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Climbing Roses and Reflective Patios in a Terraced Cemetery Design

Authors:
Jessica Zhao, Chuling Yang, Siyuan Zhang
Climbing Roses and Reflective Patios in a Terraced Cemetery Design
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Set within a serene forest, the design incorporates climbing roses along memorial walls and reflective patios, creating a contemplative space that honors both life and death in a cemetery setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Memorial walls integrate climbing roses, symbolizing life and rebirth.
02
The design features reflective patios, promoting contemplation and emotional engagement.
03
Terraced gardens ensure seasonal variation and dynamic ecological integration.
04
A central void acts as a gathering space, enhancing community reflection.
05
The linear pathway guides visitors from the living realm to a serene burial site.

A Garden Beyond is an architectural design project conceived as a cemetery that embodies the connection between life and death. Located in a forested environment, the project integrates nature and built form to create a contemplative space. The design promotes interaction and reflection, providing visitors with a meaningful experience as they navigate through the landscape.

The project emphasizes a clear conceptual framework, aiming to dissolve the barriers between the living and the deceased. As users progress through the site, they are guided along a linear pathway that serves as a transitional element, symbolizing the journey from life to death. The design integrates various architectural features, leading to areas meant for contemplation and memorialization.

Nuanced Design Elements
The architectural design incorporates several unique elements that contribute to its distinct character. A prominent linear pathway directs visitors into the cemetery, facilitating a gradual shift in perception as they move from the vibrant living world to a more tranquil environment.

Memorial walls are strategically placed along the pathway, offering niches for remembrance. These walls are adorned with climbing roses, linking natural growth to the narrative of life and rebirth. Reflective patios are integrated into the design, allowing spaces for pause and reflection, thereby enhancing the emotional and spiritual engagement of visitors.

The central void within the cemetery serves as a focal point for gathering and reflection. This sunken area embodies the theme of life's depths and invites community engagement. Terraced gardens display seasonal flora, ensuring a dynamic environment that changes with the seasons. This intentional variation highlights the cycles of life and death, reinforcing the project's conceptual narrative.

Construction and Material Choices
The design employs a minimal yet effective material palette. Concrete is utilized for structural components, providing durability and permanence. Glass is incorporated in memorial niches, allowing natural light to penetrate and create an ethereal atmosphere. Natural stone is used for pathways, ensuring a tactile connection with the earth. Climbing roses play an essential role in adding greenery, symbolizing continuity and the natural lifecycle.

Interactivity and Community Engagement
What sets A Garden Beyond apart from typical cemetery designs is its focus on interactivity with nature. The living plant elements within memorial walls not only serve a decorative function but also symbolize the ongoing relationship between the living and the deceased. The design encourages community participation, transforming the cemetery into a space for collective remembrance and engagement.

As visitors traverse the cemetery, the sequence of spaces fosters a narrative that prompts personal reflection and remembrance. This approach signals a departure from conventional cemetery design, inviting visitors to explore their connections to both nature and memory.

To gain a deeper understanding of A Garden Beyond, readers are encouraged to explore the project's architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs. These resources provide further insights into this thoughtful exploration of architecture, life, and remembrance.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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