The Catholic City

A Vision of Peace and Worship:
A Narrative of a Catholic City

for Our Times
“Neque enim est ulla res,

in qua propius ad deorum numen
virtus accedat humana,
quam civitatis aut condere novas
aut conservare iam conditas.”
(“For there is really no other occupation

in which human virtue approaches
more closely the august function of the gods than
that of founding new cities
or preserving those already in existence.”)
Cicero, De Re Publica, Book I, VII, paragr. 12.
Prepared by: assisted by conversations with

hemmler + camayd architects
members of the Society of Saint John and inspired by the
substance of its Founding Document
Table of Contents
Introduction..........................................................................................................................5
Perfect and Imperfect Societies.......................................................................................6
The Practical Need to Found Cities, Not Country Clubs.................................................6
The Church’s Power of Substitution................................................................................7
The Idea of City in the Greco-Roman-Christian Tradition.............................................7
Historical References for Town Planning........................................................................7
The Concept of Organic Order........................................................................................8
Criteria for Successful Planning......................................................................................8
Spiritual........................................................................................................................8
Cultural........................................................................................................................8
Educational..................................................................................................................9
Aesthetic......................................................................................................................9
Social-Economic........................................................................................................10
Natural and Ecological..............................................................................................10
Infrastructure..............................................................................................................11
Chapter One: The City.......................................................................................................12
Introduction....................................................................................................................12
Aesthetics and Quality...................................................................................................13
The Religious District (see chapters 2-4)......................................................................13
The Educational District (see chapter 5).......................................................................13
The Civic District..........................................................................................................13
The Business District.....................................................................................................14
The Residential Quarters...............................................................................................14
Cultivated Fields............................................................................................................14
Recreational Parks.........................................................................................................14
Community Infrastructure.............................................................................................14
Quantitative Program.....................................................................................................15
Chapter Two: The Church.................................................................................................17
Introduction....................................................................................................................17
3
Chapter Three: The Priory.................................................................................................20
Introduction....................................................................................................................20
The Priory......................................................................................................................20
Central Government.......................................................................................................22
Structure of the Central Government.............................................................................23
Structure of the House Government..............................................................................23
Chapter Four: The Friary and the Retreat House...............................................................26
Introduction....................................................................................................................26
The Friary......................................................................................................................26
The Retreat House.........................................................................................................27
Chapter Five: Education....................................................................................................29
Introduction....................................................................................................................29
Elementary School (6-8 years old)............................................................................29
Middle School (9 to 15 years old).............................................................................29
High School (16 to 18 years old)...............................................................................30
University Studies......................................................................................................30
The Library....................................................................................................................31
Elementary School.....................................................................................................31
The Middle Schools...................................................................................................32
High School...............................................................................................................33
The College................................................................................................................33
Conclusion: Scope of the Endeavor...................................................................................36
Quantitative Summary...................................................................................................36
4
Introduction
One of the fundamental claims set forth in the Founding Document of the Society of
Saint John is that, generally speaking, the modern lifestyle is not a propitious
environment for a sane and Catholic life. Hence the proposal of the Society to create
“Catholic cities” centered on the solemn worship of the Church. These cities would serve
as the context and frame of a life of worship and, built in the best of our architectonic
tradition, they should also offer a clear solution to the demands of modern life. In these
cities contemporary man would find the right setting where he may restore his
relationship with the sources of traditional wisdom, and thus have the means to be
strengthened in his mission of “restoring all things in Christ.”
This Program Statement concerns itself with the general aspects of the first city which the
Society of Saint John is to found. It is therefore appropriate to consider this document
and its recommendations as a conceptual blueprint for an integrated whole: the city and
the desirable correlation between its major components: religious, educational, civic,
residential, and open spaces. The first chapter addresses the city in its entirety, while
subsequent chapters describe each of the parts in detail.
The realization of this vision, including its physical, social, cultural, and aesthetic
character, may take an indeterminate amount of time, perhaps even more than one
generation. Therefore, it becomes necessary to establish sound, defensible planning goals
that may be achieved through flexible strategies over time. The implementation of the
ideas contained herein must, in all cases, respond to the opportunities and limitations of
the selected site. Finally, the realization of the plan may need to adapt to changing
priorities dictated not by logic or preference, but rather by the limitations imposed by the
available financial resources.
Above all, the conceptual vision of the city must become, in all its aspects, a fertile soil
for the fulfillment of the Society of Saint John’s mission. Salient among other tenets of
the Society of Saint John is the concept of “ressourcement” or “return to the sources.”
This return to the sources means “going back to and renewing our understanding of the
sources through which we access the life of God.” The renewed understanding should
also seek “to make Catholic tradition alive in our time.” The city is thus fundamentally
conceived as the propitious environment where the living experience of the sources of
our culture takes place in our modern circumstances. If the sources are the “text” of
which one seeks a new understanding, then the city would be a kind of living “context,”
or frame where the understanding of the Christian mystery can fully occur.
Besides, as the city, or better the social life therein, is itself considered to be an important
“source,” so will the study of the Greco-Roman-Christian architectonic tradition be of the
utmost importance. We have to renew our understanding of the urban architectonic
tradition handed down to us through the ages. Going beyond the idea of
“ressourcement,” the Founding Document states that “besides going back in order to gain
a better understanding of our tradition, we must also, while remaining absolutely faithful
to the substance of that tradition, adapt its wisdom to the circumstances of the present
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under the light of its true unchanging principles.” This entails the need to confront the
social and urban problems of the present with the principles of traditional wisdom. Thus
it is that our planning should not only produce a genuinely traditional city, but also a
model city for the present and, in the measure of the possible, for the future.
As we jointly plan the vision for the city, we must keep at the forefront of our thought the
fundamental concept of “tradition understood.” We must avert ... “the capricious
imitation of archaic customs, but rather”... pursue... “a realistic emulation of Catholic
models, which are relevant to the present because of their intrinsic excellence.”
In order to promote the international and Catholic character of this endeavor, we shall
seek the participation of architects and experts from other cultures and backgrounds to
enrich the common project.
Perfect and Imperfect Societies

The distinction between “perfect” and “imperfect” society is of capital importance to
understand the fittingness and even need of cities. Perfect and imperfect qualify a society
as to its capacity to provide for all the needs of its members in a given realm. Thus, in
the natural order, only the State (the city, for the ancients) can cover the whole spectrum
of necessities of its inhabitants: physical, educational, social, economic, etc. In the
supernatural order, only the Church has all the means necessary to attain eternal
beatitude. All other societies and institutions provide under the State or the Church for
some particular aspect of life. The family, more concretely, although the first cell of
society, is itself an imperfect society in need of the State and the Church to fulfill its
mission.
The crisis affecting civil and ecclesiastical society makes the work of other institutions
(like families, apostolates, schools, businesses, etc.) increasingly difficult. Imperfect or
intermediate societies, though, cannot perform properly without the support and help of
the State and the Church. It would be easy to illustrate this point with many examples. It
is because of this that we propose to build small cities where the suitable conditions for a
fuller life can be found. For the apostolic work of the Society of Saint John to be
successful and lasting, a holistic and all-encompassing approach is needed: our struggle is
a struggle for the whole.
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The Practical Need to Found Cities, Not Country Clubs
Up until recently, most people have faced contemporary problems by leaving the inner
cities and developing extensively suburbia and country clubs. Security, comfort, social
life, ecology, are but a few of the needs that have prompted this exodus. Something
similar to this phenomenon took place with the crisis of the Roman Empire. As the
deterioration of the social tissue continues, however, this type of solution becomes
insufficient. Hence, there has been of late a new approach. Neo-traditional types of
urbanizations are currently taking place all over the US. Suburbs or country clubs are
incomplete answers that tend to induce a “ghetto” mentality—if not superficiality,
consumerism, and social irresponsibility. We want to develop urbanizations that, because
of their size and proportions, can become “small cities” where all can find what they need
for a good social and family life. Placed near bigger urban centers, they should allow for
an intense and fruitful social, economic, cultural and spiritual interaction.
What has been said thus far indicates the scale of this project: something big enough to be
a city in the sense of the ancients, yet small enough to be human, ecologically efficient,
and adapted to socio-economic circumstances.
The Church’s Power of Substitution

