With the demand for niches in columbaria comes the need for a space to hold the bodies before their cremation. With the reprovisioning of the Fu Shan Public Mortuary beginning construction, I sat down with a member of the project team to discuss designing to accommodate handling death physically and emotionally, approaching sensitive projects, and the responsibility for death infrastructure. The interviewee preferred to remain anonymous, and as such will be referred to as "O".
Other than designing for its primary purpose, O noted the importance of resting spaces - a place to break away and change the pace of the day. For many, the mortuary will be the final moment of privacy with their loved ones before a ceremony or cremation. O stated that the design of overseas projects of the same typology could not be borrowed due to differences in practices, which could be applied for both cultural and operational practices. It is perhaps critical to approach many more projects in a similar light in a time where Hong Kong seeks to define an independent identity amidst rapid global changes.
Reflecting on the project, O expressed that discussions with the neighbourhood and relevant departments clarified the needs of residents outside the fears of death and provided a fruitful outcome. They commented that the specifics of equipment down to floor finishes also required the help of specialists - an architect must be in communication with all persons involved, whether they were to use such a building daily, or once in their lifetime.
"I think some mentality is applicable to all other projects. Like more discussion and dialogue with stakeholders and try to collaborate with everyone related and try to listen to their needs and always be open in the design."
Despite the project being a new addition to an existing complex of similar facilities such as a crematorium and existing mortuary, there were still objections from those living in nearby residential estates who feared their view would be tainted by the new addition and affect the economical value of their property. O comments that such trend is changing now though; she recalls that the design of the relatively new Wo Hop Shek Crematorium amazed them and many would visit regardless of their ancestors for the space itself. They noted even a magazine had written that engaged couples would take wedding photos on the lawn. Through design can one alter the understanding of a solemn space to one of joy.
"I think we need to express [positive experience] in our design, just as the case in Wo Hop Shek - I think that that is successful in changing their mindset. To accept a columbarium as something which is very different from what they had in mind. So, in the coming death related projects including this mortuary, we try to have designs which can… let people remove the fear in their heart."
