Grief is an extremely individualistic experience processed differently by all. Thus how can one propose an intervention that straddles the spectrum of visitors as they pay homage to loved ones lost? The Wandering Walls strive to accommodate a variety of means to grieve. Divided into three broad chambers, the experiences are measured here by levels of openness vs enclosure. Above ground, gentle ramps sweep up at a minimal incline while shrouded by an unobtrusive yet effective trellis canopy. Here, niches have a sense of place under a roof system that takes its cue from its surrounding context, conveying the notion of forest through the layering of its wood members. Underneath this system, opportunities of pause manifest as the ramp twists and flattens out into individual platforms at each niche, offering a degree of separations from one's neighbors. For a slightly more enclosed experience, a second portion of the columbarium is submerged below ground, yet retains similar qualities to the first - in that it i still open to above, beneath another wing of the trellis. However, this portion offers an added sense of security as one crosses the columbarium's threshold and proceeds downward. Lastly, a third portion is situated immediately below the first, entirely enclosed and a far more solemn experience for those who seek a greater degree of shelter. Implementing a structural system of beams that integrate clerestory openings, this third chamber capitalizes on subtle light entering at specific moments to create an ephemeral environment.
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The project hopes, if nothing more, to invite guests from all walks of life to bask in the memories of those they have lost. Sinuous walls encourage a sense of continuity across the project, yet without the overwhelming sensation of large, daunting monoliths. Instead, the columbarium intends to establish itself as an icon of solace that adds another layer to the rich history of Riga's Forest Cemetery,