New Ceremony Hall – Olšany Cemeteries

The redesign of the funeral hall at Olšany Cemeteries included a complete renovation of publicly accessible spaces. Changes pertained to the entrance waiting room for the bereaved, the office for arranging funerals, and the ceremonial hall itself. The aim was to restore dignity and tranquility to the place by removing inappropriate interventions from the past and sensitively adding new elements. The interior now primarily features massive oak wood, which brings warmth and naturalness while balancing the original marble cladding and flooring. The new visual language unifies the various parts of the operation and creates a cultivated memorial environment for the final farewell.

The design is based on thoughtful work with space, materials, and light. A key element became the massive oak complemented by black-stained MDF, which provides a gentle contrast to the interior. Combined with the original marble surfaces, it creates a balanced and calm environment that respects the original architecture. New furniture elements have been introduced in the chapel, including seating benches, a catafalque, a podium for speeches, a platform for the catafalque, and a separate podium under the historic angel statue. Everything is designed with an emphasis on simplicity, dignity, and quality craftsmanship. The black-stained MDF complements the wooden elements in some details and supports the overall harmony of the space.

The project also included a new design for the waiting room and office. Both spaces were designed with an emphasis on intimacy, calmness, and simple navigation. The use of the same materials as in the funeral hall creates a unified visual identity for the entire operation. A fundamental requirement was also the improvement of acoustics, which is why the ceiling was enhanced with acoustic panels arranged in subtle geometric patterns. The proposal also addressed the space for displaying the deceased. This space is designed to feel calm, clear, and maximally dignified. The visually clean environment allows for a focus on the act of farewell itself without distracting stimuli.

The new lighting system creates a subdued atmosphere and naturally draws attention to the main elements of the ceremony as well as the architectural qualities of the interior. Together with the material solution, it contributes to the overall calming of the environment.