Crematorium

The crematorium is located on a flat surface – in a field by the forest. Mass concept of the design is a rather sensitive manner – it represents a shallow hill risen from the surface. Crematorium is designed with a metaphor of a burial mound covered with white linen. The volume of the building and its access spaces are separated by embankments of the surrounding landscape. The structure of the roof is reminiscent of a ritual blanket that covers architectural volume and tailor it into surrounding ground. Crematorium building is visible from a distant perspective and becomes the epicenter of the ritual. It calmly invites and releases those who arrive. It is a place of emotional discharge and a quiet transformation subordinate to t... More

The project is a Multi-faith cemetery whose intent and design is based upon core aesthetic, volumetric, phenomenological and ritualistic principles in an attempt to understand the cohesive inter-relationship between faith and sacred architecture. The site is in Thane, Maharashtra, India. The site sits along the banks of the river Ulhas. Thane is left with few places for burying the dead. Over 25 active proposals to repair and renovate crematoria in the city have been pending with the civic body for over two years. To meet the increasing demand of Thanekars for more burial grounds, the Design allots space to different communities and religious faiths. The design seeks to radically challenge the notions related to Architecture that deals with... More

DELA cooperative, in partnership with Povse &Timmermans Architects & Engineers and J.A. van Gisbergen Construction Company, has realised a new crematory with funeral facilities on the Wetering-Zuid business park in Utrecht. Given that the adjacent neighbourhoods, Leidsche Rijn and Vleuten, have been developing steadily, this also lead to an increase in the demand for new facilities. In addition to shops, sports facilities and health care centres, there was also a need for funeral services. DELA took up the challenge and submitted a plan to the city of Utrecht. The result is a sleek, modern and accessible crematorium with sufficient parking spaces in a green and expansive setting. The circular design was conceived by Povse & Timm... More

The new building for the crematorium in St. Niklaas (Belgium) has been divided into two parts: a reception building, and a technical building (the crematorium proper). The decision to separate the two buildings was based primarily on practical and environmental considerations, but it also provides an opportunity to give each building a character and look of its own deriving from its function. It also enables a spatial rite de passage on the site and in the buildings which is appropriate to the different stages of a funeral ceremony. Emptiness, space and clarity predominate in the new reception room. The use of clear spatial gestures and materials results in a room with a presence, but nowhere do the accents introduced take over. The... More

Rusthof Cemetery and Crematorium is situated in the densely forested landscape between the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and Gelderse Vallei. Here the bereaved from any cultural or religious background are able to say goodbye to their dearly departed in their own way. The current trend is customization. The design of Rusthof Crematorium has taken this into account.Contrast with existing monumentThe crematorium is part of Rusthof Cemetery. The building designed by EGM has a different feel to it than existing monumental buildings designed by engineer C.B. van der Tak, but is fully integrated with the original design as far as natural surroundings and urban planning is concerned.CustomizationThe design takes the wishes of the customer into account by al... More