RIBA Stirling Prize Shortlist — A Look at Waugh Thistleton’s Bushey Cemetery Extension
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Waugh Thistleton’s extension to Bushey Cemetery in Hertfordshire is one of the six projects shortlisted for this year’s prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize. The project marks the first new consecration of a United Synagogue burial site in the UK in 50 years,
RIBA Stirling Prize Shortlist — A Look at Waugh Thistleton’s Bushey Cemetery Extension
Waugh Thistleton’s extension to Bushey Cemetery in Hertfordshire is one of the six projects shortlisted for this year’s prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize. The project marks the first new consecration of a United Synagogue burial site in the UK in 50 years, making it a significant milestone for the local religious community.“The scheme created two new prayer halls and a series of service buildings. The main ceremonial space was formed from rammed earth and clad internally in English oak, creating a calm environment accentuated with indirect lighting. Rammed earth, a natural mix of compressed soil excavated on site, limestone and sand, creates a durable yet biodegradable structure, echoing the return to the earth by the departed,” stated Waugh Thistleton Architects in a press statement.This element of design was commended by the jury who commented that: “The limited number of buildings, the simplicity of the forms, and expressionist choice of materials all reflect the symbolism of burial to the Jewish community. This project will be just a stage in the ongoing process of enlarging the cemetery so that the community can continue to honor and protect their dead. The fact that the rammed earth walls of the prayer hall will return to the earth once the cemetery is full and has to be extended again, is a poetic response to the program for the cemetery and the traditions of the Jewish faith.”The jury added that “every aspect of the building layout and progress through the landscape are in keeping with the spirit of the event.”Andrew Waugh, director at Waugh Thistleton, expressed his delight at being shortlisted. “We worked closely with the United Synagogue to gain a detailed insight into the Orthodox Jewish burial practice and our design sought to reflect that in its simplicity and choice of materials. The building has been so well received by the local Jewish community and we are delighted that this shortlisting recognizes that,” he said.“Each of the projects on this year’s shortlist shows the power and payback of investing in quality architecture, illustrating perfectly how well-designed buildings are worth every penny and can exceed the expectations of the community they serve,” said RIBA President Ben Derbyshire about the shortlist.Waugh Thistleton Architects worked in collaboration with engineers Elliott Wood and landscape architects J & L Gibbons for the project.http://www.blouinartinfo.comFounder: Louise Blouin Read more
