Researchers reimagine the future cemetery at Arnos Vale

The proposal, entitled ‘Sylvan Constellation’ which was submitted by Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, envisages a network of memorial vessels which would transform biomass into an elegant and perpetually renewing constellation of light which could illuminate pathways.The team, based in New York, won a £5,000 prize and a month long summer 2016 residency during which they will research the historic 42-acre Arnos Vale Cemetery and work with the University of Bath’s Centre for Death and Society as well as the Pervasive Media Studio at the Watershed.

Dr John Troyer, Director of the University of Bath's Centre for Death and Society and co-founder of the Future Cemetery explains: “The Sylvan Constellation design by Columbia University's GSAPP DeathLAB and LATENT Productions in New York City is an outstanding mix of both respectful disposition for human remains and longer term thinking around the disposal of digital data.

“By working together on this project, collaborators will establish networks for longer-term projects involving innovative, sustainable design around end-of-life planning. The collaboration will also demonstrate how Arnos Vale Cemetery is a sector leader in creating new possibilities for heritage site cemeteries while continuing to operate as a working cemetery.

Karla Rothstein, founder and director of Columbia University’s DeathLAB and design director at LATENT Productions will be visiting Bath and Bristol in spring 2016.She says: “Our team at DeathLAB and LATENT Productions is honoured to have Sylvan Constellation at Arnos Vale selected as the ‘first future cemetery.’ Our goal is to offer elegant options at death that are commensurate with the social and environmental values we respect while alive. Our proposal aims to secure civic space for the future metropolis, allowing one’s last impactful act to gracefully and responsibly celebrate the vitality of life.