Sharona Cramer

Dead Space

The project responds to the severe burial-space crisis in Israel, by proposing a comprehensive solution that spans the range of scales; from the individual burial unit, through a range of alternative cemetery concepts, to an overall strategic national plan. In order to achieve high density of burial spaces in a manner that fully complies with Jewish religious stipulations and can be integrated into the urban space, the project uses an ancient Jewish burial practice - the ossuary (a compact burial unit) and a two-stage burial process – updating them to present needs. In addition to proposing a more space-efficient and cost-effective solution, the project strives to enhance the spatial and ceremonial quality of burial and visiting experiences. Moreover, the project utilises burial needs as an opportunity to create unique public spaces that are integrated into the urban environment and daily life, per the perception that death is an integral part of life. The project proposes a wide range of alternative cemetery designs in order to open the spatial discussion in the context of burial both within the discipline and the general public.