A JOURNEY THROUGH MEMORY ; Redefining Funerary Architecture

University of Moratuwa (UoM), Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture, Moratuwa

Project idea

This design thesis explores the relationship between death and architecture, aiming to recreate the ambiance of architecture as a narrative manifestation. It acknowledges the need for emotionally engaging environments that honor the deceased while offering solace to the living by narration carried through design elements like water and light. By addressing challenges like urbanization, unsustainable burial practices and celebrative rituals specific to Sri Lanka, The project aims to rethinking traditional funerary architecture and reintegrating negative urban cemetery into vibrant public spaces.

This space will evoke emotions and rebirth of memories while respecting cultural, social, and contextual identity. The project objectives include creating a journey of healing through architecture, changing the taboo behind death and mortality, providing a spatial solution to environmentally cognizant death-care practices, and creating a "permanent place in the middle of the city"

In conclusion, this thesis seeks to celebrate death as a beautiful reality and a culmination of a life lived, enabling society to discuss, accept, and plan for it as a rite of commemoration, celebration, remembrance, and honor. Through this, it hopes to contribute to the creation of a more empathetic society.

Project description

Introduction
Death is a universal phenomenon, deeply intertwined with our cultural beliefs and rituals. Traditional funerary architecture often manifests as simple geometric structures, such as pyramids and stupas, evolving into modern cemeteries that elicit varied emotions. The current state of cemeteries addresses environmental, contextual, socio-cultural, and architectural aspects, yet often falls short in creating emotionally supportive spaces. My design thesis, "A Journey Through Memory," aims to redefine funerary architecture by transforming the Kurunegala General Cemetery into a meaningful, positive, and responsible urban public space.
Architectural Position
My architectural stance is "Architecture as Narrative Manifestation." I believe architecture should narrate stories, evoke emotions, and communicate feelings. This thesis transcends the idea of a disposal space, creating a place for memories, experiences, and imagination.
Site Context
The selected site, Kurunegala General Cemetery in Sri Lanka, is the third-largest cemetery in the country, established in 1868. It faces issues such as lack of basic facilities, underutilization, and inefficient spatial distribution. The design focuses on converting existing pathways into spaces, maintaining respect for the graves while introducing new functions.
Design Intent
The design intention is to convert the negative connotations associated with cemeteries into a valuable, positive urban space. Symmetry is used to create a sense of calm and order, with two main axes narrating different experiences. One axis focuses on funeral activities, represented by water, symbolizing sorrow. The other axis, for general visitors, is narrated by light, symbolizing enlightenment. Both paths converge at the Columbarium, the climax point where all memories are preserved.
Spatial Narration
1. Entrance and Ramp-Down Pathway Upon entering the site, visitors are greeted by a serene water line at eye level. The pathway descends gently, symbolizing a journey into a different world—the world of their loved ones. This design leverages the 4-meter level difference between the site and the road, allowing the structure to blend seamlessly with the ground level.
2. Funeral Axis (Water Narrative) The water axis guides visitors through the funeral activities. Water, as an element, narrates the sorrowful aspect of the journey, providing a calming and reflective atmosphere. This pathway leads visitors to the Columbarium, the central memorial structure that appears to float on water, symbolizing the final resting place for memories and remains.
3. Remembrance Axis (Light Narrative) For those visiting to remember their loved ones, the pathway is illuminated by light from three courtyards, each representing different life stages. The first courtyard, symbolizing birth, is filled with small, growing vegetation. The second courtyard, representing life, is lush with greenery. The third courtyard, symbolizing death, features a dying tree, leading visitors to the climax point where memories are buried.
4. Columbarium The Columbarium is the heart of the design, a place where ashes and memories (in time capsules) are stored. It stands as a monument floating on water, with a reflective pond where name tags are placed once the capsules are filled. The shadow movement of the water is projected onto the ceiling, creating a dynamic interplay of light and reflection. This serene environment fosters deep reflection and remembrance.
5. Upper-Level Flower Memorial Above the Columbarium, a flower structure that allows visitors to place flowers or light candles in memory of their loved ones. This feature symbolizes nurturing and continuity, connecting the physical remnants with the emotional journey. The upper level provides a vantage point for visitors to reflect on their journey and life, prompting introspection about the meaning of life.
Conclusion
"A Journey Through Memory" redefines the role of cemeteries, addressing space constraints and transforming them into emotionally supportive, sustainable urban spaces. This design not only provides a place for disposal but creates a permanent space for memories, offering solace and reflection for the living. Through architecture, it aims to communicate the profound emotions associated with death, turning a typically uncomfortable space into one of healing and remembrance.

Technical information

1. Architectural Language and Materiality
The design predominantly utilizes concrete and rubble walls, with concrete being the primary material. Rubble walls are selectively used for feature walls and areas that blend with the natural surroundings. The choice of concrete serves as a neutral element, allowing the play of water and natural light to be the focal points of the design. This neutrality in materials ensures that the sensory and emotional experiences created by water and light are highlighted and undisturbed.
2. Sustainable Design and Eco-Friendly Practices
The project incorporates sustainable design principles, focusing on eco-friendly disposal methods such as resomation (alkaline hydrolysis) as an alternative to traditional cremation and burial. This method reduces environmental impact by conserving land and resources. Additionally, the design includes rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels for energy, and extensive use of native vegetation to enhance biodiversity and reduce maintenance needs.
3. Environmental Integration and Site Utilization
Respecting the existing graves, the design repurposes underutilized spaces and pathways, ensuring minimal disruption. The terrariums in the courtyards not only provide aesthetic and emotional value but also contribute to the site's micro-ecology, promoting small-scale biodiversity. The water features and reflective ponds are designed to recycle and purify water, integrating seamlessly with the landscape.
4. Spatial Syntax and User Experience
The spatial arrangement follows principles of symmetry and progression, enhancing the user experience through deliberate sequencing of spaces. The pathways are designed to create a narrative journey, with visual and sensory elements that evoke reflection and emotional engagement. The use of light and shadow, water and greenery, guides visitors through a transformative experience.
5. Structural and Construction Feasibility
The structural design accommodates the site's topography, with careful attention to the 4-meter level difference. The ramp-down pathways and elevated structures are engineered for stability and accessibility. The construction techniques employed prioritize sustainability and local craftsmanship, ensuring that the project is both feasible and respectful of the site's historical significance.

Documentation

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