Vadapalani, Chennai, India
Supervisor
Ar. Jyothiram
jyothiram@crn.co.in
Ar. Jyothiram
jyothiram@crn.co.in
In the present scenario, there are not enough crematoriums in Chennai which are hygienic and provide good cremation services. Death and spaces related to it are generally a tabooed subject in the society and are not given their due importance in the field of architecture. I believe that it is essential to re-articulate the identity of crematoriums in the urban context. They could be of much more value as a holistic space for last rites and rituals than a mere porambok land (barren wasteland in Tamil).
Concentrating on the psychological effects of light in architecture, i focused my study on re-evaluating the integration of light in a crematorium. The light study involves experiments with various types of slits on the wall. The slits offer the mourners, a harmonious continuity with serene landscape while also giving partial privacy. Depending on the shape of the slits and the time of the day, their intensities differ. Inferring from the study, vertical slits of different sized were used in majority of spaces. Addressing the aesthetics, these slits also give a sense of directionality in movement. The transparency and porosity of the building is well highlighted by the usage of both litracon blocks and light slits.
Studying light Geometry
Entering the Crematorium
Master plan - Crematorium
Cremation - Place for last rites