When either the State or individual families fail to fulfill some of their proper functions,
the Church often meets these needs in order to assure the efficacy of her apostolic
ministry, that is, what is specifically her mission. Don Bosco, for example, carried out a
great deal of social work on behalf of Turin’s youth so that he could better preach to them
the Gospel. The Church does not hesitate to provide a spare wheel so that the journey to
heaven might continue on this earth.
In this line of ecclesial tradition, the Society of Saint John will promote the formation of
urban developments that will be true “cities” for modern man. This, the Society believes,
has become a “must” in order to ensure an integral and complete evangelization of both
its clergy and its faithful.
Insofar as the role of the Society is one of substitution, its direct involvement with the
city should be provisory. As soon as the laity is ready to run and direct this enterprise, it
must do so. In brief, if the Society of Saint John wants to be the occasion for the city, it
does not want to either own it or manage it. That is the task of its future citizens.
The Idea of City in the Greco-Roman-Christian Tradition

A city is not primarily something ordered to the economic subsistence or progress of its
inhabitants. Even less is it a sort of necessary evil that should be limited as far as
possible to secure the freedom of individuals. On the other hand, it is not a totalitarian
reality that has to control every aspect of the life of its citizens, who become mere pieces
in a grand machine.
The ancients understood that man could not reach human happiness without the city,
without a natural and a supernatural community. The city was conceived as the physical
and social environment where man receives all that he needs to develop his qualities and
to enter in full communion not only with the human order, but with the cosmic and divine
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order as well. It is in the city where man finds his home, his church, his school and
college, his marketplace, and his playground. Ancient architecture signified clearly these
vertical and horizontal relationships through buildings and spatial organization, already
from the first moment of a city’s foundation (cf. foundation of Rome).
Historical References for Town Planning

As planners and architects, we must judiciously and deliberately make reference to and
build on appropriate time-tested historical models found throughout all ages, as long as
those reflect the intrinsic values of the Society of Saint John and its mission. Some
precedents come to mind: the Abbey of St. Gall, ca. 800 AD, representing the first,
though unrealized, plan for a religious community of its kind. The plan of St. Gall served
as an inspiration for many medieval monasteries throughout Europe. Many valid
examples of historical precedents may be found in the Romanesque, Gothic, and
Classical styles which are widely recognized for both their clarity of spatial conception
and the intrinsic honesty of the use of materials and means of construction that
characterizes their form. Similarly, some modern examples, such as the work of Eliel
Saarinen, successfully emulate the best aspects of architectural tradition while avoiding
the non-essential trappings of style.
The Concept of Organic Order

As suggested by Eliel Saarinen’s, The City, Its Growth, Its Decay, Its Future, the art of
town planning must be founded on the principle of “organic order.” More specifically,
the city or town is analogous to a healthy living organism, where “the existence of
individual cells and correlation of these cells create cellular tissue.” Mr. Saarinen goes on
to identify the medieval town as a truly functional organism. The plan of medieval towns
such as Udine and Verona in Italy, among many others, exemplifies the organic growth
process in response to the contemporary needs of defense, transportation, and the
social/cultural values of those communities. The unity of design that characterizes Sienna
and Urbino attracts millions of tourists and scholars who delight in the
Medieval/Renaissance conception of urban space. In Florence, for example, one cannot
fail to sense the majesty of particular structures such as the Palazzo Vecchio, the Loggia
dei Lanzi, and the Uffizzi Galleries. Yet it is the correlation of these buildings that yields
the unforgettable Piazza Della Signoria. In this particular case, each element of the
composition fulfills its own purpose in its own style. The wisdom of the medieval town
planner resides in an innate understanding of the concept of organic order. The genius of
the Renaissance town planner is revealed in the careful insertion of “perfect” geometrical
order at critical points in the medieval town plan.
Criteria for Successful Planning

The organic conception of this new Catholic city suggests its inclusive nature and the
overarching concern to embrace all who seek its way of life. To be truly successful in its
Catholic mission of providing for the common good, the city must satisfy a complex set
of criteria that extend from the sublime to the mundane. Those include: spiritual, cultural,
educational, aesthetic, socio-economic, and ecological requirements.
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Spiritual
The city should be the sphere where the human, the cosmic, and the divine orders
interrelate. Its architecture must give articulation and expression to these different orders.
In addition, it must reflect the mission of the Society of Saint John and promote, through
its inspired setting, each member’s quest for spiritual fulfillment. The church and its
ancillary structures will serve as the spiritual focus of the community, symbolizing the
highest authority, i.e. the supreme knowledge of reality, leading all to the divine truth.
Here the liturgy, and, in particular, the solemn Sacrifice of the Mass, will provide the
fundamental nourishment of the spiritual life, at once the root from which all else springs
and the crowning of all endeavors. The community also aims to reestablish opportunities
for communion with nature in all of its manifestations, from the undisturbed field/forest
to expansive lawns to intimate flower and herb gardens. Beyond communion with the
surrounding environment, the planning will seek a conscious and symbolic insertion of
this small community in the great community of the universe and, ultimately, of the
angelic and divine worlds.
Cultural
The planning will take into account the importance of beauty as the expression of truth
and goodness. More concretely, the community will recognize the importance of the
“musical” arts in the Catholic foundation and spiritual development of individuals.
Schools and workshops will be constructed to teach the fine arts and handcrafts in the
service of the community. Music, painting, poetry, sculpture, etc. will become an integral
part of the community, enriching its cultural life. The handcrafts—fine carpentry, iron
making, gardening, etc.—will assist the actual shaping and building of the community.
The quest for beauty should not be confused, though, with aestheticism or luxury.
Being located in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the integration of Western architectonic
traditions should also include American colonial models and the developments of the
neo-traditional urban movement in the US.
Educational
The concept of a community in “search for truth” has many historical precedents. The
Platonic Academy, the Aristotelian Lyceum, Hadrian’s Villa, medieval monasteries and
universities are but few examples.
The city should have a complete education system both classical and contemporary that
should be characterized by its excellence. This program will combine methods of
antiquity with modern developmental psychology through a curriculum that extends from
childhood through college and beyond. It is intended that each academic institution be “a
true community of teachers, parents and students.” The Society will provide chaplaincy
services, but it should neither own nor manage these institutions, unless insofar as they
are houses of formation for its members.
Generally speaking, the following principles will characterize this type of education: the
study of the sources, that is, of the original texts shall be preferred to the use of manuals
or second-generation literature. Dialogue as the means to reach objective truth shall be
encouraged at all levels, according to the ability of the students. Small classes of
approximately twelve students will ensure the feasibility of this method. Latin should
9
gradually become the scholastic language. The reading and study of the Scriptures will
be integrated at all levels, beginning with a first reading of the Bible as “story.” The
whole education shall be centered on the liturgy, preparing for and culminating in the
mystery of worship.
Aesthetic
Beauty in the city must be achieved through the sincere and honest interpretation of the
essential values of the community. Its physical character must therefore project the clarity
of purpose for each individual structure. Buildings are to be sensitively designed to bring
about pleasing results. Consistent with the aforementioned respect and love of Creation,
the use of natural materials, such as stone, brick, clay tiles, wood and selected metals
such as copper and iron, will result in durable, permanent structures. Clear or stained
glass will play an important role in controlling desirable levels of natural light and, when
appropriate, help achieve the integration of interior and exterior spaces. Aesthetics must
also include the correlation of all structures to each other in terms of human scale and
proportions to achieve a subtle, integrated atmosphere that must be sensed at a
subconscious level. This concept must extend beyond the built forms, just as importantly
to the shape and character of the resulting open spaces. These important “outdoor rooms”
must also reflect the hierarchy of community order, from the public piazzas and
courtyards to pedestrian streets and private gardens.
Social-Economic
The city of two thousand souls is a microcosm of society at large. The community, in the
precise measure that be rooted in the Catholic faith, will be able to be open to all:
Catholics and non-Catholics, saints and sinners, the healthy and the sick, the affluent and
those of modest means, professionals and those who labor with their hands, the yet-to-
develop youth to working adults to those who have retired from active working life.
As for the civil buildings, the future township community should further determine them.
The size of the city as a social unit is dictated by the capacity of the church to house all of
its citizens for the celebration of the liturgical offices, and in particular the Sunday
celebration of Solemn Mass. The multiplication of masses and offices shall be avoided in
order to express better the visible unity of the worshiping community in the Faith, as well
as to ensure the high quality of liturgical functions.
The city must encourage salutary social exchange and respect the individuality of each
resident and the relative autonomy of each family. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize
the needs of all its residents. The conciliation of the typical American individualism and
isolationism with the sense of community and the primacy of the common good will be a
difficult but necessary task. In addition, the variety of people’s needs must be satisfied in
a variety of dwelling units: from the ascetic monastic cell to the home that meets all
requirements of family life. Centrally located, privately owned businesses will provide
services to the community at large. These may include hostels, inns, bookstores,
restaurants, cafes, laundries, etc. All businesses will be privately managed and operated.
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Natural and Ecological
The city concept must incorporate, to the extent possible, sensible design features and
systems that conserve and protect the environment. Starting with site planning
considerations, the city must adhere to sound planning principles regarding a higher
density of the built environment in order to preserve a balance of open space. The
contemporary design philosophy of Randall Arendt represents the most progressive
thinking along these lines. Pertaining to building design, the use of energy efficient
systems and the predominant utilization of renewable resources must be given priority
whenever possible. Development must be planned so as to reduce its adverse affect on
the environment. Recycling systems should include the extensive program of soil
improvement leading to the development of terraces where farming and pasturing can be
successful. The city must incorporate sound ecologic design principles if it is to serve as
a model community for the twenty-first century.
The technical care to respect the ecology and natural order of the environment must take
into consideration the proper relationships between man and nature. Indeed, the
ecological movement is somewhat compromised by a partially distorted understanding of
nature as a primitive state of purity. This is perhaps a consequence of the views of the
Romantic era. Nature, as St. Paul tells us, is laboring under sin until man will complete
in her the work of redemption.
St. Paul’s statement presupposes certain theological truths that might be useful to recall
here. In principle, man (and human society, therefore) is not inferior but superior to
nature. Better still, man is the higher part of physical nature (only the angels and God are
above him). His role from the beginning was to complete the work of God through his
own action, spiritualizing the physical realm by his intelligent activity. Agriculture was
thus conceived not so much as an economic activity but as the lifting up of nature to the
realm of the spirit. Man was to bring into nature the spiritual order perceived by his spirit,
while nature was to reward him with the fruits of the land.
The fall of man affected not only man but nature as well, insofar as nature is dependent
upon man. Fallen man, though, is in a sense worse off than nature, because he is affected
by moral evil (a direct consequence of his perverted choice), while nature is affected only
by physical evil (an indirect consequence of sin), i.e., sickness, deformity, etc. This is the
partial truth sensed by those who see in nature a more pure state than humanity.
The stewardship of man to the land, however altered by sin, is still active in the
relationship of man to nature. The solution is not a simple return to “pure” nature as we
know it, but the elevation of man, and through his action, of nature as well, into the order
of grace and of the risen and transfigured humanity of Christ. Christians are to usher in
the new age of Christ and raise the cosmos to the new levels of spirituality that the light
of grace has to offer. These are the principles of “Christian” ecology.
Infrastructure
As a functional organism, the city must incorporate modern and efficient infrastructural
systems for sewer, water, electrical power, and telecommunication distribution.
Transportation of residents, together with a wide range of community services, including
access of fire fighting equipment, will require the presence of motorized vehicles.
However, these requirements must not dominate, but rather be subservient to, the higher
11
goals of the city. A strong, vibrant community life centers around walking and bicycling
as the primary means of transportation.
Vehicular traffic is to be carefully controlled within designated zones where the presence
of parking lots, garages, refuse collection, and deliveries are discretely, but efficiently,
accomplished. Those same zones are ideally suited to the installation of a utility network
which can be easily accessed for maintenance and repair.
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Chapter One: The City
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Cultivated Fields Natural Park
Introduction
The city is composed of a dense weave of private and public buildings and designed open
spaces, all of which take advantage of a beautiful, natural setting. It is largely pedestrian
in nature, and focuses on the Church of the Society of St. John and related religious and
educational structures. Given the climate of Northeastern Pennsylvania and its naturally
hilly terrain, the scale of the city most likely should not exceed 2,000 feet in distance
from one extreme boundary to another, except for recreational trails and destination
points. Interaction with the car is to be handled with utmost care, and it is to be assumed
that most of the adult population of the city will own a car and wish to keep it sheltered
and very near to his or her residence. In addition, visitors to the Church, public areas of
the city and its residents will most likely arrive by car, need to park and then walk a
reasonably short distance to their ultimate destination. Services for the physically
13
disabled, such as wheelchairs, will be available. Also, service and safety vehicles will
need to access virtually every structure of the city. Therefore, initial thinking of the city
plan involves a ring road of which the various neighborhoods of the city are accessed
through service and parking areas. These areas could be treated primarily as green spaces
and would provide pedestrian access to compact areas of building that are linked by well-
developed pedestrian access ways.
Aesthetics and Quality

