Architecture firm Studio 10 has used tall concrete walls covered in earth-coloured render to envelop this ceremonial hall at Longshan Cemetery in Jiaozuo, China.
Named Hall of Immortality, the space of contemplation for up to 50 people has been shortlisted in the cultural building category of Dezeen Awards 2021.
Tall concrete walls enclose the Hall of Immortality
Its tall walls are designed to shut out the noise and dust from its immediate surroundings, which are currently used for the burning of incense and joss paper, or "ghost money", during burial rituals.
Shenzhen-based Studio 10 said it is intended to offer a "quiet and introverted" counterpoint to these elaborate and traditional rituals for younger generations.
The walls are covered in earth-coloured render "With the development of rural areas, younger generations are exploring whether there is a simple and more 'contemporary' way to commemorate death," explained the studio.
"Hall of Immortality attempts to address the issue from a spatial perspective," it added. "It is not meant to replace traditional [ceremonies], but provide an extra option to inspire people to contemplate on death, life and nature."
It contains a ceremonial hall for a cemetery
The hall is surrounded by a double skin of concrete walls that are arranged in a triangular plan, echoing the shape of the site. Spaces between the walls act as open-air corridors.
A gap at the tip of the triangle's outer wa...