Ron Shenkin Designs A Concrete Shelter For A Cemetery

September 2, 2015

Open-Sided Gathering Shelter By Ron Shenkin studio for architecture & design

 

Ron Shenkin studio for architecture & design have completed the Open-Sided Gathering Shelter, a structure that functions as a space for mourning at a cemetery in Pardesia, Israel.

 

Open-Sided Gathering Shelter By Ron Shenkin studio for architecture & design

The designer’s description

The structure functions as a place of convergence of mourners and for the reading of eulogies prior to and during the burial. It’s essential nature is that of a pavilion or open sided shelter and is located next to the cemetery. The building is comprised of two entrances, the smaller of the two serves the family of the deceased.

Open-Sided Gathering Shelter By Ron Shenkin studio for architecture & design

The second and larger entrance serves the rest of the mourners, this entry allows easy access to the spacious building. One side of the front of the building remains open to the north.

Open-Sided Gathering Shelter By Ron Shenkin studio for architecture & design

The positioning of the structure also allows, those mourners who prefer to remain at a distance, a sense of closeness to the proceedings and a shaded area that is not inside the structure itself.

Open-Sided Gathering Shelter By Ron Shenkin studio for architecture & design

There are two exits leading to the burial lots, one of which is easily accessible and the other is via a flight of stairs.

Open-Sided Gathering Shelter By Ron Shenkin studio for architecture & design

The structure has one solid stone wall to the west which serves to block any direct afternoon sunlight except what is allowed through via a long narrow window.

Open-Sided Gathering Shelter By Ron Shenkin studio for architecture & design

The area in which the structure is situated was surrounded by orchards which were originally raised to make space for new residential and commercial building projects.

Open-Sided Gathering Shelter By Ron Shenkin studio for architecture & design

During the design process we decided to take the surroundings into consideration. By erecting a monument to the rural surroundings that were demolished for urban repurposing.

Open-Sided Gathering Shelter By Ron Shenkin studio for architecture & design

The monument consists of an exposed concrete slab symbolizing the expansion of construction. The slab is stabilized by tree-shaped metal pillars denoting the trees that were cut down.

Open-Sided Gathering Shelter By Ron Shenkin studio for architecture & design

One oak tree remains within the structure. The ceiling above the tree was left open to allow for the presence of the tree to create a dialogue between the living tree and the metal symbols.

Open-Sided Gathering Shelter By Ron Shenkin studio for architecture & design

On the northern side of the building there is a line of concrete, beginning in the ground on the west side and climbing up through the window.

Open-Sided Gathering Shelter By Ron Shenkin studio for architecture & design

Ascending to the roof, ceilings and walls and making its final decent back to the ground – like a man who comes from dust and to dust returns.

Open-Sided Gathering Shelter By Ron Shenkin studio for architecture & design

The building materials and color pallet are Monochromatic consisting mostly of shades of grays and providing a sense of cleanliness, neutrality and sadness. During the evening the building is lit from the inside and out.

Open-Sided Gathering Shelter By Ron Shenkin studio for architecture & design

Design: Ron Shenkin studio for architecture & design
Contractor: A.D. Haled
Photography: Shai Epstein