Reminder of Life

"Reminder of Life" is an architectural exploration situated around the 2km expanse of Prospect Cemetery, where I challenge the conventional boundaries between domestic spaces and adjacent urban greenery, often overlooked or avoided. Driven by a critical inquiry into the paradox of urban living—where vast, verdant spaces like cemeteries are marginalized despite their potential as vital green lungs—I propose a series of housing extensions that not only confront but also embrace this juxtaposition.

This project is rooted in the question: Why do we, as a society, habitually distance ourselves from spaces that, although associated with mourning, are rich in life and tranquility, particularly in the midst of urban sprawl? Through "Reminder of Life," I seek to dissolve these ingrained barriers, advocating for a reimagined coexistence with these green sanctuaries.

By weaving empathy and critical thinking into the fabric of my design approach, I aim to redefine what it means to find comfort and "homeliness" in the urban landscape. The extensions I propose are not mere physical structures but bridges that connect the living with spaces traditionally signified by loss, thereby rekindling a communal embrace of life's full spectrum. "Reminder of Life" stands as a testament to the potential of architecture to heal and uncover untapped potential in our surroundings, urging a reconsideration of how we perceive and interact with the green spaces that punctuate our urban environments.