How This Funeral Architecture is a Beautiful Tribute to Nature

Article by Carlos Cortés Open-sided shelter, by Ron Shenkin Studio, in Pardesiya, Israel.  Graveyards and cemeteries are places where we bury and say one last goodbye to our family and friends. This open-sided shelter by Ron Shenkin Studio is a spacious structure placed next to a cemetery where people converge and dedicate eulogies and words to the deceased, prior to and during the ceremonies. What is the Purpose of the Funeral Landscape? By nature, these are places where strong emotions emerge. The design for this pavilion embraces those emotions and “paints” the site with simple but effective symbolism. From a tribute in the form of raised orchards to a reminder that man comes from dust and to dust returns, we take a look at every aspect of this project that is inclusive with its landscape surroundings.

Elements and Symbolism The cemetery sits in a space that was once surrounded by orchards and trees, many of which were cut down for the construction of new buildings. The main structure of the shelter is open on both sides, providing spaciousness and light, but also giving people the sense of being sheltered. The roof slab that Ron Shenkin presents in a video as a flying bird symbolizes the expansion of urbanization, and is supported by 15 white iron pillars in the shape of trees, as a reminder of the vegetation that once surrounded the area. WATCH >>> Ron Shenkin – Studio for architecture & design

Those pillars tower over the people who gather at the shelter, which can hold either small or big groups while still offering the same feeling of embrace. In this woods of iron perfectly scaled with the roof, there is one living oak tree that remains inside, emerging through the roof from an opening created especially for that purpose.

Other oak trees are displayed in the background of the building and to the sides of the entrances and exits. Another detail of the building that holds a lot of meaning within the context is described by Shenkin: “On the northern side of the building, there is a line of concrete, beginning in the ground on the west side and climbing up through the window. Ascending to the roof, ceilings, and walls and making its final decent back to the ground — like a man who comes from dust and to dust returns.” Functionality The sense of closeness within this spacious building is a constant. Visitors have two options for access: the smaller entrance for the closest family and a second, larger entrance for the rest of the mourners. A shaded area outside the structure also provides space for those who want to remain at a distance. There are also two exits to the cemetery, one via a flight of stairs and the other easily accessible from inside the building. The building is lit with luminous white lights from inside to out, creating an atmosphere of peace and neutrality even in the darkness of the night. Colors and Materials Here the role of colors and materials is to bring spaciousness, but also cohesion to the whole. The monochromatic shades of gray over the iron and concrete provide a clean and neutral look while being respectful to the meaning of the place. Both the different sized and shaped panels of the canopy and the metal “tree” structures were assembled on site. The concrete for the walls and roof was poured in one day. What’s the Guiding idea of the Landscape? For places such like this, it is important to notice their cultural meaning and transformation over time. LAN Content Director Ashley Penn greatly expands on this theme in “The Landscape of Death and Green Burial – How Our Beliefs Design Cemeteries” . Landscapes are often designed to create experiences that pair best with the activities done in a specific place, adding new meaning to a space. In this case, the pavilion aims to respect the feelings of the mourners, but also provide a sense of brightness and comfort. Interpreting Nature Nature is present both symbolically and literally in the woods of iron and in the oak tree that remains. We can be delighted by a design that reaches a clean and minimalistic interpretation of nature. It also works as a statement that dead or disappearing nature should be remembered. This project is distinguished by its clean design and the meaning of its elements, something very important for buildings that are meant to reflect the feelings of their users. Working as a solid and cohesive whole, the dialogue between symbols and nature is perfectly executed. The architects studied the history of the area and included in their design a timely question on nature and man, creating not just an object, but a luminous landscape that projects a peaceful image and a concept friendly to the mourners, the site, and the surroundings. What other death-scapes have you found beautiful? Let us know in the comments below! Go to comments

Full Project Credits For the Open-sided shelter, by Ron Shenkin Studio:

Project Name: Open-sided shelter Architects: Ron Shenkin Studio Location: Pardesiya, Israel Contractor: A.D. Haled Area: 3,465 square feet Budget: $500,000 to $1 million Project Year: 2015 Photographs: Shai Epstein Learn more about Ron Shenkin Studio: Website: www.ron-shenkin.com Recommended Reading:

• Becoming an Urban Planner: A Guide to Careers in Planning and Urban Design by Michael Bayer
• Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design With Nature by Douglas Farrs

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