The city must reflect the values of the Society of St. John and express the concern for
materials, proportion and quality established for the entire development. An organic
approach and over-riding concern for honesty and simple beauty should allow for
considerable individual expression on the one hand, while creating cohesion on the other.
Consistent with the primacy of the communal over the private, the public spaces of the
city, the streets, walks, paths, covered walkways, squares and atria, are to be carefully
planned and designed. They should incorporate resting spaces and gathering places, for it
is in the pedestrian-oriented public realm that the contemporary American environment is
most notably lacking. The private dwelling spaces of the city should allow for great
variety, from the student garret to family homes of size and substance.
The Religious District (see chapters 2-4)

The Educational District (see chapter 5)
The Civic District
The civic district is envisioned as the interface between the church, priory, library and
educational complex and the business district. It has two distinct components: the town
square and the town hall. The town square should occur at the intersection of the major,
radial pedestrian arteries and the entry facade of the church atrium. It should not be
particularly grand or monumental, but well designed and of a human scale. It should be
designed to be an active space and should focus on a fountain that connects to the main
fountain at the church atrium. Reasonably close vehicular access is required as well, so
under-grade parking at this point is not unreasonable.
The town hall is desired as a square structure symbolizing the natural level through the
use of the number 4. It will be perfect in its proportions and details, and have a basin of
water that connects to the church and square fountains. During winter, this surface
should be used as a skating rink. The location of this building is to be strategically placed
in relation to the church and the town square.
A maintenance building will be most likely required. The type of community envisioned
requires diligent grounds keeping, street cleaning and sweeping, window washing, waste
removal, police and fire protection, and of course, snow and ice removal. A community
of 2,000 people would require a department of public works, and some office space
would be needed. Such a facility could be located peripherally off the ring road.
14
The Business District
The city is not necessarily foreseen as a regional shopping district, although it could
become that due to its uniqueness and quality. However, it is foreseen that the residents
of the city would not need to leave town for many of their necessary goods and services.
It is intended that there would be a variety of restaurants and coffee shops, storefronts
offering domestic staples, service vendors such as cleaners, barbers and beauticians, a
number of professional offices, and the availability of virtually any merchant, trades-
person or professional to conduct business in the city. This retail and office space would
be constructed around narrow pedestrian walkways, small civic squares and along
arcaded and glazed-over public areas. Above the offices and retail spaces would be
apartments for students and young, single people, and at more quiet locations, for the
elderly. These structures would require adequate service and easy access to public and
residential parking. The need is foreseen for at least two parking structures for
approximately 400 cars each. These structures need direct access to the city business
district.
The Residential Quarters

