GROUP A crematorion: stand alone building in amsterdam

rotterdam-based GROUP A has completed a crematorium called ‘crematorion’ situated in the historical zorgvlied cemetery in amsterdam. its name is composed of the words cremate and orion, and represents a new approach to cremation, allowing mourners to accompany the remains of their beloved ones as far as possible towards the cremation furnace.

the verticality of the design reinforces the idea of the spirit, rising to the stars

GROUP A has designed the innovative structure in such a way it facilitates this new approach. the ‘crematorion’ is a stand-alone building, housing a cremation furnace and processing room, separate from the usual auditorium. the structure has been designed to focus the minds on the ritual of leave-taking. it is designed to evoke personal involvement, allowing each participant to shape it and give it meaning in his or her own particular way. the farewell ceremony may be held in the auditorium of zorgvlied or elsewhere – even at home. after this ceremony, the relatives accompany the remains of their dear deceased loved one through the grounds of zorgvlied to the ‘crematorion’.

all invitees can be present in the forecourt at the moment the casket enters the furnace

the next of kin get to choose whether they want to leave the casket in the special forecourt, or whether they want to enter it into the furnace themselves. the furnaces opening is connected directly to the outside. also, unlike a regular service at a crematorium, all invitees can be present at the moment the casket enters the furnace. it allows differing cultures the opportunity of taking leave in their own way, employing the rituals they consider most appropriate.

daylight comes from above into the forecourt, where it illuminates the glass mosaic wall

the 16-meter high ‘crematorion’ is carefully embedded in the leafy surroundings of the cemetery and the vegetation on both sides of the path continues rising along the walls of the exterior. the ‘crematorion’ has a base made of stone and a light, tent-like superstructure over it, ending in a glass covered opening. the contrasting materials symbolize the tension between the heaviness of the earth and the insubstantiality of the heavenly and spiritual. the opening in the top is oriented to the sun and the rotation in the tent-structure stems from the difference between the incidence of sunlight and the direction of the site. daylight comes from above into the forecourt, where it illuminates the glass mosaic wall. this wall also separates the forecourt from the technical area of the ‘crematorion’

the forecourt and furnaces opening is connected directly to the outside

contrasting materials symbolise the tension between the heaviness of the earth and insubstantiality of the heavenly

the vegetation continues rising along the walls of the exterior

technical area of the crematorium

the crematorium is carefully embedded in the leafy surroundings of the cemetery

ground floor plan

situation crematorium on the historical cemetery of zorgvlied

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edited by: juliana neira | designboom