"Funerary service building in Sunrise Cemetary, Manhattan, Kansas" // 8-week project
Collage Ideation
The concept development of SOLACE explores the profound human contemplation of the afterlife, questioning whether death signifies the end of existence or a transition to something beyond. The project delves into the dichotomy of reaching for the sky, a symbol of hope, transcendence, and the possibility of an eternal realm, versus the inescapable reality of death as a conclusion marked by darkness and stillness. Losing a loved one often propels individuals into deep reflection, challenging their beliefs about mortality and what, if anything, lies beyond. The abstract artifact of the paper model symbolizes this duality, with its angular, upward-reaching forms embodying a longing for answers, while its hollow center hints at the void of uncertainty. Similarly, the collage captures the raw emotional spectrum of loss, from despair and yearning to the search for meaning, representing the universal human experience when grappling with death and its implications.
Driveway Approach
Funeral Service
Lobby
The design emphasizes a dynamic interplay between light, shadow, and angular geometries to create spaces that are both functional and contemplative. Carefully curated openings frame views of nature while allowing natural light to filter in, casting evolving patterns that animate the interior and exterior throughout the day. The rawness of concrete is softened by the integration of vegetation, which bridges the relationship between built and natural environments, fostering a sense of connection and balance. Textured surfaces and slanted walls enhance material depth, while strategically placed voids invite light to penetrate deeper, creating visual and spatial continuity. The result is a harmonious fusion of rigidity and softness, where architecture adapts to its surroundings and evokes a sense of introspection and timelessness.
Elevations
Section through Crypt, Lobby and Service room
Diagrams
