Glasnevin Cemetery

Our proposal for the new Glasnevin Cemetery Chapel draws inspiration from the works of poet William Butler Yeats and the proportional ordering system of architect Dom Hans van der Laan. The conceptual framework revolves around themes of change, permanence, and proportion, reflecting the poetic relationship to life and death. Materials and forms are carefully selected to evoke these themes, with a focus on durability and quality. Oak board paneling and board shuttered concrete create a continuous 'plinth' that imparts a sense of solidity and permanance to the building, while the use of copper at thresholds and openings will express the passage of time as they develop a natural patina as the building ages.

Dom Hans van der Laan's proportional system, based on the 'Plastic number' derived from characteristic ratios of human perception, informs the design's spatial relationships, eliciting specific emotional responses. The Chapel's interior space is further enhanced by the interplay of light and materials, fostering an atmosphere of contemplation. Through these design elements, our proposal seeks to create a timeless and enduring space that will providing solace and comfort to visitors.

• Location: Dublin, Ireland

• Client: Glasnevin Trust

• Value: £2million

• Status: Competition