The residential structures should offer great variety. Alternatives and choices should
address the needs of individuals and families at various stages of their lives. Designs will
draw their inspiration from both European urban models and American precedents.
Some residences will be apartments above shops and businesses, some will be attached
town homes, some could be semi-attached and others will be free-standing homes in the
American tradition. It is envisioned that density can decrease with distance from the
town square and that paved courtyards and plazas will give way to green spaces and
yards. The concept of dividing the city into twelve neighborhoods of 160+ residents can
allow the city to grow incrementally, and possibly give each neighborhood a somewhat
different character, based on the mix of housing types, its distance from the town square,
and its response to any natural characteristics. To provide equity in housing, some
subsidy for worker and elderly housing will be required to ensure an income mix within
the city.
Cultivated Fields
Small gardens and farms should be developed beyond the residential quarters and the
parking and service areas.
Recreational Parks
Natural fields should be preserved beyond the religious and the educational districts, with
foot and bridle paths, resting areas, and wildlife.
Community Infrastructure
Pedestrian walkways, plazas and squares, service areas and parking structures have been
discussed, as well as the probability of a ring road and parking areas. A community on
the scale of the city requires significant infrastructure in terms of water, sewer, gas (if
possible), electricity, telephone, television and telecommunications. The assumption is
15
that all utilities will be underground, and most likely, it will be the utility lines that create
the structural framework of the town plan. Since the city will be created in an
undeveloped area, all utilities will need to be first brought to the city to then be
distributed. This costly aspect of development likely will require a significant front-end
capital investment.
In terms of vehicular access, the nature of the roads that serve the site are of importance.
Can they handle the additional traffic brought forth by the citizens and visitors to the
city? In addition to road access, there is street and walkway lighting, signage, street and
site furnishings, roadway and parking area landscaping, garden walls, screen walls, gates,
posts and fences. A network for fire suppression (hydrants) will be required.
The township or larger community within which the city is located will most likely
regulate some aspects of this part of the development.
Quantitative Program
Business District
Commercial space 100 @ 1,000 sq. ft. 100,000 sq. ft.
Paved walkways, courtyards @ 50% 50,000 sq. ft.
Covered atria @ 20% 20,000 sq. ft.
Service areas @ 30% 30,000 sq. ft.
Parking structures @ 800 cars 240,000 sq. ft.
Civic District
Town square 1 @ 10,000 sq. ft. 10,000 sq. ft.
Town hall
Meeting room 1 @ 6,000 sq. ft. 6,000 sq. ft.
Basement 1 @ 6,000 sq. ft. 6,000 sq. ft.
Circulation/toilet rooms @ 35% 4,200 sq. ft.
Maintenance/storage 1 @ 10,000 sq. ft. 10,000 sq. ft.
Residential Districts
Space per occupant 1800 @ 600 sq. ft. 1,080,000 sq. ft.
Parking
Open lot @ 300 cars 90,000 sq. ft.
Garages @ 300 cars 86,400 sq. ft.
Driveways @ 300 cars 36,000 sq. ft.
Paved pedestrian walkways @ 20% 216,000 sq. ft.
16
Developed green spaces @ 50% 540,000 sq. ft.
Protected natural features @ 30% 324,000 sq. ft.
Subtotal (construction) 1,532,600 sq. ft.

Probable ground coverage (assuming multi-story) 764,500 sq. ft.
Developed areas 1,316,000 sq. ft.
Total developed areas 2,080,500 sq. ft.
As a check, it was previously stated that the city should not exceed 2,000 ft. in any
dimension. As a circle with a radius of 1,000 ft., the allowable area for development
would be 3,140,000 sq. ft. Therefore, the programmed development of mostly two-story
space falls well within our guidelines for walkability. At a 50% density level, the narrow
pedestrian lanes and defined open spaces can be created, but also, about 50% of the
residential development can occur in a more green and open setting, as is the American
preference.
The church, priory and educational elements of the city are beyond these confines, and
could occupy the remaining quadrant of walkable area. It is intended that one side of
these elements will interact with the city and the opposite side will open upon the natural
environment. Only the ring road will encircle the city.
17
Chapter Two: The Church
Introduction
The church is the centerpiece and focal point of the community of the Society of St. John.
It will be scaled to hold the entire population of the religious community and the city—
approximately 2,000 people. The design of the church will draw from pre-Renaissance
precedents, following early Christian adaptations of the Roman basilica plan and
Romanesque variations. More concretely, the plan of the original basilica of St. Peter,
Rome, will be adopted. The church will open onto a courtyard or atrium that will be
arcaded and focused on a central fountain. The atrium will front the main civic square of
the city through means of an elevated podium. Incorporated into the front wall of the
atrium will be the baptistery, which will form a separate octagonal bell tower and house
an independent chapel for 10 to 15 people. The holy oils will be retained there. To the
left, entrance will be gained to the priory. Axial and beyond the atrium, the tri-part nave
of the church will seat the majority of the faithful. Transepts can be developed for
additional seating; the antiphonal choir will be located at the crossing. The sanctuary will
be elevated and contained in a triumphal apse beyond the choir. The sanctuary must be
able to accommodate up to 50 celebrants, ministers, and servers. The Eucharist shall be
reserved at the main altar of the crypt, which shall be easily accessed from the main altar
of the church and will be visible to the faithful from the main nave. Access to the crypt
church below can be gained at this point, as well as at the entrance to the church.
The crypt church is envisioned as a chapel for 100 to 200 people. It is to be surrounded
by 12 small chapels, each with its own altar and sacristy. The confessionals shall be
located in the crypt church. There shall be 10 to 15 confessionals, built-in, in the pre-
Vatican II manner and adapting the Latin design.
The main sacristy is to be a two-story space near the front of the church, Gospel side,
designed to serve up to 7 priests and 12 deacons. It can serve as the link between the
priory and the church. It shall have also rooms for storage, flower arrangement, cleaning,
and maintenance, as well as rooms for the minor ministers and servers.
The church is to incorporate four organs. The main organ and its chamber are to be
located in a loft above the entrance to the church.
The potential for balconies over the side aisles may provide for additional seating. Linear,
built-in benches along the side aisles have been requested.

As the focal point of the city, the church must be of appropriate scale and quality. As the
center of spiritual and community life, the structure should inspire awe and reaffirm the
importance of faith. In both plan and elevation, the church will exhibit three levels of
decoration; the earthly, the purgatorial and the triumphant. This being the case, the apse
will receive the most precious treatment. It is envisioned that the decoration of the
principal church will feature big mosaics, while the crypt will feature Romanesque type
18
frescoes. The main nave may have a gambrel vault decorated in Sistine-Chapel themes,
but in a Byzantine style. Windows can be plain stained or obscured glass, like alabaster
marble.
There are to be numerous private devotional candle areas. However, these areas are to be
discrete and are to provide excellent air circulation to ensure the good conservation and
cleanliness of the place, as well as adequate ventilation.
State of the art heating, cooling, ventilating, lighting and sound will set the church apart
from ancient structures. It is assumed that all contemporary systems will not be readily
visible.
In ordinary, natural finishes and materials, the church will express the simple but
substantial values of the city. Selected areas of detail and the incorporation of artwork
will set the structure apart as the most special space.
The importance of the sung and spoken word, as well as of instrumental music, dictate
the utmost care for acoustics and resonance, which should be rich but clean. A studied
use of sound systems may be considered to enhance the acoustic quality of the place.
The church nave requires a ceiling height of 50’ to 60’ to create a worship space of the
desired proportions. The assumed clear span of the nave will be 50’, which allows for
two sections of 21’ pews and an 8’ wide center aisle. The side aisles should be 10’ in
width to accommodate the continuous bench. Seating count will be based on the balance
point between Code, (18”) and comfort, (24”).
Nave 952/780 seats 5,000 sq. ft.
Transepts 952/780 seats 5,000 sq. ft.
Crossing/choir 60 seats + 2,500 sq. ft.
Side aisles 100 bench seats 2,000 sq. ft.
Narthex/stairs 1,400 sq. ft.
Ambulatory @ transepts/stairs 2,300 sq. ft.
Sanctuary 1,000 sq. ft.
Organ loft/stairs 1,400 sq. ft.
Balconies @ side aisles 100 bench seats 2,000 sq. ft.
Wall and column area 1,500 sq. ft.
Upper church total 24,100 sq. ft.
Crypt church chapel 100 seats 1,000 sq. ft.

Twelve shrines w/sacristies 12 @ 200 sq. ft. 2,400 sq. ft.
Confessionals 12 @ 50 sq. ft. 600 sq. ft.
19
Mechanical room 2,500 sq. ft.
Stairs 2 @ 200 sq. ft. 400 sq. ft.
Wall and column area 750 sq. ft.
Lower church total 7,650 sq. ft.
Sacristy 1,000 sq. ft.

Toilet facilities 2 @ 180 sq. ft. 360 sq. ft.
Walls and circulation 500 sq. ft.
Total – Link 1,860 sq. ft.
Atrium w/arcade 100’ x 100’ 10,000 sq. ft.

Entry portico 50’ x 16’ 800 sq. ft.
Elevated podium 70’ x 20’ 1,400 sq. ft.
Baptistery 360 sq. ft.
Screened mechanical yard 70’ x 30’ 2,100 sq. ft.
Total – Exterior development 14,660 sq. ft.
Acoustical screen wall 130 lin. ft.

Probable site area required 2 acres
Given the scale and nature of this structure, a partial basement seems appropriate. A full
basement could capture approximately 12,000 sq. ft. for other development, if a need is
foreseen.
20
Chapter Three: The Priory
Introduction
The priory is second only to the church as the principal edifice of the Society of St. John.
Although luxury is to be avoided, the design and construction should reflect the
importance of this structure’s special mission, and a composition of dramatic and
beautiful spaces is desired. This complex structure is foremost a residence of a monastic
type and should, in addition, be foreseen as a “true family home”. However, its
dichotomous nature of public and cloistered space, in addition to communal and private,
demand a sophisticated level of planning and construction. The priory must reflect the
order and values of the Society: specifically, common worship; life and work in a
hierarchical fraternity; common good over private good; charity and hospitality. This
priory, as the first for the Society of St. John, will not be just a single monastery, but also
the habitual residence of the central government.
As far as possible, the priory should share with the city and other institutions therein
buildings and services. This will allow for a better investment of money and the
improvement of the quality of buildings and services, while at the same time allowing for
an important aspect of poverty to be put into practice: namely, sharing with others.

