Sayama Lakeside Cemetery is open to various religions and denominations.  It is located in a nature-rich environment adjacent to the water conservation forest, and the site itself is in front of a deep forest. I envisioned an architecture that reflects on the way of life as it lives by the water conserved by the forest, and eventually returns to this place after death.  Thereupon, I found the forest to be the subject of prayer that is mutual to various religions and conceptualized an architecture that prays to the forest while surrounded by trees.

© Koji Fujii / Nacasa & Partners Inc.

Architects: Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP

Location: Saitama, Saitama Prefecture, Japan
Area: 114.0 sqm

Project Year: 2013

Photographs: Koji Fujii / Nacasa & Partners Inc.

Structure Design : Ove Arup & Partners Ltd.

Contractor: Shimizu Corporation

© Koji Fujii / Nacasa & Partners Inc.

From the architect. Sayama Lakeside Cemetery is open to various religions and denominations.  It is located in a nature-rich environment adjacent to the water conservation forest, and the site itself is in front of a deep forest. I envisioned an architecture that reflects on the way of life as it lives by the water conserved by the forest, and eventually returns to this place after death.  Thereupon, I found ...