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Ceramic Tissue Pathways Within a Reflective Forest Cemetery

Authors:
David Sauer, Hendrik Koch
Ceramic Tissue Pathways Within a Reflective Forest Cemetery
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Ceramic tissue pathways weave through a thoughtfully excavated landscape in Riga, where distinct contemplation rooms offer visitors a serene environment to engage with themes of memory and loss within a forest cemetery.
5 key facts about this project
01
Ceramic tissue flooring enhances the tactile experience while blending with the natural landscape.
02
Two distinct contemplation rooms cater to individual and collective mourning needs.
03
The building is partially buried to promote reflection and minimize forest distractions.
04
Wildflower meadows create vibrant habitats and support local biodiversity.
05
A deliberate central pathway guides visitors through the themes of memory and mortality.

The design located within a forest cemetery focuses on exploring themes of mortality and reflection. Its primary function is to provide a space that encourages visitors to confront and engage with their own lives in relation to death. The overall design concept centers around creating an environment that promotes mourning and introspection, distinguishing it from conventional cemetery layouts by inviting a deeper connection to the experience of loss.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of space is carefully considered to enhance the visitor experience. By excavating part of the site and partially burying the building, the design effectively separates visitors from the distractions of the surrounding forest. This approach cultivates a sense of isolation and reflection. A central pathway guides visitors through the area, prompting them to reflect on their surroundings and their own mortality.

Contemplation Rooms

Two separate contemplation rooms are central to the design, each serving a unique purpose. The "room of tears" caters to individual reflection, offering privacy for those processing personal grief. In contrast, the "room of light" enables a communal experience of mourning, allowing visitors to share memories and acknowledge loss together. This distinction enhances emotional engagement, accommodating various needs during the mourning process.

Material Considerations

Material choices are made to support the overarching theme of the design. The ceramic tissue used for the flooring presents a warm, earthy look that harmonizes with the natural surroundings. This material not only serves a practical purpose but also contributes to the overall aesthetic, creating a cohesive visual experience across the site.

Ecological Integration

The design includes ecological elements, such as wildflower meadows and beehives, which enhance the site’s biodiversity. These features turn previously unused land into vibrant habitats, underscoring the relationship between architecture and the natural environment. This focus on ecological design enriches visitors' experiences, fostering a stronger connection to nature while reinforcing the themes of life and death.

The pathway meanders through the landscape, with lighting providing gentle guidance. Features are placed thoughtfully throughout, ensuring that every aspect serves to connect visitors to both the setting and the moment of reflection.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

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