My design for a multi-functional funeral centre is sited on the lot of what used to be the Roxy discotheque in the centre of Amsterdam. At this site, wedged between two busy streets, Kalverstraat and Singel, I have introduced two routes: one belongs to the funeral centre itself, the other to remembrance. Their interaction is the very essence of the design. Both routes proceed from an alleyway that cautiously opens up the ground plane here to the public.

The ceremonial main route of the raised funeral centre runs from the entrance in the alleyway by way of the chapel to the reception room. These spaces are arranged vertically in the broad portion of the site. In the narrow portion are a number of ancillary spaces for a more individual use, such as the family room and preparation room.

The publicly accessible route of remembrance restores a place for the dead in the city's public domain. It runs from alleyway level via ramps and stairs to a balcony with a view out across Singel. The route ends at the colonnade of urns on the roof of the funeral centre. Lining the route are photographs and poems hung there in memory of the dead.

Concrete piers set lengthwise on the lot structure the scheme. This configuration ensures uninterrupted views through the alleyway. Openings in the piers generate a flexible spatial structure as well as carve out passageways that encourage visitors ever deeper into the building.

Place of education: TU Delft
Specialization: architecture
Tutors: Daan Vitner, Leontine de Wit & Maarten Meijs