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Architecture:
Albert Gerona of Albert Gerona Architects + Engineers
Developer & Contractor:
BGT Infra & Development Corp.
Project
Engineer: Edmond Ermino
Brass Crucifix:
Eduardo Castrillo |
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Elysium
Gardens was featured in BluPrint Magazine |
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Columbaries of late have gained acceptance
as alternative to space consuming memorial plots. They are
used to hold and store cinerary urns of our dearly departed,
and are usually located next to a church. However, since by
virtue of being associated with death, columbaries are still
identified with the macabre or remain to be dark, dreary places.
But this particular facet of columbaries are slowly being
changed starting with the aptly named Elysium Gardens. The
name derives from the Elysian Fields of Greek mythology, the
final resting place of virtuous and heroic souls.
Situated between St. Luke’s Hospital and Trinity College,
it was once an overgrown empty lot until it was transformed
by owner Reynaldo Talatala, Arch. Albert Gerona and Engr.
Edmond Ermino what it is now. Very atypical, most passersby
are surprised to discover that the place is actually a columbarium.
The reason for this is, as one enters the site, the Elysium
Gardens looks more like a showroom for a condominium development,
or even a modern-styled museum.
Conceptualized by Talatala and faithfully translated to design
by Gerona, the main structure that gets noticed is the Solarium.
Instead of the standard white and heavy Corinthian columns,
primary materials used are cream-colored and earth-toned sandstone
and travertine-finished columns crypts. With large operable
windows and clerestories, it makes for a well-ventilated and
well-lit space that goes beyond the typical. Another attractive
feature is a landscaped stairway that uses peanut plant (arachis
spp.) as its main groundcover, especially when it is in full
bloom with its yellow-gold flowers. This stairway also serves
as a connection from the columbary to the church above it
although Elysium provides its own chapel for simple services
that may be needed or required by its clients.
The chapel, similar to the design of the Solarium, features
marbled flooring with sandstone ad travertine finishes for
the wall and columns. What draws the eye is the stunningly
sculpted crucifix, created by Eduardo Castrillo, with an elegantly
illuminated yellow-gold onyx stone as its backdrop. There
are also crypts or vaults located inside the chapel, but are
barely noticeable as it blends in with the rest of the concept.
The soft and distinctive yellow lighting adds to the calmness
of the chapel area.
Apart from the chapel and Solarium crypts, there are the Memorial
and Garden wall vaults. The Memorial wall becomes antithetical
compared to the interior crypts. There are terracotta planters
that dot the area, benches for resting and solemn contemplation
provided for visitors. The curvilinear layout of the exterior
vaulted walls provides a counterpoint to the straight, uninterrupted
lines of the Solarium, thus offering a contrasting perspective.
Not limited to the visual senses, a water feature along the
Memorial wall walkway provides a refreshing and soothing sound
of water, and bestows an auditory delight.
From the water fountain, there is yet another landscaped stairway
that leads to the Garden wall area where the same concept
on the finishes is applied. Although it is yet to be completed,
individual pavers instead of whole concrete paving blocks
are used and meticulously laid out. Another important thing
to note is the protection of existing trees which include
a very mature and majestic Ficus or balete as the Garden wall
area’s main feature. The design also called for the
preservation of the area’s earthy rock outcrops, which
then provides a naturalistic ambiance to the place.
Much attention to the exterior lighting concept also has to
be noted. As one would normally want to leave as soon as possible
or before dawn because of our stereotypical views on the dead,
one would desire to stay until night fall just to experience
the lighting effect of Elysium Gardens. The reason for this
is the golden yellow lights elegantly illuminating the exterior
that gives a tasteful and exquisite look and feel to the surroundings.
Elysium Gardens is definitely paving the way for a design
trend that deals with repositories for loved ones that have
passed away. The modern clean lines, the light and airy feeling
creates a sense not normally encountered and experienced in
a typical cemetery or columbarium is much to strive for. What
used to be an urban open space has been transformed into not
only a columbarium housing which we would not mind visiting
during All Saint’s Day, but also into an idealistic
open space that can be used everyday. |
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