Location: Lobosillo (Murcia), Spain.

Architect: Pedro García Martínez.

The Funerary Chapel project is based on the ancient ritual of burying family members and invoking their memory. The architecture of the space is designed around two fundamental elements of architecture: light and gravity. Light is considered a reflection of the timeless and divine, while gravity represents the earthly and the passage of time. The building material is shaped to reflect this dialogue between the two elements, creating a vertical structure that is perceived as a forceful volume from a distance. The upper part of the structure is smooth and abstract, while the lower part is rough and earthy, marked by the imprint of a wooden formwork. Inside, large and heavy plates of reinforced concrete descend from the roof, suspended one meter above the ground without touching the walls. This creates a feeling of estrangement, similar to the loss of a loved one. However, the homogenous light filtering through the concrete pieces seeks to evoke hopeful memories. The polished surfaces of the marble reflect a mirror image of the space, reminding us that the essential aspects of life form a cycle in which everything repeats itself. Overall, the Funerary Chapel project is a beautiful and thoughtful response to the ancient ritual of burying family members and invoking their memory.

Photo credit: Pedro García Martínez.