In order to determine whether the outcomes of the research have been achieved, answering the main research questions becomes an important element in concluding the research.
5.1.1 Answering Research Questions & Achieving Aims &
Objectives
The supporting questions and objectives are;
How can architecture aid the memory of the dead through mnemonics?
To understand how architecture can aid the memory of the dead through mnemonics.
It is possible for architecture to aid the memory of the dead through mnemonics. Mnemonics are system which aids in remembrance, and this can be achieved through architecture.
Remembering the dead within Christianity is seen as an important aspect of the religion, as praying for the dead can assist in their salvation. The dead also provide a reference from which to learn from.
Through the literature review and precedent studies discussed in the research, there are various architectural methods that can be used to aid in remembering the dead, which act as mnemonic systems.
Firstly, the materiality of spaces can act as mnemonic devices to aid in remembering the dead. Different textures and materials used throughout the building and landscape has the ability to aid in remembering
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the dead, primarily evident in the early Christian Catacombs (St. Callixtus Catacombs in particular) and the Igualada Cemetery. The texture and sombre nature of the concrete incorporated into the design of these buildings provides the user with a space which is conducive in remembering the dead. The utilisation of various other materials and textures throughout the design also aids in remembering the dead and acts as mnemonic devices. The tactile nature of materials through the design provides the user with space to contemplate and remember the dead.
It is not only materiality which aids the memory of the dead. The composition of spaces has the ability to act as mnemonic devices. The progression of spaces further acts as mnemonic devices. This is evident through the precedents discussed, where there is a clear progression of space which the user navigates. The Old St. Paul’s Cathedral, in the form of a Latin Cross, incorporated a procession of space, and in increase in holy spaces as the one moved through the cathedral, aiding in memory. The St. Callixtus Catacombs also incorporated this progression of spaces. Long and narrow passageways with side chambers for more private burial and memorial space.
The progression of spaces is more prominent in the two most recent precedents discussed; The Woodland Cemetery and Crematorium and the Igualada Cemetery. The Woodland Cemetery and Crematorium includes this progression of spaces by looking at the cemetery complex as a whole, where the path leading to crematorium is a progression in itself, as well as the progression of spaces within the crematorium building.
Each space differs as the users make their way through the spaces, in relation to the formal funeral procession.
These differing spaces and progression aids in the memory of the dead, and act as mnemonic devices. The Igualada Cemetery takes the progression aspect a step further and the design is comprised of architectural
‘moments’ for the user to experience, where the cemetery is experienced as a journey. These ‘moments’ act as mnemonic devices which fuse time and memory.
What is the nature of sacred space from a Christian perspective?
To gain a better understanding of the nature of sacred space from a Christian perspective.
Through both the primary and secondary research, it became evident that sacred space, when viewed under the lens of Christianity, can have different interpretations. From the interviews with parishioners it is evident that individuals have their specific views and opinions on what sacred space means to them, in addition to places of worship (the church) and places where the dead are stored (cemeteries). Sacred space can often be something personal and intimate, a room set aside in one’s home, or outdoors in the natural environment.
A place of solace and contemplation.
According to Eliade (1961), sacred space “possesses existential value for religious man” (Eliade, 1961: 22). This leads to an orientation and a ‘fixed point’ which centres man.
Furthermore, sacred space from a Christian perspective is dynamic, being able to do far more than “simply provide the setting within which ritual takes place.
They contribute in important ways to the very meaning of ritual practices and to the shape and content of religious systems themselves” (Kilde, 2008:
3). Sacred space in Christianity also “mediates the relationship between the
individual and God” (Kilde, 2008: 3).
Although places of worship are inherently sacred for Christians, the way in which people treat certain spaces places upon it sacred characteristics.
Cemeteries take on these characteristics within Christianity (Kilde, 2008: 7), as they command respect and in turn possess sacred qualities. The behaviour of people within these spaces adds to the sacredness of the spaces.
Throughout history, Christians utilised various styles and spaces to construct their sacred spaces such as churches, monasteries, tombs, cathedrals etc., leading to a diverse collection of buildings, reminding us that there is no
“single Christian architecture” (Kilde, 2008: 14). Connecting to the divine was, and still is a key aspect of Christian sacred space, and this was achieved through enabling the remembrance of the divine (Kilde, 2008: 32).
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How can spaces that address mortality capture memory?
To investigate how spaces that address mortality can capture memory
Both the primary and secondary research were informative when it came to spaces that capture memory. The design of an interment complex requires spaces that capture memory, as the memory of the dead is an important aspect of peoples’ lives both generally and within Christianity.
Through the interviews conducted it was evident that there was a link between sacred space and memory of the dead for many of the interviewees. This similarity between spaces of intimacy and privacy assist in capturing memory in an individual manner, while also containing elements of sacred space.
The literature review and precedent studies provided more methods in which spaces that address mortality can capture memory. Materiality has been mentioned previously, and is also applicable in this case. The textural and phenomenological qualities of materials have the ability to capture memory and transcend time, as is evident in the Igualada cemetery.
Memory can be seen as a method in which to remember past events, feelings, people etc. The use of natural light and shadow within the design will assist in capturing memory in these spaces that address mortality, as it will evoke
certain feelings within an individual or collective.
Memory is easiest when one experiences an event in a specific space/
place, and therefore the inclusion of ‘moments’ where one would be able to experience different spaces can aid in capturing memory.
What architectural principles can be developed to inform the design of an interment complex?
To develop architectural principles in order to inform the design of an interment complex
This question and its corresponding objective will be addressed in the following section, where the main architectural principles that will inform the design of an interment complex will be discussed
The key research question and aim is;
How can the relationship between sacred space and the memory of the dead, in Christianity, be explored through mnemonics?
To explore the relationship between sacred space and the memory of the dead, in Christianity, through mnemonics.
Through the research conducted it is evident that there is a relationship between sacred space and the memory of the dead in Christianity, and this can be explored through mnemonics.
“Mnemonics gain their power by making use of the way our minds absorb information” (D’Arcy, 2010: 3). Observation, association and visualisation are three events that must occur for one to remember. Mnemonic systems can be used architecturally to assist an individual or collective in remembering the dead. Incorporating the senses; sight, hearing, touch, smell and/or taste can assist in the remembrance of the dead and add to the sacred nature of the building.
Linking memories can be another form of mnemonics utilised in order to explore the relationship between sacred space and the memory of the dead.
Elements of familiarity can be used to associate and recall certain memories of the dead. The utilisation of a variety of experiences can therefore act as
mnemonic devices in order to explore the relationship between sacred space and the memory of the dead within Christianity.
As stated previously, materiality and texture can be utilised to engage the senses, in particular touch. Through the use of varying materials and textures that promote an individual to use their tactile sense can assist in exploring this relationship between sacred space and the memory of the dead within Christianity.
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