5 key facts about this project
The "Ever Changing Columbarium" serves as a contemplative space designed for reflection on life and death. Located within a natural setting, the design emphasizes a strong connection between the built environment and its surroundings. The concept focuses on the passage of time and the cyclical nature of existence, allowing visitors a serene place to process their feelings related to grief and acceptance.
Vertical Structures
The project features vertical structures that symbolize various phases of life. Made as reinforced concrete columns, these forms create a framework that enhances visitor experience while inviting them to connect with nature. As time passes, the concrete will weather, showing signs of corrosion and mold. This natural aging process reflects the transient nature of life, evoking contemplation about mortality and what it means to leave a legacy.
Natural Light and Shadow
Light plays a crucial role in the design. Careful attention is given to how natural light interacts with the vertical elements throughout the day. Shadows will shift as the sun moves across the sky, creating a dynamic atmosphere inside the columbarium. This interplay of light and shadow allows visitors to perceive the passage of time, enhancing the space's meditative qualities and inviting thoughtful reflection.
Reflective Elements
Mirror installations are integrated into the ground to enhance interaction between visitors and the vertical structures. These reflective surfaces not only enrich the visual experience but also create an illusion of depth, similar to what can be found in traditional sacred spaces like cathedrals or dense forests. Visitors are encouraged to see themselves and their experiences within this contemplative landscape.
Ground Cover
Varying grades of layered soil form the ground cover beneath the vertical structures. This design choice supports natural erosion and allows the landscape to change over time. These transformations echo the reality of life cycles and align with the project’s themes of transition and impermanence. The evolving ground cover offers a tangible connection to the natural processes that define the environment, reinforcing the narrative of change that runs through the columbarium.
As visitors navigate through the space, the vertical forms create a calming pathway where light filters in gently. The sun illuminates the area, casting warm glow and encouraging moments of introspection and connection.