Community grave Rosenberg cemetery

Winterthur/Switzerland

AppreciationGerman Landscape Architecture Award 2011

Jury verdict: In a very appropriate and restrained manner, a communal grave is added to the existing stock. A concise curved stone name band accompanies the light birch grove, under which the urns find their place.

The design of the name band impresses with its simplicity and conception. The stone slips are turned after each new urn burial and then offer space for the name engraving on a polished surface. Thus the initially rough name band slowly transforms into a shining sculpture in which the indentations of the names make up the structure.

The location of the band by the birch grove creates a poetic and tranquil place that allows for silent commemoration in an appropriate manner.

A wide yew hedge with accompanying magnolia line forms the green spatial setting. The benches in front of it allow the withdrawn view over the grave field.
The design skillfully combines the grand spatial gesture with high detail precision and manages in an individual way to generate a special place of silence and reflection.