‘forest memorial’ by tomek michalski redefines the concept of a cemetery

3D artist tomek michalski envisioned a totally new approach for cemeteries, so different in style from what popular city necropolises offer. ‘forest memorial’ involves creating a simple columbarium with a design that does not compete with the surrounding nature. the form is aimed to blend into the forest; a space full of mature, rustling trees and lush shrubs.

all images courtesy of tomek michalski

tomek michalski imagined the monument as a tall cuboid on the outside, clad with dark wood, fired with the shugiban technique with no different monuments, concrete, or artificial plantings and numerous fences. in the interior, a place for urns is made in a memory wall of light-colored wood and an openwork vault provides access to natural light. this will make the interior of the monolith, despite not having any symbolism, take on a warm character.

each fragment of the concept emphasizes the relationship between humans and earth. the idea fits both the atheistic concept and can also be adapted to the burial in accordance with the christian tradition. forest memorial aims to create a minimalist, ascetic burial place, with the aesthetics inspired by nature and that will last beyond the trends in sepulchral art. tomek believes that placing a memorial wall in a forest unspoiled by civilization is not only a tribute to the dead, but it also provides visitors with a place for reflection, a place to be in silence and solitude.

project info:

name: ‘forest memorial’

designer: tomek michalski

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: yasmina karam | designboom