Project: Cemetery in Sindh
Site Area: 17,670 (sqft)
Location: Bhiria City, Pakistan
Team: MITRA
Conceptualizing ‘Chaar Bagh: The Gardens of Heaven’, this cemetery in Bhiria City was designed to reflect the ultimate state of rest for those departed. An existing well on site was incorporated into the design to create water ways which created the soft lines to division the site into four, thus creating the ‘Chaar Bagh’. These water ways culminated at the prayer hall, foyers and mourning spaces therefore integrating all the programs seamlessly.
Commissioned by the landlords in Bhiria City, the space shaded with Gulmohar trees and split by water ways, served as the ideal resting space for the departed.
Summer temperatures can reach 50°C in Bhiria City, therefore central four pathways were lined with Gulmohar trees which have a low height and wide canopy. Ideal to provide shade here while adding colour seasonally to provide a sense of time for such a spiritual space.
Two highly discernable materials - red brick and marble, define the built elements. Brick as a vernacular material - local to its immediate context. Marble for its solar reflective properties provides a bearable surface to walk on and its associated grandeur for the notable family.
There was to be no distinction in hierarchy of graves/tombstones, all of them were to be on the same plane and exposed to the natural elements equally.
The existing graves at site of senior family members of Bhiria City.
