Roosenberg Abbey, Benedictine monastery in Waasmunster, Belgium
Roosenberg Abbey is a Benedictine monastery featuring an octagonal church with carefully positioned windows that fill the interior with natural light. The buildings contain spaces for prayer, study, and community work, all connected by simple hallways and courtyards.
This monastery was founded in 1238 but moved to different locations multiple times because of damage and conflict. The current building dates to 1975, when it was completely redesigned and reconstructed by architect Dom Hans van der Laan.
The name comes from the monks who settled here centuries ago, and you can still see how the layout supports their daily routines and practices. Walking through the spaces, visitors notice how everything is arranged to encourage both community and reflection.
The monastery now functions as a study and conference center run by KU Leuven, focusing on architecture, meaning, and art. Visitors should check in advance about access, as the space is actively used for research and events.
The architect designed the entire complex using a mathematical ratio called the Plastic Number, which governs every dimension from walls to furniture. This creates an underlying harmony in the building that few visitors initially notice but becomes evident when you look closely.
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