The St Thomas More Columbarium, a new civic ensemble in Western Australia, is a testament to thoughtful architecture and a thoughtful approach to urban design. This columbarium, designed by Simon Pendal Architect, is a place of reflection and interment, nestled among native trees on the grounds of St Thomas More Bateman Parish Catholic Church. The project began in 2020 when the parish invited expressions of interest, seeking a design that would complement the church while providing a restful space for the interment of ashes and quiet contemplation.
Pendal's design is a masterpiece of simplicity and legibility. Three stone "towers" form a porous enclosure, reminiscent of ancient ruins or a walled garden. This arrangement invites human occupancy and the presence of nature, echoing the monastic planning of the church's foundation buildings. The towers are strategically placed to form a pinwheel, offering private and discrete entries from a central brick terrace, with a one-metre fall in the natural ground plane.
The towers are identical, with a beautifully crude and singular architectural language. Made predominantly of local limestone block with struck-flush joints, they have a soft golden colour that complements the church's brickwork. The towers draw inspiration from the austerity of the Church of Santa Maria in Portugal by Alvaro Siza and the ossuary at the San Cataldo Cemetery outside Modena, Italy, by Aldo Rossi. The only ornamentation is a subtle ledge applied to the cross-section of three walls, evoking bird ledges in dovecotes.
The columbarium's internal geometry is a work of art. A square plan is hollowed out by an octagonal-shaped volume, open to the sky, symbolizing the eighth day in Christianity and the concept of new creation and eternal life. The 45-degree angle is also found in the adjacent church, with its nave set on the diagonal of its square plan.
A single piece of furniture, a stool crafted from the trunk of a spotted gum, invites visitors to sit and reflect. Its pentagonal shape is a reference to the five wounds of Christ, symbolizing sacrifice and love. The internal walls feature a matrix of small funerary-urn niches, expressing a social and non-hierarchical interment.
The contrast between the dark and light, the raw and refined, death, and life is evident as visitors exit the towers back into the enclosed garden. The canopies of peppermint and almond trees moderate the Western Australian sunlight, casting their fine branch forms onto the monumental walls of the towers.
This project highlights the importance of careful evaluation of the existing urban field. By studying the locus, including urban rhythm, cultural tradition, and spatial memory, architects can gain insights into patterns of occupancy at various scales. This approach allows for the reconciliation of the life-enhancing yet often destructive potential of architectural activities, ensuring a thoughtful and caring approach to people and place.
In conclusion, the St Thomas More Columbarium is a remarkable example of architecture that respects the existing environment while providing a meaningful and reflective space. It is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and a reminder of the importance of considering the human experience in urban spaces.
