project

Previous Project Back to Overview Next Project

Remembrance

by Jim Hoddevik
tutors
Christof Mayer
Cristian Ștefănescu
course
Diploma project
location
Tennebekk, Bergen
Tags
Ceremony spaces Crematorium
years
2020
Introduction

WHAT – A crematorium with religious neutral ceremony spaces partly hidden underground in Bergen.

On one side this composed program requires a rational and machinery like infrastructure of turning dead bodies into ashes. The opposite side is to provide spaces where dependents with intimacy and dignity can take a final goodbye.

WHY – When asked only half of the Norwegian population claims belonging to any kind of religious belief. Could ceremonial spaces be perceived in a broader context beyond religious beliefs without completely losing the notion of being sacral?

WHERE – The site is located 5km west of the city centre of Bergen. The project is placed where a forest trail area meets a freeway interchange junction. This allows for both a rationally access in terms of getting there by car or public transport, and on the other hand an interesting option of approaching the site by foot or bicycle from a well-connected forest trail and recreational area.

HOW – On one side this composed program requires a rational and machinery like infrastructure of turning dead bodies into ashes. The opposite side is to provide spaces where dependents with intimacy and dignity can take a final goodbye. A variety of spatial compositions, the rawness of materials, and appearance of water is meant to allow a sensory experience beyond what you can see.

1:50 model of one of the viewing rooms.

The sensual world of rituals and its meaning in our culture should not be underestimated. Perceiving the final farewell is a direct and physical experience.
The project is sculptured into the rock integrating the eternalness of stone and immaterial components of light, water and sound casting its sparkle and echoes on the masses of stone. An appreciation to the value of natural elements as architectural expression and a common impression of nature itself as a mediator in addressing the notion of sacredness across beliefs and non-beliefs. Within the interior space’s openings are providing light and gaze upon the sky, treetop canopies or water mirrors reflecting them all. Various existing paths and trails in the forest area leads to various landforms such as the river, waterfalls, ruins, mountain tops and clearings in the forest inviting the visitor to pause for a while. A place of quiet and wonder, a place for saying goodbye, a place for remembrance

Plan drawings of the different levels in the project. Plan drawings of the different levels in the project.
Section of the journey to the large ceremony space Section of the journey to the large ceremony space
Model photos of the large ceremony space Model photos of the large ceremony space
Section of the cremation furnace room. Section of the cremation furnace room.
Section of the three different zones in the project Section of the three different zones in the project
Principles for construction of the graveyard terraces Principles for construction of the graveyard terraces
Project Documentation
Project description and program
Download