Work submitted for the competition
"Best Diploma Architecture".
"Circle of life" is a funerary building located at the Powązki cemetery in Warsaw. It is an alternative form for modern cemeteries and an answer to the problems of sepulchral architecture that we will face in the near future.
land development | typology of projections
© Kinga Bugaj
The research work consisted primarily of analyzing similar sites and evaluating their solutions. This part looked at such problems as the lack of space in cemeteries, funeral laws not adapted to current needs, the tabooization of death and the lack of a sphere of the sacred in cemeteries.
building block diagram
© Kinga Bugaj
The idea of the project is based on the development of the opposite of the building, i.e. a form that is empty on the inside and full on the outside. In the architectural concept, the decision was made to use a circle - a symbol of the universal God, depending on the professed faith. The center of the sphere was left empty, and the designed function was located around it. The function of the object is performed by ramps - a symbol of the path of life. In the next step, the object was sunk into the ground in a ratio of 1:3, which also refers to the symbolism of life and death. The building consists of three parts.
3D cross-section
© Kinga Bugaj
In the central one - in the sphere - is placed the main function of the object - the burial place. Two cuboidal volumes are added to the sphere on opposite sides. One of them houses the crematorium and supplementary functions related to the funeral ceremony and preparation of the deceased for burial. The other cubicle is devoted to technical functions and the administrative section.
view of the entrance area | interior visualization
© Kinga Bugaj
One of the design guidelines is multiculturalism. The designed object should be for everyone, not exclude and build mutual respect. For this reason, four forms of burial were decided upon, adapted to different religions and beliefs, taking into account the trends and problems we will face in the future.
diagram of burial types
© Kinga Bugaj
The first form of burial is cremation and burial in urns placed in columbaria in the outer wall of the underground part of the building. The wall was designed with modules measuring 45 by 45 centimeters. Provision has been made for the purchase of any number of modules to enlarge the burial space and to personalize the niches with any commemorative items. With reference to Polish tradition, the possibility of lighting candles or an alternative to this solution in the form of lighting an artificial light over the niche has been allowed.
The second form of burial is cremation and the possibility of scattering the ashes of the deceased in the Memorial Spring located at the very bottom of the building. The third form of burial is digital burial. Its place is foreseen in a small sphere located in the center of the building. It will contain information about the deceased person and remnants from the digital world. Visitors can use the metaversum to talk to the deceased based on the recordings of his or her voice, see photos and recordings created from the trace the deceased left behind in the digital world. An additional feature of this burial is the ability to participate in the funeral ceremony held at the facility from anywhere in the world.
interior visualization, view from the ramp | metaversum
© Kinga Bugaj
The last form of burial envisaged is ecological burial in coffins, outside the building. This burial refers to the traditional one, but has been modified to a more ecological form. The body of the deceased will be placed in a coffin made of mycelium, which accelerates the decomposition of the body and fertilizes the soil. On such prepared soil, instead of a traditional memorial, a loved one can plant a tree in memory of the deceased.
The facility also serves a park function, as a complement to city functions. In addition, the designed facility includes auxiliary functions: a crematorium, a ceremony hall and a farewell hall.
Kinga BUGAJ
Illustrations: © Author
