In this issue of Gravestones & Sacred Buildings, we present a chapel in an archaic, minimalist tower shape made from recycled gneiss and look at the contemporary design language of sacred spaces. New approaches to cemetery design are also exciting: we talk to experts and use the example of Campus Vivorum to show what the cemetery of the future could look like.
Cover picture: Ana Barros
Burial chapel surrounded by trees
Because designing a burial chapel is not exactly an everyday business these days, the architects Berger + Parkkinen took on the commission from a family in Styria with great curiosity and creative interest. “The result is a free-standing chapel in the castle park with an archaic, minimalist tower design that draws on the traditional burial culture of human history as a point of reference, as well as the special location in the middle of old trees,” the architects enthuse. “We created a connection to the castle within sight and used light and a vertical orientation to create the mysticism and spiritual atmosphere appropriate for a tomb.” Whether and how they succeeded? See for yourself in our magazine.
The focus is on people
The creators of Campus Vivorum have set themselves the task of combining a spiritual atmosphere with a changed cemetery culture. The result is a field of experimentation with different areas of activity, each of which focuses on people. Our author spoke to Dirk Pöschmann, Managing Director of the “Space for Mourning” initiative, about connecting elements between mourners and the dead.
Handmade gravestones and new design language in places of worship
Individual, handcrafted gravestones are still very popular. And they impress the experts. You can also see the award-winning works from 2022 in the new issue.
Bernd Dirks, master stone sculptor from Billerbeck in North Rhine-Westphalia, has been working with sacred spaces for over 35 years. Most recently, he was involved in the redesign of the St. Lamberti church in Coesfeld. We show the new design language of the principals in five selected places of worship.
Cemeteries as green lungs
Cemeteries are not only memorials, they also play an important role as “green lungs” in the city. Our author Annette Mühlberger looks at their importance for biodiversity and climate protection. Even herb gardens are now conceivable there. Let us surprise you.
The magazine is available here in the store.
In the October issue of STEIN, we took a look at the Marmomac in Verona, presented the new Vienna Museum and went on a trip to Berlin – all about the marmo+mac issue here.
We hope you enjoy reading STEIN!
Your Stein editorial team