Monastères et espace social: Genèse et transformation d’un système de lieux dans l’Occident médiéval ed. by Michel Lauwers

A penetrating overview of monastic construction and operation in Western Europe from the seventh to fifteenth centuries reveals that monasteries evolved into complex social systems, shaped by earlier structures, site constraints, and economic strategies. The study, based on a collection of specialized articles edited by Michel Lauwers, highlights how monastic spaces were organized hierarchically, with sacred centers surrounded by profane peripheries, reflecting both spiritual and economic dominance. Research utilized cartularies, foundation stories, and advanced techniques like magnetic gradient surveys to uncover linear anomalies in soil, providing insights into construction processes and spatial organization. The findings underscore the resilience of monastic layouts, often preserving quietude through marginal changes while accommodating diverse functions such as worship, work, and hospitality.

Cline, R. H. (2017). Monastères et espace social: Genèse et transformation d’un système de lieux dans l’Occident médiéval ed. by Michel Lauwers. The Catholic Historical Review, 103(1), 108–109. https://doi.org/10.1353/cat.2017.0011