KAAN Architecten - Crematorium Siesegem
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Crematorium Siesegem

KAAN Architecten

Public Space  /  Completed
KAAN Architecten
Located in the countryside bordering the western ring road of the Belgian city, the crematorium, with its footprint of 74x74 metres, merges with trees and shrubs that line the perimeter of the surrounding park, which was conceived by landscape architect Erik Dhont. Approaching the entrance at Blauwenbergstraat, a sense of calm pervades the site and upon arrival visitors are subtly persuaded to slow down by the undulating gentle green mounds. To the north, a pond serves as a reservoir for rainwater, while small adjacent hills are dedicated to scattered ashes and to an urn garden. At the eastern end, a service road for the hearses is hidden from view so that families are not disturbed during the mourning ceremony, respecting their privacy.

Architecture accompanies the transition from a busy outside world into a metaphorical and physical interior imbued with calm and restraint. The south-western corner of the building opens onto a patio and serves as a transitional zone, welcoming visitors and leading them towards the indoor spaces. Even though crematoria are typically characterized by complex logistics, the design of Crematorium Siesegem is self-explanatory and feels natural to use.

Upon entering the crematorium, a sequence of spaces shapes the visitor’s physical experience, preventing spatial confusion. At 6.4 metres tall, the remarkable floor-to-ceiling height of the interior enhances the sense of vastness, paired by the abundance of daylight. A large concrete canopy stretches into a generously proportioned hall from which the reception desk is immediately visible. The reception hall is infused with light by two large windows overlooking a landscaped garden, and houses a discreet passageway to the cafeteria, which features a large-scale painting by Belgian artist Rinus Van de Velde.

Crematorium Siesegem encompasses two ceremonial assembly halls. The largest has generous dimensions, with seating for 600 people. The benches, elegantly shaped with leather upholstery, have a yellow-beige colour, a recurrent hue for the Crematorium spaces chosen for its gentle texture and direct reference to sand and dust. The back surface is glazed and looks out onto a patio, directly connecting the building to the surrounding landscape. Both assembly spaces have a family room and a place for condolences. Moreover, an outdoor area with greenery links nature to daylight and offers a counterweight to the intensity and spirituality experienced by the bereaved.

Next to the ceremony spaces, the technical aspects of the building are also a fundamental part of the design. The endeavour is to disclose, rather than hide the cremation process, which results is an unusual yet effective polarity between the mechanics and the serenity. The soft sandy yellow colour of the furniture is echoed by the ovens and the chimney that stretches up through a glazed opening in the roof. A sense of dignity and intimacy infuses the building.

The choice of materials and the detailing are paramount to achieving a placid mood. For the exterior the rhythm of béton brut was chosen. Inside, the walls are matt and have a textured render, while the ceiling has a rough sprayed finish to ensure muted acoustics. The family rooms and the cafeteria have oak parquet floors.

All spaces express the essence of the architecture, in which Ceppo di Gré marble plays a vital role. The composition arranged after sawing the stone blocks into 2.4 x 1 metre plates, results in a visually coherent pattern. Floors and walls have been treated in the same way. Identical marble was used for the reception desk in the long foyer, the bar, the lectern, the catafalque and the high skirting of the courtyard walls.

In Belgium, crematoria traditionally have a more complex program than other countries. They are spaces for gathering, having a meal and reconnecting with relatives and friends. The client’s significant experience and dialogue were crucial to the project. The design with legible spaces and easily readable routing has reduced signage to a minimum. Visitors should never feel lost, and architecture goes beyond being a mere background, to offer spatial guidance. The interior speaks to visitors and appeals to their emotions: it instils calmness and the sequence of spaces enhances reflection.

The Crematorium Siesegem is an ode to verticality, while being horizontal and pure in its geometry and balanced proportions. Its calm, easily readable environment and tranquil landscape merge together to emanate genuine serenity. The building and its surrounding grounds are a peaceful oasis for reminiscence.

Credits

 Aalst
 Belgium
 Intergemeentelijke Samenwerking (IGS) Westlede
 09/2018
 5000 mq
 KAAN Architecten (Kees Kaan, Vincent Panhuysen, Dikkie Scipio)
 Bas Barendse, Dante Borgo, Maicol Cardelli, Timo Cardol, Sebastian van Damme, Paolo Faleschini, Raluca Firicel, Cristina Gonzalo Cuairán, Michael Geensen, Walter Hoogerwerf, Marco Lanna, Giuseppe Mazzaglia, Exequiel Mulder, Ismael Planelles Naya, Giulia Rapizza, Ana Rivero Esteban, Giacomo Rizzi
 Jan de Nul
 Erik Dhont, Pieters Bouwtechniek, Bureau Bouwtechniek, hp engineers, DGMR
 DFW, BIS, Bulvano, Luxor interieur, Bekaert Building Company, Meyvaert, Marble’us
 Simone Bossi, Sebastian van Damme

Curriculum

KAAN Architecten is a Rotterdam, São Paulo and Paris based architectural firm that operates in a global context, merging practical and academic expertise within the fields of architecture, urbanism, and research on the built environment.

Led by Kees Kaan, Vincent Panhuysen and Dikkie Scipio, the studio consists of an international team of architects, landscape architects, urban planners, engineers, and graphic designers. KAAN Architecten believes in cross-pollination between projects and disciplines as an essential tool to fostering a critical debate within the firm.

The studio maintains a culture of constant evolution, which is essential in a profession that changes at a rapid pace. KAAN Architecten’s projects transcend the traditional notions of scale and typology, ranging from furniture and interiors to urban development and from retail and offices to museums and buildings for health and education.

http://kaanarchitecten.com/pro...

Tag

#Winner #Concrete  #Cemetery  #Religious Building - Complex  #Belgium  #Public space  #Landscape  #KAAN Architecten  #Marble  #Aalst 

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