Crematorium in Kėdainiai

About object:

A crematorium in Kėdainiai is the first building of such purpose in Lithuania that has found its place in Kėdainiai Industrial Park. When creating an architectural concept, the authors of the project, bearing in mind that it is reasonable to create a sacred environment for the crematoria (the non-aesthetic industrial environment is, of course, not corresponding to these expectations), have chosen a closed shape and a minimalist, even austere appearance for the crematorium: a single-storey rectangular volume “fenced” by concrete walls.
The smooth concrete surface is interspersed in places with the compositions of different size windows or openings. A small courtyard with a weeping elm planted in its centre, creates an area suitable for concentration. The authors also planned a scenario of movement through the crematorium: from the courtyard, one accesses to a lobby with a rest zone, and a café is left aside. The lobby leads to two farewell halls, from which a coffin passes to a cremation hall. Behind this hall, there is a room of cremation equipment with a chimney.
Four main types of material finish dominate in the interior: concrete, wood scale, glass and aluminium, as well as the use of white plaster board. According to the architects, this was intended to attract the attention of visitors not to the building, but to the people gathered here. The main thing is that the careful creators managed to create an elegant concrete symphony.

E. Juocevičiūtė