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. Tutor(s)