Final thoughts

Explanation of my addition:

Numerous spaces are scattered throughout the site on a grid that are based off of of elements of the existing columbarium. These spaces are slightly set into the ground and are defined by walls that hold the 18,000 boxes. The walls are 7 and 8 feet high, allowing nearly every box to be accessible by their loved ones. These spaces are visually connected to one another by an overhead steel structure. The structure embraces the different spaces as well as the people traveling around the site. They guide you around the site and into the existing building.

Thoughts about death:

Dealing with the death of a loved one is a very difficult experience. It can be confusing and extremely hard to deal with at first, clouding your thoughts and not allowing them to see things clearly. As time passes, you begin to understand and accept what has happened, as well as appreciate your own life. 

Over this last week of production, I was unfortunately faced with the realities of death and really experienced the emotional aspect that I was looking to reveal in my presentation. On Sunday, I was barely able to accomplish anything because my thoughts were so scrambled and I just didn't understand. I used this day to contemplate on exactly what was going on and that was able to help me push through the rest of the week. Completing this project was one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. Sorry Luis, I know this is not your fault and you couldn't have anticipated this situation. However, I somehow mustered up enough strength to finish this project and be able to say my last goodbyes to a good friend at home. I plan to return back for the presentation with a stronger feeling of death and understanding for the people who would hypothetically use my building. 

I hoped that through my drawings, I was able to express the emotional feelings associated with death. And I hoped that through my addition, I was able to create a place that people can feel embraced and comfortable when spending precious moments with their loved ones.