The priory, a reflection of the “ order of body to soul and man to God,” will develop and
elaborate on the general aesthetic and level of quality established for the entire
development. The priory will express solidity and simple beauty. However, its various
elements allow for architectural elaboration, a variety of materials, and visual excitement.
The symbolism of pure geometric forms and the perception of over-riding order express
the nature of the Society. In fact, the design of the priory should develop from a square
plan, centered on a square courtyard, recalling “life governed by a rule, a rule ordered to
the practice of the four cardinal virtues.” An honest use of natural materials, careful
execution of proportion, attention to detail and the incorporation of craft and art are the
design standards. The extremes of severity and softness are to be avoided. The
atmosphere is to be sober, strong, and masculine, creating a place of prayer, study,
fraternity, and hospitality.
The Priory
The Priory will be constructed around an entry garden / courtyard. A walled-loggia may
separate this courtyard from that of the church. This is envisioned as a stone-paved area
and on a par with its European precedents. It will depend on the community
infrastructure for storm protection, sanitation, power, access roads and so on. Parking for
30 cars is recommended. A paved service area is also required. The priory ground
coverage is approximately 35,000 sq. ft. Since the priory will be attached to the church
and possibly to the community library, it is foreseen as an urban structure. An additional
21
9,000 sq. ft. of landscaped area is recommended to provide for a contemplative setting
and to maintain light-filled spaces between adjacent structures. Thus, the priory fully
develops approximately 1 full acre of land.
As a typical house of the Society, the priory will be a residence for 20 to 25 members,
plus 5 to 10 brothers. In addition, it will house the central government, including an
additional 20 to 25 persons. The men sleep in individual dormitory rooms that are small,
simple and very modest. The ascetical life of the members needs be reinforced in
proportion to the magnificence of the community lifestyle. Each room will be furnished
with a single bed, small niche for an icon, a place for the Scriptures and two or three
more books, wardrobe, and prie-dieu. Each room will have a private bathroom, equipped
with a sink, toilet, bidet, and bath-shower. Ideally, the rooms will not be repetitive and
will offer some individuality in terms of shape, detail or orientation. Attention is to be
given to the placement and nature of doors. Acoustic isolation is of utmost concern.
Naturally, each room should have a window to the exterior. It is preferred that the rooms
be off a single-loaded corridor that is open to a sky-lit atrium / cloister. The atrium
provides a natural ambulatory for prayer, separates the individual rooms acoustically and
can provide a sense of greenery during the Pennsylvania winters.
A sufficient number of infirmary rooms, housekeeping stations, and personal laundry
rooms are required to serve this area.
In addition to the dormitory cloister, the priory contains a number of common rooms. All
of these communal spaces are envisioned as having distinct spatial characteristics and
unique qualities:
The Chapter Room is conceived in the line of monastic tradition. It serves as a board or
senate meeting room. It will be square in plan and must accommodate 35 to 40 men. It
can be planned as a building in itself or as a hall adjacent to the other rooms. Seating is
to be tiered, like in the ancient Roman curia, with special designated areas for the Prior,
the Moderator, and the Keeper of Records. A high level of technology is foreseen here,
with computer note taking, recording, and audio-visual capabilities.
The Scriptoria, or shared library and study hall is foreseen as a nave-like, multi-story
space flanked by 60 glazed study cubicles equipped with desk, computer and a small
stereo system. The main floor can house the collection of important and beautiful books,
and have an interior garden. This space should be a quiet, reflective center of learning
and, ideally, is connected to the main community / university library, as a lateral nave of
sorts. Indeed, each study will be arranged as a kind of side chapel around a central nave.
They should be sound-proofed. A multi-story arrangement is possible.
The Library, linked to these studies, shall have a basement level equipped with compact
and automated shelving. This will allow the main floor to be free of stands and the books
to be easily traceable and better maintained. Part of the library will be open to the
general public, being shared with the city and the educational centers.
The Hall of Fires is the priory formal sitting room. This is where the community relaxes
in a more formal manner. Desert and coffee may be served here after the main meal.
Entertainment will take place here for the members and the guests, including “chamber”
22
music and other forms of cultural expression. This should be a room of sober, domestic
beauty.
The Recreation Room is a noisy, active room for music, ping-pong, darts, billiards, and
magazine reading. This space can have a more rugged character, suitable to its function.
The community and guests dine at the Refectory. Here, meals may be either buffet or
served. This space should have a monastic character, with considerable use of wood and
stone. The plan shall be rectangular. It is desired that this area have windows or door-
windows to a garden and possibly, its own garden terrace. The eating section will be
divided from the circulation area by a stone loggia. The circulation area should be big
enough to allow for extra seating when needed. Because all meals are done with reading,
as the monastic tradition dictates, the acoustic of this place has to be carefully planned.
The servery is to be tasteful and well organized, with different sections for the different
elements of a meal. The kitchen is to be easily cleanable and efficient, with unloading,
service and trash removal areas to be carefully located so as not to detract from the
quality of life at the priory.
The Fitness Area should have easy access to the cloister to encourage its use by the
members (this area is cloistered, and as such only available for the members) and be
equipped with an exercise pool, weights, access to the outdoors and storage for athletic
equipment. Lockers, changing areas and showers can be minimal since the members will
have access to their private rooms.
The priory requires an office wing, which also can serve as the public’s access way to the
church and the priory, being placed between the town square and the atrium of the
church. The offices will be grouped in four departments: the offices of the Prior, the
offices of the Secretary (internal affairs), the offices of the Chancellor (public relations),
and the offices of the Procurator (finances and fundraising). The section dedicated to
maintenance will be placed in a more isolated area. Archival storage place is required for
most departments.
Furnishings are foreseen as handsome but mostly simple. Many elements will be built-in.
More ornamental pieces and a grand piano will be reserved for the Hall of Fires.
Artwork, stained glass, statuary and other decorative elements will be required for a
complex of this scale and nature, as will window treatments and other accessories. The
scriptoria, chapter room and office area require an investment in technology. The
kitchen, servery, recreation room, and fitness center call for specialized equipment.
It is unreasonable to assume that the priory will be constructed without at least one
elevator linking all levels. Also, several stairs will be required, including at least two for
fire-exit safety and probably two more open and ornamental ones for easy vertical
communication. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will require that this structure be
fully sprinkled.
Central Government
The Superior General, the Conciliar Fathers, the Assistants to the Superior General
(Secretary General, Chancellor General, Procurator General), and other employees will
need their own offices, apart from those of the priory.
23
The most important room of the central government is the Council Hall, a circular
building, surrounded perhaps by water, like the library at Hadrian’s Villa, with tiered
seating like the Chapter Room. Special seating should be foreseen for the Superior
General, the Moderator of the Council, and the Keeper of the Conciliar Record. A high
level of technology is foreseen here, with computer note taking, recording and audio-
visual capabilities, and simultaneous translation. A special place for the archives has to
be planned as well.
Structure of the Central Government
24
Structure of the House Government
Superior General
(1 year)
Moderator of the Council

and
Executive Assistants to Board of Advisors
Vicar General
the Superior General (No period)
(1 year)
Keeper of the
Conciliar Records
(No period)
Secretary General
Private Secretary 11 Council
(Internal Affairs)
(No period) Fathers
(6 years)
(12 years)
Council or General Chapter

Procurator General
Chancellor General Finances and Administration and
(Finances and Academic Committee
(PublicRelations) Fundraising Committee Buildings Committee
Fundraising)
(6 year)
(6 years)
Prior
(1 year)
Moderator of the Chapter

and
Executive Assistants to Vicar of the Prior Board of Advisors
the Prior (1 year) (No period)
Keeper of the
Records
Manager (No period)
Secretary
(Maintenance and
(Internal Affairs) 3 Chapter Fathers
Services)
(6 years) (12 years)
(6 years)
Chapter of the House

