Landscapes of remembrance

Cemeteries are an important part of the urban structure. In contrast to much of what surrounds us in our built environments, these are places designed for contemplation and reflection. Spaces for mourning and remembrance, but also for quiet recreation and peaceful walks in green surroundings. We believe that such places will become increasingly important in our cities, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute our expertise to several relevant projects.

At Loddefjord Cemetery in Bergen, we have designed a new memorial grove as part of the existing cemetery. The memorial grove will become an important part of the services offered at the cemetery, and we have aimed for a design that creates an intimate, site-specific atmosphere while also forming a clear and cohesive landscape space with high experiential quality.

Two memorial markers will be installed on site. These are designed as variations on the same theme, forming a clear and unified whole. The design is based on a simple material palette, where terrain shaping, vegetation, and the reuse of existing stone elements from the site are the key components. Through understated architectural interventions, we aim to create space for reflection for those who visit the memorial grove.

Our cities should be able to accommodate all aspects of life. Thoughtfully designed cemeteries are a vital part of this and represent tangible, health-promoting urban development in practice.