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Vertical Columbarium Crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Glass in a Forest Setting

Authors:
Weihao He, Shi qi Tang, Jing yi Wang, Yue Hou
Vertical Columbarium Crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Glass in a Forest Setting

Project in-detail

Crafted from cross-laminated timber panels and integrated with glass elements, the vertical columbarium offers a serene space for reflection and remembrance, harmoniously blending with the surrounding forest landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates interactive biography displays for personalized remembrance.
02
Utilizes a unique blend of materials, including charred wooden shingles and transparent acrylic.
03
Features floating glowing buoys that symbolize connections with the departed.
04
Designed with reflection pools that enhance the atmosphere of contemplation.
05
Integrates seamlessly into the forest landscape, promoting a natural connection with the environment.
The architectural project titled "Being Towards Death: A Vertical Cemetery in the Forest" presents a comprehensive exploration of themes surrounding death, memory, and the relationship between the living and the deceased. This design is situated in a forested landscape, aiming to create a space that facilitates reflection and remembrance while encouraging interaction among visitors. The project thoughtfully merges natural elements with architectural form, generating an environment where grief and celebration coexist harmoniously.

At its core, the project serves a dual purpose. It functions as a traditional resting place for the deceased, all the while providing a setting for the living to connect with their memories of loved ones. The concept aims to reshape societal perceptions of death by emphasizing the continuity of life and the significance of remembrance. The design encourages visitors to engage with their emotions and fosters a dialogue about mortality, ultimately enhancing the understanding of life’s transient nature.

The architectural design incorporates a vertical columbarium, a central element that symbolizes the return of the soul to the stars. This innovative approach to cemetery design deviates from conventional horizontal layouts, creating a vertical structure that allows for a more compact, efficient use of space while providing opportunities for contemplative views across the surrounding landscape. With a focus on spatial organization, the columbarium incorporates niches for urns, allowing for individual remembrance while remaining part of a larger collective.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the project's design. A combination of SC plaster, acrylic shells, steel wire, and communication fiber forms the basis of the structure, establishing a sense of permanence and elegance. The acrylic components facilitate the filtering of natural light, creating an ambiance that encourages tranquility. The integration of water features throughout the cemetery enhances the meditative quality of the space, reflecting the surrounding nature and allowing for serene moments of reflection.

In addition to these structural elements, unique design approaches characterize the project. The inclusion of elements such as glowing buoys and helium-filled shells adds a playful aspect to the sobriety traditionally associated with cemeteries. These features symbolize hope and connection, inviting visitors to engage with the space actively. Furthermore, interactive installations provide an opportunity for individuals to leave behind lasting messages for their loved ones, promoting a sense of community and shared mourning.

The project acknowledges the need for both individual and communal spaces within the cemetery. By designing private areas for intimate reflection alongside communal gathering spots, the architecture fosters interaction among visitors, enabling them to share stories and memories, thereby enriching the overall experience. The thoughtful arrangement of these spaces encourages a journey through grief that can be both personal and collective.

The geographical context of the project amplifies its significance. Nestled within a forest, the cemetery creates a unique atmosphere that blends urbanity with nature, allowing visitors to connect with the environment as they navigate their emotions. This interaction with the natural world becomes a focal point, reinforcing the thematic connection between life, death, and continuity.

In summary, "Being Towards Death: A Vertical Cemetery in the Forest" embodies a reflective approach to understanding mortality through architecture. By seamlessly integrating form, function, and natural elements, the project stands as an innovative response to the complex relationships between the living and the deceased. For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural plans and design details that define this project, a comprehensive exploration of its elements is highly encouraged. Engaging with the architectural sections and interactive ideas presented will surely enrich the understanding of this thoughtful design.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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