Procurator
Chancellor Finances and Administration and
(Finances and Academic Committee
(PublicRelations) Fundraising Committee Buildings Committee
Fundraising)
(6 year)
(6 years)
Cloister:
Dormitory rooms 60 @ 100 sq. ft. 6,000 sq. ft.
Dormitory bathrooms 60 @ 40 sq. ft. 2,400 sq. ft.
Dormitory atrium 1 @ 5,000 sq. ft. 5,000 sq. ft.
Tub rooms/ Housekeeping/ Laundries 4 @ 240 sq. ft. 960 sq.ft.
Oratory/ Reception/ Refectory 1 @ 540 sq. ft. 540 sq. ft.
25
Communal Rooms:
Chapter room 1 @ 1,000 sq. ft. 1,000 sq. ft.
Scriptorium (3-level construction) 1 @ 14,800 sq. ft. 14,800 sq. ft.
Hall of Fires 1 @ 1,000 sq. ft. 1,000 sq. ft.
Recreation room 1 @ 1,000 sq. ft. 1,000 sq. ft.
Refectory 1 @ 1,500 sq. ft. 1,500 sq. ft.
Servery 1 @ 750 sq. ft. 750 sq. ft.
Kitchen 1 @ 750 sq. ft. 750 sq. ft.
Fitness area (basement if above grade) 1 @ 1,000 sq. ft. 1,000 sq. ft.
Office area
Reception room 1 @ 400 sq. ft. 400 sq. ft.
Reception office 2 @ 120 sq. ft. 240 sq. ft.
Public relations 2 @ 120 sq. ft. 240 sq. ft.
Chancellor 2 @ 150 sq. ft. 300 sq. ft.
Finance, book keeping, procurement, 6 @ 120 sq. ft. 720 sq. ft.
internal affairs, moderator, keeper of
records
Superior 2 @ 150 sq. ft. 300 sq. ft.
Archives, (suitable for basement) 2 @ 150 sq. ft. 300 sq. ft.
Subtotal (programmed spaces) 37,900 sq. ft.

Circulation and wall area @ 45% 17,055 sq. ft.
(Since several areas call for single-loaded
circulation, efficiency is reduced.)
Total above grade 54,955 sq. ft.
Proposed basement (assuming 2 and double-story construction) 24,000 sq. ft.

Storage (suitable for basement)
Laundry (suitable for basement)
Mechanical room (suitable for basement)
Garden courtyard 1 @ 10,000 sq. ft. 10,000 sq. ft.

Entrance loggia 1 @ 1,000 sq. ft. 1,000 sq. ft.
26
Parking 25 @ 270 sq. ft. 6,750 sq. ft.
Service 1 @ 2,000 sq. ft. 2,000 sq. ft.
Buffer space 1 @ 9,000 sq. ft. 9,000 sq. ft.
27
Chapter Four:
The Friary and the Retreat House
Introduction
The friary is the most elemental and austere building in the city. A structure of great
simplicity, it should also reflect the nature and values of the type of construction desired
by the Society. Its primary function is to house the community of Franciscan brothers
attached to the Society and their place of worship.
In addition, it is foreseen that the members of the Society will at first be lodged in this
place and share with the brothers the chapel and other facilities. Thus, this complex of
buildings will be the stage in the overall plan of edification. They will serve as the
nucleus and starting point of all other developments. To facilitate the housing of the
members of the Society, special dormitories and common rooms will be built in addition
to the basic plan of the friary. These spaces will become a retreat house once the Society
builds its own priory. Part of the apostolate of the brothers will then be the care of the
retreat center. In spite of the fact that the friary is to accommodate the Franciscan
community, the ownership of the place will remain in the hands of the Society, as the
brothers, who want to keep their poverty as much as possible, have requested it.
In combination with its simplicity and austerity, this building should serve also as a
“survivalist” endeavor. If all else fails, the brothers and the Society could endure at the
friary.

The difficulty of conception of the friary is the need to combine a threefold criteria of
design: the Franciscan spirit of poverty, the general aesthetic and level of quality as the
first house of the Society, and the efficiency of services required for its survivalist
character. The spaces necessary to house the members of the Society will be designed
keeping in mind their future use as a retreat center. It is appropriate that the friary
express solidity and simple beauty. As the common and vernacular buildings of ancient
Greece and Rome or medieval France and Italy provided the basis for more elaborate and
sophisticated edifices, the somewhat rustic and honest construction of the friary can
provide a base line for the construction of more elaborate construction for the church /
town development. In general, an honest use of natural materials, careful execution of
proportion, attention to detail, and the incorporation of craft and art will yield buildings
of simplicity and substance. Furniture and appointments should be solid, well made, and
display a certain dignity.
The Friary
As a place of worship, study, and residence for up to 25 men, the Friary should reflect the
importance of prayer and fraternal life. The atmosphere is to be austere and penitent. The
28
men sleep on the floor in dormitory style, share bathrooms, and take turns serving each
other and being served. A Scriptorium (or shared library, study and classroom) serves the
intellectual needs of the community; the Chapel provides the locus of spiritual life. The
Chapel features three areas in plan: a visitor worship area, separated from the rest of the
chapel by a metal rood screen, a tiered choir for the monks, and a glorified and fresco-
decorated sanctuary. The Chapel is to be well-proportioned and double volume.
Illumination is to come primarily from natural light and candles. Wood, stone, iron and
natural materials are to be featured, except for the frescoed and ornamented sanctuary.
The monks are not cloistered, however, and provide community charity and hospitality,
as well as take care of the retreat house. A Community Room centered on a “walk-in”
hearth accommodates relaxed socializing and entertaining. A minimal dependence on
electricity and modern means of heating and cooling is anticipated. Wood stoves are the
preferred method of heating. Such a structure will require an automatic sprinkler system
in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to ensure the safety of the men dwelling within.
Ideally, the Friary will be constructed around a walled entry garden/ courtyard, which
will feature a well and hand pump, a small Way of the Cross (a big one will be located to
the side of the main church), and a bell that can be wrung from within the Chapel. Barn-
type doors are appropriate access to this outdoor space.
If the friary is the first construction, it will bear a disproportionate share of the
community infrastructure, such as storm protection, sanitation, power, access roads,
parking and so on. Parking for 20 cars is recommended.
The friary ground coverage is approximately 9,000 sq. ft. An additional 9,000 sq. ft. of
landscaped area is recommended to provide a setting and hold the natural environment at
bay.
Furnishings are foreseen as handsome, but extremely simple. Some elements will be
made by the monks themselves. Pews and liturgical items will need to be purchased as
well as technology for the Scriptorium and Office area.
Given the fraternal concept of service and the fact that this is a religious structure, it is
assumed that handicapped access will not be provided to the upper floor of this structure.
Visitor areas of the chapel and public areas of the residence will be made accessible. The
monks can accommodate any handicap in a brother in the historical manner.
The Retreat House

Attached to the friary, a retreat center shall house 40 persons, in rooms with double
occupancy and a shared bathroom between two rooms. The bathroom will have a
threefold division: toilet facility, sink, and shower. A special conference room, a
reception area, a refectory and a reading room will complete this locale.
Dormitory Room for 12 2 @800 sq. ft. 1,600 sq. ft.
Shared Bathrooms 6 @ 75 sq. ft. 450 sq. ft.
Scriptoriurn (Shared Library, Study, 1 @ 800 sq. ft 800 sq. ft.
29
Classroom)
Office Area (4 work stations) 1 @ 300 sq. ft. 300 sq. ft.
Scriptorium/ Office Storage 1 @ 100 sq. ft. 100 sq. ft.
Kitchen/ Food Storage 2 @ 450 sq. ft. 450 sq. ft
Refectory 1 @ 500 sq. ft. 500 sq. ft.
Community Room 1 @ 600 sq. ft. 600 sq. ft.
Public Rest Rooms, (Shared by Guest 2 @ 100 sq. ft. 200 sq. ft.
Rooms + HC)
Guest Rooms 2 @ 200 sq. ft. 400 sq. ft.
Chapel
Visitor Seating (50 Faithful) 50 @ 6 sq. ft. 300 sq. ft.
Elevated Choir 25 @ 10 sq. ft. 250 sq. ft.
Sanctuary 1 @ 400 sq. ft. 400 sq. ft.
Aisle Space @ 50% 650 sq. ft.
Lobby/ Narthex 1 @ 300 sq. ft. 300 sq. ft.
Sacristy 1 @ 300 sq. ft. 300 sq. ft.
Confessional 1 @ 30 sq. ft. 30 sq. ft.
Subtotal (programmed spaces) 6,980 sq. ft.

