REMEMBERING AFTERLIFE

The design intervention proposed here tackles the problems of unemployment, loss of identity and extinguished vitality through design, materiality and programme.

ARCHITECTURE must choose to REACT to social stimuli and intend to solve societal problems. It is accountable for an improved way of life.

New York, like the rest of the world, will soon face a striking yet ignored repercussion of population - the unavailability of burial or cremation grounds. With an ever-increasing population, cities now face a peculiar shortage of burial space.

However, vertical growth for cemeteries and the like holds the key. Also, there are various hidden prospects which "Afterlife Mausoleum" explores.

New York is the new center of the Western world, and of the deep seated human hubris which objectifies all other forms of life on Earth. No other form of life seems to matter when it comes to expanding the horizons for human development.

Issues REACTED to:

• Impending burial space crisis throughout the world.
• Large tracts of useable land in the hearts of cities left unused.
• Subordination and exploitation of all other forms of life by humans.
• Widespread cultural and religious discord between people relating to different faiths and beliefs
• Lack of green spaces within many pockets of the city. (Identified as Lungs of a city)

Exploring the solutions for these issues brings us to a junction where we must tackle multiple problems at once. One is the physical problem of space crunch and the other, more philosophical and theological.

A MULTI-FAITH, VERTICAL MAUSOLEUM, as a building aims to -

• Tackle the issue of urban sprawl by freeing up space and giving it back to the city.
• Sustain ecosystems at multiple levels to underscore "All life on Earth is equal and symbiotic."
• Educate humanity about the fundamental similarity in all beliefs
• Solve the future crisis for lack of space for the dead

"Remembering Afterlife" is a symbol of the perpetual cycle of life. It also depicts the nature of life as a complex system which is fueled by the phenomenon of life and death. The idea that "Man rises from the Earth and goes back to it."; and that "All life is made equal." has been constantly reinforced throughout the building.

Many additional functions (apart from the expected functions) have been proposed. "Afterlife Mausoleum" allows multiple beliefs to perform their rites together, thus evoking the question "What is the difference?".

Few functions, like counselling centers, seminar facilities etc.,could aid the coping process of the loved ones of the deceased.

Some functions also aim at making the philosophical message heard, which the building implies constantly with its program, spaces and experiences. Spaces like auditoriums, knowledge centers and galleries are a few.

The Hall of Remembrance rekindles the emotion of permanence and remembrance related to the conventional way of burial. It ensures that people are not forgotten into anonymity whilst a tombstone is nowhere to be found.

The "Life Pod" which sits atop the tower is the symbolic culmination of the spiritual journey. It aims to highlight the transition; from the physical to the spiritual; from the death to life.