Architecture project // Elevated Altars and Sunken Fountains in a Memorial Landscape

Elevated Altars and Sunken Fountains in a Memorial Landscape

Author:

Chelsea Jno baptiste

Eight paired arches define a memorial landscape in Riga, where elevated altars and sunken fountains create a space for reflection and remembrance within a sustainable columbarium setting.

5 key facts about this project

Eight paired arches define the columbarium's structure, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

Two columbariums integrate fountains that collect and recycle rainwater for sustainability.

Raised altars at the center of elevated columbariums provide focal points for memorial activities.

Each columbarium contains 576 niches designed for cremated remains, accommodating diverse memorial needs.

The ground level is intentionally sunk to allow for decaying plant materials, reinforcing the life-death cycle.

General keywords

riga cemetery columbarium memorial fountain reflection tranquility sustainability community remembrance

Project specific keywords

arches niches altar rainwater plant holders

The "Illuminated Memoirs" project is located in Riga’s Forest Cemetery, designed as a thoughtful space for remembrance. It features four columbariums formed by eight paired arches, arranged within a circular open area. This design fosters interaction and reflection, merging the built environment with the natural landscape to create an inviting setting for visitors.

Design Concept

The design explores themes of life and death, highlighted by the relationship between the raised altars and the sunken fountains. These elements encourage visitors to engage with the space in a meaningful way. The arrangement symbolizes connections between the earthly world and the spiritual, inviting contemplation about existence and memory.

Functionality

Two of the columbariums include fountains that add to the tranquil atmosphere, providing spaces for visitors to pause in their thoughts. These fountains are designed to collect rainwater, promoting sustainable water use through recycling. The other two columbariums, elevated slightly above ground level, feature altars surrounded by benches. This setup creates inviting focal points for personal memorial moments, such as lighting candles.

Materials and Aesthetics

Locally sourced brick and concrete are used for the construction, ensuring durability while maintaining economic feasibility. These materials blend with the surrounding landscape and contribute to a cohesive look. Light sources are placed at the tops of the arches, offering visibility during low-light hours and enhancing the presence of the columbariums in the space.

Design Details

Each of the columbariums can hold up to 576 niches for cremated remains, and they are designed with plant holders on either side for flowers. The ground consists of earth and grass, designed to allow natural decay of plant materials. This aspect promotes a connection to the cycle of life, reinforcing the themes of memory and the natural world. In this way, the project becomes a respectful space that resonates with visitors, inviting them to reflect and remember.