Circulation and wall area @ 30% 2,094 sq. ft.
Total above grade 9,074 sq. ft.
Proposed basement (Under Living Areas 3,100 sq. ft.

Only, Assuming Two Levels)
Storage (suitable for basement)
Laundry (suitable for basement)
Mechanical room (suitable for basement)
Garden Courtyard 1 @ 2,500 sq. ft. 2,500 sq. ft.
Parking 15 @ 270 sq. ft./ car 4,050 sq. ft.
30
Chapter Five: Education
Introduction
Through discussion with members of the Society of St. John who are involved in the
development of the educational components for the proposed development, it became
immediately apparent that the concepts and curricula for the schools are still evolving.
The goals will be to combine elements of classical education with contemporary progress
in pedagogy and developmental psychology. Ultimately, any State standards and testing
will need to be met, if not surpassed. Some concrete educational models were cited as
worth researching from the point of view of both education and architecture: for instance,
the English and the German boys’ choir schools, the Montessori method, Thomas
Aquinas College’s program, current teaching techniques at the University of Alaska, etc.
The basic outline of the proposed curriculum is as follows:
Elementary School (6-8 years old)

At this level, the school system will seek primarily to complement the educational work
carried out by the parents and family. Hence it is important to stress the part-time basis
of the curriculum and the need to interact and cooperate with the parents. In the measure
that children of this age are neither physiologically nor psychologically ready for
scientific learning, the curriculum will avoid methodologies or contents of this type. The
emphasis will be placed on an oral tradition culture, developing in particular faculties like
imagination, memory, emotions, and the cogitative. Writing and reading will not be
emphasized. The imparted knowledge will be rather experiential: contact with and
identification of plants and animals, stars and planets, learning by heart poems and songs,
familiarization with the fine arts, drama and sports (the last two as pre-formation of the
will), the practice of Latin as a living language without the study of grammar.
Elementary schooling will be co-ed. The school is foreseen as having 200 children with
classes of 12 to 16 students. Thus, there will be 2 classes per grade. There needs to be a
general assembly space that can hold the entire student/faculty body and that can serve
multiple needs. Each teacher needs a private office area. Special areas devoted to art,
music, resource materials and play are also required.
Middle School (9 to 15 years old)

Writing and reading skills are taught now, when the motor coordination and the
development of the brain are ready for them. Through the study of Latin and vernacular
grammar, of logic and rhetoric (that is the medieval trivium) the student will be
introduced to rational and scientific thinking. Natural sciences will be studied in
conjunction with farming. The study of modern languages other than English will be
optional. Sports and gymnastics are even more developed than in the previous stage, and
in music the learning of an instrument is introduced (musical practice was purely vocal
before). The fine arts and drama complete the formation.
31
The sexes are divided at this level. The boys begin boarding at least four days a week.
High School (16 to 18 years old)

Scientific studies are centered on mathematics, geometry, music, and astronomy, that is,
the medieval quadrivium. World and national history, together with geography, are
developed at this level. They integrate the study of the history of art, of literature, of the
Church, and of ideas. In addition to the scientific study of music, which is particular to
this level, the practice of music continues with an emphasis on the vocal. The fine arts
and drama become optional, while dance and etiquette become mandatory as
introductions to social life. Sports and gymnastics are still mandatory.
For those who are more oriented towards the crafts and technical studies, the study of the
quadrivium will be lightened, and instead courses in farming and other crafts will be
offered.
The sexes begin again to mingle, enjoying activities like dance, some social events, etc.
The possibility of boarding school for girls of this age will be considered.
University Studies
College (19 to 22 years old)
The students who do not seek to obtain a masters in degree in philosophy or theology, but
who desire to complete their liberal education with introductory courses in these
disciplines, will be offered the following choices:
Baccalaureate in Liberal Arts

This program will prepare students for graduate studies in humanities, such as history,
literature, law, etc.
Baccalaureate in Exact Sciences

This program will prepare students for graduate studies in sciences, such as mathematics,
physics, engineering, etc.
Baccalaureate in Natural Sciences

This program will prepare students for graduate studies in natural sciences, such as
medicine, chemistry, agronomic engineering, etc.
Master’s Degree in Philosophy (19 to 22 years old)
The education is centered on the study of philosophy as science. Beginning with the
study of Porphyry’s Isagoge and Aristotle’s Categories, studies will continue with
physics (philosophy of nature), philosophical psychology, ethics, politics, and
metaphysics. The study of Greek will be optional.
Master’s Degree in Theology (23 to 26 years old)
The curriculum will consist fundamentally in the studies of the Scriptures, the works of
the Fathers of the Church and St. Thomas Aquinas, and important works of modern
authors.
32
Licentiates, Other Master’s Degrees, Doctorates and Post Graduate Studies
Some cities of the Society of Saint John might offer these types of programs, such as
medical and law school, engineering, etc. according to the needs and demands of
circumstances.

All structures for education will share in the general aesthetic and level of quality
established for the Community of the Society of St. John. Although the square-footages
required call for buildings of substantial size, there is an expressed desire for the
appearance of relatively small scale, humanized construction and the avoidance of an
institutional appearance. This may be achieved by expressing and articulating building
components, or by literally breaking buildings down into smaller structures that define
green or open spaces with covered or enclosed connectors. In general, an honest use of
natural materials, careful development of proportion, attention to detail, and the
incorporation of craft and art will yield buildings of simplicity and substance. Furniture
and appointments should be solid, well-made, and display a certain dignity. Classrooms
and public spaces should be ample and solid, but simple, and enjoy ample natural light.
Materials should be durable and natural.
The Library
The city will have a shared library at the service of the citizens, the Society of Saint John,
the schools, and the colleges. This will allow for better services due to the pooling of
resources.
Elementary School
Classrooms for 16 children plus one 12 @ 500 sq. ft. 6,000 sq. ft.
teacher
Shared specialized classrooms 3 @ 600 sq. ft. 1,800 sq. ft.
General Assembly Area* 1 @ 3,000 sq. ft. 3,000 sq. ft.
Academic Storage and Access Area 1 @ 1,000 sq. ft. 1,000 sq. ft.
Faculty Offices 14 @ 120 sq. ft. 1,680 sq. ft.
Faculty Lounge 2 @ 200 sq. ft. 400 sq. ft
Administrative Office Suite 1 @ 500 sq. ft. 500 sq. ft.
Servery 1 @ 1,500 sq. ft. 1,500 sq. ft.
Kitchen/ Food Storage 1 @ 1,500 sq. ft. 1,500 sq. ft.
Toilet facilities 6 @ 250 sq. ft. 1.500 sq. ft.
Coat Rooms 12 @ 120 sq. ft. 1,440 sq. ft.
33
Infirmary/ Nurse’s Office 1 @ 150 sq. ft. 150 sq. ft.
Janitor’s Stations 2 @ 50 sq. ft. 100 sq. ft.
General Storage 1 @ 250 sq. ft. 250 sq. ft.
Mechanical Room 1 @ 2,000 sq. ft. 2,000 sq. ft.
Subtotal 25,820 sq. ft.
Circulation/ Structure/ Walls @ 30% 7,746 sq. ft.
Contingency @ 7% 2,349 sq. ft.
TOTAL 35,915 sq. ft
Outdoor Play Areas 3 Varied 25,000 sq. ft
* Adequate for School Body Only/ Assembly with Parents and Visitors at Middle school
Assembly
The Middle Schools

