We loved putting a team together and creating this competition entry for a design vision for Highgate Cemetery in the 21st Century. We wanted to create a place of wildness where nature flourishes alongside formality and incredible historic architecture sits beside contemporary architectural additions such as a café and exhibition area. Historic key vistas will be reopened, dwell spaces created and visual and physical connections between the two cemeteries halves strengthened.
Sinuous paths lead you on a journey through woodland glades, meadows and gravestones. Circular interventions act as stepping-stones through the cemetery taking the visitor on a journey and creating places to pause. The series of circles: the Highgate Halo, reflection pools, circular glades, a raised area, a circular seat, a covered space, a pool of light – all symbolise the cyclical nature of life.
There will be quiet spaces, social spaces, and gathering spaces prior to funeral ceremonies. The cemetery will be a sanctuary, a green oasis for people and creatures alike, where the subtlety and specialness of this unique landscape is rediscovered.
Our amazing team included BB Heritage Studio, Civic Engineers, Light Collective, Max Fordham, Rider Levitt Buckall, Seed Arboriculture, Collington Winter Environmental, Placemarque, Katie Popperwell Ltd and Watt Energy & Consulting Engineers.
