crisa santos designs 'contemplative and comforting' memorial park for a são paulo cemetery

crisa santos arquitetos has completed a memorial park for a cemetery in brazil. located at jardim angela in southwest são paulo, ‘memorial parque das cerejeiras’ totals an area of 300,000 square meters, or 74 acres. the project involved the landscaping of the site, as well as the design and construction of the park’s architectural structures.

the plaza is defined by curved steel plates that serve as a chronological metaphor for life

‘the objective of this project was to recreate a space of well-being and communion, combined with the need for a green area in the region,’ explains crisa santos. ‘we wanted it to be pleasant and contemplative, offering visitors solace during difficult times and forming a comforting relationship with the architecture and design objects.’

the entrance is a parametric wooden structure that soars towards the heavens

memorial parque das cerejeiras comprises: a plaza defined by curved steel plates that serve as a chronological metaphor of life; a wooden observation deck oriented towards the adjacent reservoir and the sunsets beyond; an angular orchidarium with a vertical rainwater harvesting system; a timber chapel punctured with square windows; and public areas with a variety of benches, tables, and sculptures.

the timber chapel is punctured with square windows

even the entrance itself is filled with symbolism, with a parametric wooden structure that soars towards the heavens. visitors are free to enter and leave the site at all hours of the day. the cemetery has been designed to be as welcoming as possible, providing a range of environments where people can contemplate individually or congregate in groups.

the interior of the site’s chapel

the orchidarium features a vertical rainwater harvesting system

the structures exists among the trees

velário jardim offers a quiet outdoor place for contemplation

the altar is sheltered beneath the trees

secluded restrooms form part of the plan

the units are almost hidden within the vegetation

a wooden observation deck is oriented towards the adjacent reservoir