A journey through sound and light : Waikumete cemetery new development
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Date
2016Citation:
Wang, C. (2016). A journey through sound and light: Waikumete cemetery new development (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional)). Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10652/4668Permanent link to Research Bank record:
https://hdl.handle.net/10652/4668Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
To achieve the aims of creating a powerful and peaceful atmosphere through a new cemetery, 2 questions have been proposed:
1 What are the key elements for creating such an atmosphere?
2 How can they be expressed?
PROJECT OUTLINE:
Within the backdrop of the crisis of memory in the contemporary world, the denial of death in human nature, and the urgent need for burial plots, a new cemetery is proposed to build in Auckland. A cemetery is a storeroom of memories of our city which serves a basic human need to memorialize and be memorialized. It is so crucial for us because “memories are stepping stones from the past and the future,” which links generations.
In the process of site selection, I found out research by the former Waitakere City Council to support “either expansion of the Waikumete cemetery, or purchase and development of a replacement site”. The study concluded that “the most prudent option was to continue operating the Waikumete cemetery and to utilize a combination of expansion into undeveloped land and more land-efficient burial and ash interment methods”. The report also suggested more use of mausolea and ash plots.
So my design is in accordance with the conclusion of the research for the development of the Waikumete cemetery.