Cave Sanctuary: Deir Mar Maroun Part 2 Project 2024 Ghada Ghoussaini Beirut Arab University - Debbieh campus | Lebanon In today's fast-paced, stressful world, it is crucial to take a step back and pause to focus on our mental and spiritual well-being. In an attempt to promote spiritual healing and transcendence, this cave sanctuary is designed to create a transformative spiritual journey that simulates the ascetic journey of a monk, aiming to help individuals achieve self-transcendence.This site is a three-level cave located in a cliff overlooking the Orontes River in Hermel, Lebanon. The rich history of the site has gained it three different names: Cave of the Builders, Cave of the Girls and Cave of the Monk.As a tribute to the cave's historical significance, the design integrates seven stages, drawing inspiration from the seven sacraments of the Maronite sect.These stages comprise: Initial Awakening, Purification, Initiation, Illumination, Repentance, Self-Transcendence, and Eucharistic Living. Each stage represents a step towards understanding oneself and achieving spiritual growth. The process of designing and carving out spaces becomes a metaphor for the inner excavation and shaping of one's being.The sanctuary utilizes excavated material and riverbed clay, this is then 3d printed to create a facade resembling natural cliff erosion. Which in turn is optimized for controlling solar radiation and indoor climate while fostering spirituality through light patterns. Ghada Ghoussaini Tutor(s) Hassan Abdel Salam Hesham Al Arnaouty Shadi Al Khoury Samer Al Siyari Khaled Sadek