Architecture project // Vertical Marble Elements Creating Reflection Spaces in a Forest Setting

Vertical Marble Elements Creating Reflection Spaces in a Forest Setting

Authors:

Alejandro Lezcano maestre, Davide Milidoni

Elevated structural posts resembling tree trunks create a contemplative open sky room of marble and light, designed for reflection and remembrance within the Riga Forest Cemetery.

5 key facts about this project

Elevated vertical posts mimic forest tree trunks, enhancing the connection with nature.

Integrated artificial lighting creates a guiding path for evening visits and contemplative reflection.

The modular layout allows for an evolving structure that adapts over time.

Distinct pathways are marked by footprints, fostering a sense of shared memory.

Marble surfaces provide a dignified and serene atmosphere for remembrance.

General keywords

riga columbarium cemetery forest memorial reflection remembrance nature light modular

Project specific keywords

marble verticality tree trunks light pathways modularity

The Columbarium for the Riga Forest Cemetery offers a contemplative space within a natural landscape. Located among a forest, the design functions as a place for remembrance and reflection. It connects elements of nature with the themes of life and death, creating an open sky room that encourages thoughtful engagement with the environment.

Vertical Elements
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The design incorporates vertical structures that resemble tree trunks. These posts elevate the experience and create a balance between heaviness and lightness. Arranged in a modular fashion, they mirror the growth patterns found in the forest. This arrangement allows the structure to evolve over time, reflecting the dynamic relationship between the building and its natural setting.

Themes of Memory and Emptiness
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Memory and emptiness are central themes in the design. The columbarium provides distinct areas that invite contemplation. Pathways shaped by the footprints of visitors enhance accessibility and strengthen connections to shared memories. The design cleverly overlaps elements to organize the layout, guiding movement through the space and creating spots for quiet reflection.

The Role of Light
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Artificial lighting is an important feature of the design. It enhances the relationship between the living and the deceased. As night falls, the lighting changes the atmosphere, illuminating paths and creating a visual connection that deepens the experience of remembrance. This balance of light and shadow adds layers to the environment, inviting visitors to engage more deeply with their surroundings.

Materials
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Marble slabs and an internal metal structure are used in the columbarium. The marble brings a sense of dignity, while the metal allows for the necessary support and flexibility in the design. This combination not only ensures the structure's stability but also aligns with the natural context of the forest.

The design culminates in a carefully arranged collection of urn spaces. The lighting enhances each memory, making individual experiences resonate within the quiet embrace of the forest.