Architecture of Ineloquence

Set on a hillside near Cluny in a region associated with religious institutions and sacred architecture (including Le Corbusier's La Tourette) Le Carmel de la Paix designed by José Luis Sert remains tranquilly unvisited and quietly erased from architectural history. Why? This unusual convent falls outside the standard categories of Sert's architecture and has been overlooked in most publications about his work. As J.K. Birksted explains the design and construction process for this building proved nightmarish resulting in a building which at first sight appears to be 'ineloquent'. This first detailed examination of this building shows how the convent and the story of its creation offer valuable and important new insights into Sert his architecture and his life. However the study also opens up discussions on wider subjects such as the relationships between modernist architecture and ecclesiastical architecture. The design and construction of the Carmel de la Paix (1968-1972) followed the Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican (1962-1965) which introduced fundamental changes and proposals for renewing the relationship between the Church and the changing modern world and the convent provides an interesting illustration of this period. In addition it offers insights into the fascinating world of the Carmelite order and its specific liturgical requirements and reflecting on the nuns' active involvement in the design and construction process it also explores wider issues of women in architecture.