Boys’ School
Girls’ School
Classrooms for 16 children plus one teacher 6 @500 sq. ft. 3,000 sq. ft.
Shared specialized classrooms 3 @600 sq. ft. 1,800 sq. ft.
General Assembly Area* 1 @7,800 sq. ft. 7,800 sq. ft.
Faculty Offices 7 @ 120 sq. ft. 840 sq. ft.
Servery 1 @750 sq. ft. 750 sq. ft.
Kitchen/ Food Storage 1 @750 sq. ft. 750 sq. ft.
Toilet facilities 3 @ 250 sq. ft. 750 sq. ft.
Coat Rooms 6 @ 120 sq. ft. 720 sq. ft.
Infirmary/ Nurse’s Office 1 @ 150, sq. ft. 150 sq. ft.
Janitor’s Stations 2 @50 sq. ft. 100 sq. ft.
General Storage 1 @250 sq. ft. 250 sq. ft.
Sleeping and Study Quarters @ 100 sq. ft./ 10,000 sq. ft.
Dorm-Parent Suites 4 @200 sq. ft. 800 sq. ft.
Washrooms 6 @ 200 sq. ft. 1,200 sq. ft.
34
TOTAL 46,750 sq. ft.
Outdoor Play Areas 2 Varied 15,000 sq. ft.
Headmaster’s/ Headmistress’ Houses 2 2,400 sq. ft 4,800 sq. ft
* Assembly Area to be shared by Elementary/ Boys’ and Girls’ Schools
High School
Classrooms for 16 children plus one teacher 12 @340 sq. ft. 4,080 sq. ft.
Shared specialized classrooms 3 @400 sq. ft. 1,200 sq. ft.
General Assembly Area* 1 @7,800 sq. ft. 7,800 sq. ft.
Faculty Offices 7 @ 120 sq. ft. 840 sq. ft.
Servery 1 @ 750 sq. ft. 750 sq. ft.
Kitchen/ Food Storage 1 @750 sq. ft. 750 sq. ft.
Toilet facilities 3 @250 sq. ft. 750 sq. ft.
Coat Rooms 6 @ 120 sq. ft. 720 sq. ft.
Sleeping and Study Quarters @ 100 sq. ft./ 10,000 sq. ft.
Dorm Parent Suites 4 @200 sq. ft. 800 sq. ft.
Washrooms 6 @ 200 sq. ft. 1,200 sq. ft.
Contingency @ 7% 3,102 sq. ft
35
TOTAL 47,420 sq. ft.
Outdoor Play Areas 2 Varied 15,000 sq. ft.
The College
Tutorial Classrooms 20 @340 sq. ft. 6,800 sq. ft.
Lecture Halls 3 @ 800 sq. ft. 2,400 sq. ft.
Student Activities Center 1 @4,800 sq. ft. 4,800 sq. ft.
Science Laboratory 1 @800 sq. ft. 800 sq. ft.
Music Practice Rooms 10 @ 120 sq. ft. 1,200 sq. ft.
Computer Laboratory 1 @ 600 sq. ft. 600 sq. ft.
Faculty Offices 10 @ 150 sq. ft. 1,500 sq. ft.
Administrative Offices
Registrar/ Bursar/ Financial Aid/ Student @ 1,500 sq. ft. 1,500 sq. ft.
Records/ Vocations/ Placement/ Alumni
Relations/ Storage
Toilet facilities 6 @250 sq. ft. 1.500 sq. ft.
Coat Areas 10 @ 16 sq. ft. 160 sq. ft.
Mechanical Rooms @ 10% 2,330 sq. ft.
TOTAL 3,200 sq. ft.
Library ( Shared with Community)

600,000 Volumes/ Circulation/ Reference 1 @ 120,000 120,000 sq.
Current Periodicals/ Micro-film and Micro- ft.
fiche/ Study carrels/ Study Lounges/ Rest
rooms/ Mechanical Areas/
Assembly Hall/ Theater (Shared with
Community)
36
Seating for 1,000/ Stage/ Storage/ Dressing 1 @ 10,000 sq. ft. 10,000 sq. ft.
Rooms/ Work Room/ Circulation/ Rest
Rooms
Book Store (Shared with Community) 1 @ 7,500 sq. ft. 7,500 sq. ft.
Publications Office (Shared with Community) 1 @ 2,500 sq. ft. 2,500 sq. ft.
Gymnasium/ Sports Center (Shared with
Community)
Main Gymnasium/ Auxiliary Gymnasia, 1 @ 140,000 sq. ft. 140,000 sq.
(Lower School Use, Specialized Exercise), ft.
Handball, Courts/ Squash Courts/ Indoor
Swimming Pool/ Locker Rooms/
Showers/ Steam Room/ Offices/ Balconies
and Bleachers/ Press Accommodations/
Lobbies/ Rest Rooms/ Storage/ Mechanical
Areas
Outdoor Play Areas (Shared with Community) 1 @ 40,000 sq. ft. 40,000 sq. ft.
Summary
Elementary School: 35,915 sq. ft.
Boy’s School: 46,750 sq. ft.
Girls’ School: 36,650 sq. ft.
Head Master Residence 2,400 sq. ft.
Head Mistress Residence 2,400 sq. ft.
High School 47,420 sq. ft.
College 34,200 sq. ft.
Library 120,000 sq. ft
Assembly Hall 10, 000 sq. ft.
Book Store 7,500 sq. ft.
Publications Office 2,500 sq. ft.
Gymnasium/ Sports Center 140,000 sq. ft.
345,735 sq. ft.
Outdoor Playing Fields 25,000 sq. ft.

15,000 sq. ft.
15,000 sq. ft.
15,000 sq. ft.
37
40,000 sq. ft.
110,000 sq. ft.
Land Area Required:

(assuming 50% density) 911,690 sq. ft./ 43,650 sq. ft. per acre =20.92 Acres,(21 Acres)
38
Conclusion: Scope of the Endeavor
The preceding discussion outlines the proposed elements for the construction of the city
for the Society of St. John. The construction of a God-centered physical environment
that reflects traditional Catholic values obviously does not resemble current land-use and
real estate development standards in the United States of America. The construction of
the city will be cross-cultural, ambitious and expensive. Many who may esteem
traditional Catholic values may not readily see the relationship to a dense, quality-laden
urban environment. The connectedness of things has been lost, and for a number of
generations. Some would argue that the values expressed in the construction of such a
place as envisioned by the Society of St. John never really took hold on the North
American continent. We place the individual before the community, and this remains an
ongoing issue in our political debate.
However, two-thousand souls who can readily share the vision expressed here may be but
a tiny percentage of those who long to live in such a place as envisioned here. Many
sense the alienation, wastefulness and wrongfulness of the American-built environment,
without really knowing why. Perhaps, it is as much, if not more, of a contributor to our
national sense of decay and dissatisfaction than any other negative factor of American
culture. It is visionary to propose construction of such a different place.
Quantitative Summary
Component Land Requirement
The city 48 Acres

The Church 2 Acres
The Priory 1 Acre
The Friary .413 Acres
The Schools 22 Acres
Totals 73.413 Acres
The quantified land usage confirms the purchase of a site containing at least 100 acres.
The walkable area with a radius of 1,000 ft. also confirms the development of 72 acres of
land. Athletic fields that are included in this program can be beyond the walking
limitation.
Although the city for the Society of St. John represents a considerable investment, this
may not be so out of line with the cost of contemporary suburban development; it simply
represents a significant shift of values.
39
Deo Optimo Maximo
40

The Catholic City

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The Catholic City

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A Vision of Peace and Worship:

A Narrative of a Catholic City

“Neque enim est ulla res,

(“For there is really no other occupation

Cicero, De Re Publica, Book I, VII, paragr. 12.

Prepared by: assisted by conversations with

Perfect and Imperfect Societies

The Church’s Power of Substitution

The Idea of City in the Greco-Roman-Christian Tradition

Historical References for Town Planning

The Concept of Organic Order

Criteria for Successful Planning

Cultivated Fields Natural Park

Aesthetics and Quality

The Religious District (see chapters 2-4)

The Residential Quarters

Subtotal (construction) 1,532,600 sq. ft.

Aesthetics and Quality

Crypt church chapel 100 seats 1,000 sq. ft.

Sacristy 1,000 sq. ft.

Atrium w/arcade 100’ x 100’ 10,000 sq. ft.

Acoustical screen wall 130 lin. ft.

Aesthetics and Quality

Structure of the Central Government

Moderator of the Council

Council or General Chapter

Moderator of the Chapter

Chapter of the House

Subtotal (programmed spaces) 37,900 sq. ft.

Proposed basement (assuming 2 and double-story construction) 24,000 sq. ft.

Garden courtyard 1 @ 10,000 sq. ft. 10,000 sq. ft.

Buffer space 1 @ 9,000 sq. ft. 9,000 sq. ft.

Aesthetics and Quality

The Retreat House

Subtotal (programmed spaces) 6,980 sq. ft.

Total above grade 9,074 sq. ft.

Proposed basement (Under Living Areas 3,100 sq. ft.

Garden Courtyard 1 @ 2,500 sq. ft. 2,500 sq. ft.

Parking 15 @ 270 sq. ft./ car 4,050 sq. ft.

Elementary School (6-8 years old)

Middle School (9 to 15 years old)

High School (16 to 18 years old)

Baccalaureate in Liberal Arts

Baccalaureate in Exact Sciences

Baccalaureate in Natural Sciences

Aesthetics and Quality

The Middle Schools

Library ( Shared with Community)

Outdoor Playing Fields 25,000 sq. ft.

Land Area Required:

The city 48 Acres

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