Architectural Narratives: Designing Crematoria and Their Contexts

This lecture discusses the architectural design and contextual considerations of crematoria. The instructor emphasizes the importance of creating a dialogue around the projects, encouraging interaction among students during presentations. Each group is tasked with presenting their projects, focusing on various themes such as ecological and constructive considerations. The instructor highlights the significance of understanding the narrative behind each building, including its functional and emotional aspects. The lecture also addresses the complexities of designing spaces that serve both practical and ceremonial purposes, ensuring that they respect diverse cultural and religious practices. The use of tools like Google Earth is suggested for analyzing the context of projects. The instructor presents examples of crematoria, discussing their architectural features and the challenges faced in their design. The lecture concludes with reflections on the evolving nature of architectural practices and the role of client expectations in shaping the final outcomes of projects.