The historic landscape of this former abbey, once centered around water and agriculture, is celebrated and adapted to contemporary uses

The abbey, revived and redesigned around its complex layers of history, now provides a collection of varied community spaces. Swaths of hardscape incorporate water features, while seamlessly blending in with the historical layout of the abbey. A gravity-fed water system — the oldest in the abbey, dating from its founding in the 12th century — is preserved. Water is the central element in our project, emerging in watercourses, irrigation trenches, and pools. These water features flow alongside visitors, all while celebrating the architectural heritage of the site. A network of pathways and waterways defines and structures the space. The network of pathways is intentionally minimalist in order to streamline visitor flow and highlight the historic architecture. This clear spatial design accentuates lines of sight and enhances symmetrical features. The Courtyards and Gardens feature an impressive array of design styles, ranging from vast, open lawns to lush botanical gardens. At the Great Cloister (Grand Cloître), the understated landscape is designed to allow the surrounding architectural heritage to shine. The resulting, large lawn forms a welcoming space perfect for a wide variety of uses. A perimeter pathway framing the lawn highlights the base of the building.In the Small Cloister (Petit Cloître), a more intimate space, the historical landscape is restored. Here, the central garden, with its wide variety of species, is more botanical, experimental, and even medicinal.