Events

What we choose to do with the remains of our dead reflects the character and values of the living. At Arnos Vale Cemetery, Sylvan Constellation proposes an ecologically beneficial infrastructure for human disposition that enhances public space while re-shaping societal understandings of our body’s connection to the earth and culture’s relationship to death. 

The spatial limitations of urban cemeteries is obvious, yet solutions are under-discussed. This Lunchtime Talk will include examples from over a decade of research in design studios at Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation (GSAPP) exploring future possibilities for environmentally responsible mortuary practices, and diverse examples of cemetery developments in response to the globe’s increasingly dense cities. DeathLAB’s Sylvan Constellation responds to this body of research by suggesting a more fluid, interconnected relationship between Arnos Vale and Bristol, and between urban public spaces and respectful contemplation.

Harnessing science while respecting spirituality, DeathLAB’s proposal transforms biomass into an elegant and truly perpetual constellation of light, illuminating new woodland pathways and sanctuary spaces within the historic cemetery. A network of memorial vessels aggregates over time, creating a cyclical framework of vitality and remembrance. 

The Sylvan Constellation team, based in New York, come from Columbia University's DeathLAB and LATENT Productions. DeathLAB is a trans-disciplinary research and design space focused on reconceiving how we live with death in the metropolis. Based at Columbia’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, DeathLAB is directed by Associate Professor Karla Rothstein, and currently engaged in research supported by The Earth Institute. 

This Lunchtime Talk is part of Open Studio Friday, which takes place at the Studio every week.

Do you want to find out what is going on at the Pervasive Media Studio? Are you interested in meeting our residents, talking about a specific project or curious about pervasive media? Why not pack a sandwich and join us for one of our Lunchtime Talks and Open Studio Friday.

Lunchtime Talks are informal presentations by Studio residents and associates. They normally take place at 1pm on Friday, are free and open to everybody who’s interested in what we do.

After the Talk, we also invite you to stay with us for the afternoon to continue the conversation or work on your own projects. We provide chairs, tables, wireless and a great space. You bring what you need to work with (laptop/mobile). Our open afternoons close at 5pm.

Let us know if you’d like a tour of the space and we'll be happy to show you around just before the talk. Send an email to studio@watershed.co.uk to book your place on a tour.