ISLAMIC FUNERAL PAVILION *
* WINNER GOUDEN PIRAMIDE 2014
* NOMINATED ARCAM AMSTERDAM ARCHITECTURE PRIZE / GOUDEN A.A.P. 2013
In the southwest corner of De Nieuwe Ooster cemetery in Amsterdam, a space has been reserved for an Islamic burial section. This Islamic cemetery will be realized at the new, second entrance to the cemetery on Rozenburglaan. The accompanying pavilion houses a number of functions for Islamic funerary rituals.
The starting points of the design have been the directions and sight axes in the park and the orientation towards Mecca. The relationship between the outdoor spaces and the indoor spaces, the park and the building is also starting point for the design. The transitions between them are initiated on a gradual scale. For example, in addition to indoor and outdoor spaces, there are also the semi-open outdoor spaces in the form of two verandas and a patio garden.
The Mecca orientation has been used to give the building a special, spatial experience. The pavilion has a closed character that guarantees intimacy.
On the square side, the facade folds inwards and invites the visitor to enter. The building, on the other hand, opens completely to the garden at the rear side by means of a large facade opening.
The Turkish travertine facades are sandwiched between prefab concrete facade beams, which form the roof and the plinth. The pavilion is slightly raised from ground level, making the building appear lighter and appear to float.
The facade features a work of art integrated into the outer wall – a ceramic wall relief made by visual artist Rem Posthuma
Wall relief arabesque – work of art connected ceramic tiles
Rem Posthuma, visual artist website: Rem Posthuma
in collaboration with Peggy Bannenberg website: Peggy Bannenberg
utility construction, 2012
size: 190m2
place: Amsterdam
client: The municipality of Amsterdam and De Nieuwe Ooster Cemetery
Address: Kruislaan 126
photos: Teo Krijgsman
