation retreat which is part of IMS designed by David and his office ten years ago.


Buddhist monks ("the Venerable") blessed those who were gathered and the building by chanting, anointing all with water. We circled the building, chanting.  How many architects have had this kind of celebration of their work?  Many who have sat meditation here say it is unlike any place they have been. Very serene. Monks and teachers from all over the world come to stay for up to a year. It was very moving to be there and see how warmly everyone greeted David, the architect. They are so grateful for his work. This project was the brain child of Joseph Goldstein who is a leader in the field of Insight Meditation in this country. He and David worked very closely on this project. Seeing them together was like seeing old friends. The project had been very collaborative, with all the ups and downs that go with that! 



Below is the final part of the project. It is a dorm for the Insight Meditation Society where retreats last a few days or a few weeks but are separate from the Forest Refuge above. David had a chance to see the design he had done years ago taking shape. The challenge of this project was joining a new building with an existing building. 




Above, David with the builder (who does great work!)  I must admit I miss crawling around construction sites. This is the last project that has worked its way through David's former office that he had a hand in designing.

Check out this wonderful place. The Forest Refuge.

3 comments:

don said...

Wonderful view into a different world. Congratulations to David for being able to "see", "feel" the client's needs. Also, respectful that the design placed the head of the Buddah image just above those of the viewers (this is important!).

Eliza said...

Really amazing, Dad. So impressed by the work out in the world that he has created. What an incredible way to see the results of a successful career!!! I want to visit TFR someday with him.

Ruth Lizotte said...

Barb, this is a lovely piece honoring the skillful work David has done...about which he rarely speaks and would never toot his own horn. Your great respect for the architect shines brightly in this post.