monumental masonry competition explores the possibilities of funerary architecture

monumental masonry competition explores the possibilities of funerary architecture
marc benjamin drewes – celebration of death

bompas & parr and sir john soane’s museum — named after the famed creator of funerary structures — have collaborated on the ‘monumental masonry’ competition, which called on architects and designers to create memorials and mausoleum in celebration of death. more than 120 entries from international creatives have been submitted, comprising everything from traditional tombs to vertical cemeteries, serene contemplative spaces, monoliths made of lego, a neon sculpture and even a huge sock. the varied range of results demonstrates a resurgence of interest in funerary architecture, as the unique style is removed from the usual practicalities required for human interaction, and simulataneoulsy allow designers to ignore the rules governing structure and form.

ben allen – memorial to lost concentration

designs were shortlisted by bompas & parr and scored on narrative, rationale and relevance. a selection of the top ten entries seeking to put a fresh look on death include a wax obelisk that’s a home to live burying animals; a tomb reimagined as a social space complete with a bar; and a memorial park suspended beneath a new york bridge. entries from architects, interior designers, set designers and product designers include celebrated practices such as grimshaw architects, arup and eley kishimoto, each which sought to cast a fresh light on the solemnity of traditional tombs. the resultant models created will be on display at sir john soane’s museum, from december 6th, 2014 until january 3rd, 2015.

deathlab/latent – constellation park

nathan webb – immortality mask

dsdha – monumentimals

sebastian bergne – tomb of the past

1/4