CREATING TRANQUIL SPACES

The innovative design of the crematorium by d6thD Design Studio transforms it in to a space of meditation, reflection and conversations

Project: Udan Crematorium, Gujarat, Architects: d6thD Design Studio, Ahmedabad

Our fear and discomfort with death have left crematoriums with segregated, cold, and depressing spaces in urban context so far. The architects were commissioned by a private trust to change such an underperforming Hindu crematorium into a vital place at Amalsad town in Gujarat. The architect came up with the idea of creating a place that would not only fulfill cremation rituals but would also to make much-needed valuable public space for daily use in the urban setting.

The Site and Entry: The 2-acre site has adjoining roads on the north and west sides, a small river on the south side, and a few residences on the east side. The site had sloppy terrain of 5m going down from north to the south-west. The architect strategically transformed half of the contoured site into two major levels-the upper level for public space and the lower level for cremation space-by cut and fill method. Both levels are connected by the ramp, which is considered the ceremonial path.

Upon arrival at the entrance plaza from the northern road, visitors are persuaded to slow down by the invisible building and offered multiple paths. However, the partly visible chimney and golden trident spark curiosity. A driveway ramp on the west side leads down to the parking area, and visitors can return back to the plaza shortly by using a staircase connecting the both.