Urban Crematorium in Memphis

135 Vance Ave Memphis TN, 38103 United States

Building Area (sf): not applicable

Completion: not applicable

Architect of Record:

Student Project for Advanced Design Studio 1 at the University of Memphis

Supervised by Prof. Brian Andrews

• Owner/Client:
• General Contractor: not applicable
• Electrical: not applicable
• Engineering:
  
• Other:
  
• Photography:
  not applicable
  

This urban crematorium project creates a meaningful path between the ceremony and cremation areas, connected by a symbolic bridge. This bridge allows mourners a reflective farewell and provides a journey for the departed.

The urban crematorium includes spaces for administration, cremation, ceremonies, dining, accommodation, and a columbarium. The layout is organized by function, with the reception, cremation, and administrative areas on the first floor, the columbarium on the second floor, dining and ceremonial spaces on the third floor, and accommodation on the fourth floor. The concept centers on a gap between the ceremonial and cremation areas, joined by a bridge that creates a unique passage for the final farewell. This gap also houses the columbarium, symbolizing the connection between life and death. The design acknowledges our complex feelings about death—both distant and unavoidable—while creating a respectful place for final goodbyes.