Text from the architects:

During the Spanish colony, female convents were considered a sign of the city’s opulence and proof of the quality of its neighbors. Lima hosted up to thirteen cloistered convents occupying around a fifth of its surface. Convents were cities within cities allowing nuns to live a mixed life between contemplation and active apostolate (charity and teaching). They contained a chapel, refectories, dining rooms, chapter house, cells, secluded outdoor spaces, as well as kitchens, warehouses, and orchards. Although there are less than a dozen female convents in contemporary Lima and the population of nuns has decreased considerably, they are still active in a contemplative and apostolic role. The Sisters of Mary Immaculate Congregation -established in Madrid by Santa Vicenta María López Vicuña in 1876- commissioned us to design their new premises. In addition to being a residence for the religious community, it should also serve for their intense work, welcoming and training young people in vulnerable situation as well as its surrounding community.
Given contemporary condition of reduced land, the new convent develops vertically: a basement for parking, two-level public plinth containing the chapel, training workshops and the auditorium. A private intermediate level with refectories and meeting rooms. Three levels above that for Sisters ?s residence and shelter cells for young women. The roof terrace is used for laundries, orchard and recreation areas.