The design located in Riga’s forest cemetery provides a space dedicated to remembrance through the use of vertical structures. It emphasizes the themes of grief and memory in a natural setting, creating an environment that encourages reflection. Visitors can interact with their emotions and memories in a serene space that invites contemplation.

Design Concept

At its core, the design centers on the feeling of a void, a common experience after losing someone. By addressing society's discomfort with discussions about death, the architecture highlights the essential role of grief in the healing process. The columbarium is set amidst open sky and green surroundings, promoting a calming atmosphere that allows for personal reflection.

Structural Configuration

The layout features a series of columns arranged in a scattered formation, moving away from the traditional wall of niches. These vertical structures create layered experiences that guide visitors as they move through the space. The columns vary in height, providing room for one to four family niches each. This design choice allows families to personalize their remembrance area, fostering a closer connection to their loved ones.

Materiality and Integration

While specific materials are not extensively detailed in the presentation, there are indications of structural components that likely include metal frameworks and stone finishes. The design of the columns is intentionally permeable, allowing for adjustments as more niches are filled. This flexibility accommodates the evolving needs of families and symbolizes the ongoing cycle of life and death.

Spatial Relationship

The relationship between the design and its natural surroundings is crucial. The project interacts with the landscape, enhancing connections between built forms and the surrounding environment. This engagement invites visitors to consider their own experiences of loss while reflecting on the wider themes of life and memory that exist within nature.

As visitors navigate through this landscape, they find moments that evoke feelings and thoughts, allowing space for individual and shared memories to thrive, marking the lives that have shaped them.