Spiral for Spirits

architecture | culture and education

The central idea of ​​this proposal for the new Incineration building is the shape of a spiral located in the center of the space. A powerful symbol in form and meaning, used over the centuries by various cultures, dominates in nature and has the feel of a shape without beginning and end.

The spiral is a rhythmic and intense shape while on the same time it produces a sense of calm through the smooth change of shape and fluidity of the spaces it creates. It combines the shape of a circle and its dynamic movement, while also being a powerful symbol for time. So we have placed a spiral in the center of the plan, in a simple cubic building, that swirls and develops linearly to the roof, which it turns into a sloping roof, eventually dominating the space. Inside the spiral is the ceremonial room, a space of intense emotional and semantic character, a purely spiritual space whose circular shape enhances the sense of inwardness and protection, facilitating the gathering of loved ones for the commemoration of the deceased.

Upon entering the room through the spiral, the visitor experiences a sense of gradual entry into a deeper emotional state, that of isolation and meditation. The light that enters the room from the spiral ceiling and from the interrupted walls enhances the ritual atmosphere and improves the passage of time through space.

The building that will host the new KAN Center has a simple cubic shape that follows a 10 * 10m rectangular cannabis, with the spiral being the center of gravity of the composition.

The building is organized in two areas, the East with public areas, the entrance, reception, café, offices and auxiliary areas and the West with incineration areas, maintenance rooms, workshops and sheds. The ceremonial room inside the spiral is visually connected to the incineration chamber, for the purpose of direct communication between the two spaces, and for the delivery of the coffin to the flames during the ceremony. The building features repeated openings at uneven distances fluctuating in length, creating rhythmic views and an intriguing light-shadow play inside. This is followed by the concrete walls and the peristyle entrance court, which have vertical notches on their paving material

The Crematorium constitutes a groundbreaking project for the Greek society, with deeply rooted traditions, ethics and customs. This new building is bound to combine different cultures under the same roof, with a common ground the transubstantiation of the deceased in both a material and a spiritual level, it doesn’t have a religious character but a ceremonial one, establishing a new powerful Landmark for the city of Patras.

A key issue for us was the familiarization of the design that will make the new KAN Center a place of ceremony, remembrance and reflection. A building with monolithic form and materials that will interfere with its dynamic function, and overall will exude a sense of serenity and interiority for visitors, while also being a space for industrial use.

The central idea of ​​this proposal for the new Incineration building is the shape of a spiral located in the center of the space. A powerful symbol in form and meaning, used over the centuries by various cultures, dominates in nature and has the feel of a shape without beginning and end.

The spiral is a rhythmic and intense shape while on the same time it produces a sense of calm through the smooth change of shape and fluidity of the spaces it creates. It combines the shape of a circle and its dynamic movement, while also being a powerful symbol for time. We have placed a spiral in the center of the plan, in a simple cubic building, that swirls and develops linearly to the roof, which it turns into a sloping roof, eventually dominating the space. Inside the spiral is the ceremonial room, a space of intense emotional and semantic character, a purely spiritual space whose circular shape enhances the sense of inwardness and protection, facilitating the gathering of loved ones for the commemoration of the deceased.

Upon entering the room through the spiral, the visitor experiences a sense of gradual entry into a deeper emotional state, that of isolation and meditation. The light that enters the room from the spiral ceiling and from the interrupted walls enhances the ritual atmosphere and improves the passage of time through space.