Architectural Reflections Eternal Hill Columbarium

The Eternal Hill Columbarium, designed by Behet Bondzio Lin Architekten, stands as a poignant architectural reflection on grief, memory, and the passage of time in the Xiangshan District of China.

Embracing Grief Through Architecture

Funerals and the cemetery evoke a myriad of emotions, often accompanied by fear and emptiness. The architects aimed to create a space that transcends these emotions, serving as a place for solace and remembrance. The columbarium is envisioned as a carrier for grief and loss, encouraging visitors to confront their past while finding solace in the memories of their loved ones.

A Monument to Irreparable Regrets

With a capacity to house 70,000 urns, the columbarium symbolically bears the weight of irreparable regrets. The design employs slanted walls reminiscent of mountains, creating a visual metaphor of being surrounded by nature. Visitors can pay their respects by placing incense, candles, and flowers on these “mountainsides,” providing a moment for contemplation and reflection.

Confronting Fear with Light and Hope

The slanted walls, facing the sky and illuminated by natural light from skylights, serve as a symbolic gesture of confronting fear. The interplay of light and shadow within the heavy concrete structure imparts a sense of hope amidst grief. The courtyard, adorned with gentle sunlight, becomes a space for quiet introspection and solace.

Constructing Distance, Not Separation

The design of the columbarium incorporates elements that construct distance rather than separation. The slanted walls, tilted at varying angles, visually represent a departure rather than a final separation. A rectangular entryway invites elements of the unpredictable climate, while the wind towers, characteristic of the Wind City of Hsinchu, tell stories and memories of the city, further integrating the columbarium with its surroundings.

The Eternal Hill Columbarium stands as a poignant architectural testament, offering a space for solace, reflection, and remembrance amidst the complexities of grief and loss.