Crematorium Siesegem
Crematorium Siesegem is located among marshy pastures outside of Aalst, Belgium. The site is disengaged from the surrounding commercial estates by a line of trees and shrubs at the perimeter, with the crematorium in the middle. Upon arrival, undulating hills surround the parking areas, while a dynamic landscape of natural flora and sloping topography spreads to the east, concealing a service road for hearses. The hills for scattering ashes and the urn garden rise along the northern façade. This cohesive relationship between the building and nature is essential - the surrounding greenery is envisioned as an extension of the crematorium space and an integral part of the funeral ceremony.
The south-western corner of the building opens onto a patio and serves as a transitional zone, embracing the visitors and leading them towards the indoor spaces. Once inside, a clear sequence of spaces unfolds, so visitors never feel lost. The crematorium encompasses two ceremonial assembly halls, each flanked by a family room and a place for condolences. Next to the ceremonial spaces, the technical aspects of the building were also a fundamental part of the design. The cremation process is enclosed rather than hidden, creating an unusual yet effective polarity between the mechanics and the serenity. The goal was to design a building capable of internalising the landscape so that its tranquillity could console visitors and offer stability.
Info
- Location
- Aalst, BE
- Date
- 2013–2018
- Size
- 5,000 sqm
- Client
- IGS Westlede
- Team
- Ana Rivero Esteban, Bas Barendse, Cristina Gonzalo Cuairán, Dante Borgo, Dikkie Scipio, Exequiel Mulder, Giacomo Rizzi, Giulia Rapizza, Giuseppe Mazzaglia, Ismael Planelles Naya, Kees Kaan, Maicol Cardelli, Marco Lanna, Michael Geensen, Paolo Faleschini, Raluca Firicel, Sebastian van Damme, Timo Cardol, Vincent Panhuysen, Walter Hoogerwerf
- Photography
- Marcel IJzerman, Sebastian van Damme, Simone Bossi
- General contractor
- Jan den Nul
- Finance, EPB and building physics advisor
- Bureau Bouwtechniek
- Structural engineer
- Pieters Bouwtechniek
- Plumbinb, electrical and HVAC engineer
- Henk Pijpaert Engineering
- Acoustics and climate advisor
- DGMR
- Landscape architect
- Erik Dhont
