The Field of Chapels offers a space for reflection within a calm forest setting. Designed as a columbarium, it allows for both personal and shared experiences of remembrance. The concept focuses on creating a balance between the structure and its natural surroundings, resulting in an area where individuals can find peace and contemplation.

Layout and Spatial Arrangement

The columbarium consists of five hundred niches, grouped into fourteen units with three levels each. These niches are arranged in three linear sequences that guide visitors through the site. The varying directions of the niches create pathways that encourage exploration and personal reflection. Each turn offers an opportunity for contemplation, inviting visitors to slow down and engage with their thoughts and memories.

Material Palette

Materials play a critical role in the columbarium's identity. Bush-hammered limestone panels surround the niches, providing a solid and textured surface that connects with the natural world. Steel plaques cover the niches, offering a contemporary touch and allowing people to add personal items such as candles and vases. This combination of materials supports an intimate atmosphere where individuals can honor their memories in a tangible way.

Canopy and Structural Elements

Suspended canopies add another layer to the design, creating an open field of small chapels. These canopies offer shelter while also forming a visual connection between the niches. The translucent fiberglass allows natural light to filter through, enhancing the overall experience within the space. A framework made of thin timber pieces connects the niches and canopies, painted in a soft grey hue that blends with the natural environment.

Garden Integration

The surrounding garden extends the theme of remembrance into the landscape. Each unit has designated planting areas that reinforce the relationship between the burial sites and the outdoors. The greenery enriches the site, inviting people to gather and reflect. This connection between nature and memory creates a serene environment, where the architectural forms coexist with the landscape.

The careful arrangement of niches and the balance between enclosed and open areas lead to a peaceful experience at the Field of Chapels. Here, individuals can engage in quiet reflection, finding solace in a thoughtfully designed setting.