Site Analysis and Integration
The site is situated in a green zone near Brykhovyts'kyi Forest, distanced from residential areas to ensure tranquility. Separate routes for funeral processions and visitors ensure dignified movement and privacy.
Master plan
Vertical Tower: Transcendence and Landmark
The 17-meter tower acts as a spiritual and practical beacon, guiding first-time visitors toward the crematorium while symbolizing ascension and the soul's journey beyond physical existence. Its height draws the eye upward, serving as both a navigational marker and a metaphor for transcendence.
Curved Forms and Organic Shapes
Soft, flowing lines in the farewell hall and roof structures evoke natural landscapes, symbolizing the interconnectedness of life and death. Curves contrast with rigid urban geometries, offering a sanctuary from the city's chaos
The absence of sharp angles creates a welcoming, non-threatening atmosphere, reducing the psychological weight of the space
Light: Hope, Spirituality, and Connection
Light represents hope, transcendence, and the intangible connection between the physical and spiritual realms. The crematorium's design harnesses natural light to counteract the heaviness of mourning
Water: Purification, Continuity, and Transition
Water is a universal symbol of purification, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life. In the crematorium design, reflective ponds and artificial water bodies serve as metaphors for the transition between life and death. They mirror the sky and surrounding greenery, creating a meditative environment that encourages contemplation and acceptance
Conclusion: Architecture as Spiritual Mediator
The Holoskivskyi Crematorium exemplifies how contemporary architecture can address profound existential questions through thoughtful design. By creating a space that honors both the practical necessities of modern urban infrastructure and the timeless human need for meaningful transition rituals, the project demonstrates architecture's unique capacity to bridge material and spiritual realms.
This work stands as a testament to design's power to dignify difficult human experiences and create spaces where grief can be transformed into meaningful remembrance. Through its integration of symbolism, nature, and cultural sensitivity, the crematorium offers not just a functional facility but a meaningful vessel for one of life's most profound transitions