sanchit arora's speculative shadow spaces crematorium in india

sanchit arora’s speculative shadow spaces crematorium in india conceived as a sacred landscape

architect sanchit arora of indian firm renesa, speculates on the state of contemporary crematoriums in his thesis work, ‘the shadow spaces’. despite, or perhaps due to, the intimate connection all humans have with death, rituals and their associated settings remain to some a societal taboo. but, arora sees crematoriums as having the potential to be much more than neglected grounds to deal with inevitable details. by connecting india’s religious and ritualistic devotion with architecture that identifies poetic and practical needs, ‘the shadow spaces’ can assume the title of sacred landscape.

‘purifying of soul’ gathering area
images © renesa

the project is located within the city of delhi, where approximately 50 to 55 crematorium-facilities exist currently. few of them are actively used however, for reasons such as: distance, amenities provided, size (delhi’s crematoriums accommodate 5,000-10,000 deaths daily), and physical vicinity to a sacred river (ganges, etc.). ‘the shadow spaces’ observes and remedies issues related to all stated inadequacies, taking instead a holistic approach that considers physical, metaphysical, emotional, and spiritual notions.

path to main funeral grounds

underground electric crematorium and plaza

funeral space: the last ritual rites

children’s graves allocation

walkway to the hall of remembrance

prayer hall and hindu water obligations

prayer hall interior

aerial

crematorium masterplan

sections

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom

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