Diestseveld Park Cemetery

The serenity of a cemetery and the liveliness of a residential area combine in this project. The orthogonal grid of grave-gardens is sliced through by a diagonal alley, an oval walkway and a twisting bicycle route. A playground makes the transition from cemetery to residential area. Two buildings are set into the grid. A modest building forms one of the walls surrounding the forecourt. Along with the reception desk, it houses offices, workshops and sanitary facilities. Its large canopy shelters waiting visitors. A square concrete building offers mourning relatives and friends a space for contemplation. Once crossed the pond in which the building stands, they find themselves cut off from the outside world for a while. The only thing left is light, concentrated in a ribbon just above the floor and under the roof, reflected in the pond, determined by time, season and weather. The building serves as a landmark as well, even at night, when its reverse pyramidal roof is lit from the inside.