In the quiet, verdant expanse of Bateman, Western Australia, a new civic ensemble emerges, capturing the essence of thoughtful architecture and profound human connection. The St Thomas More Columbarium, designed by Simon Pendal Architect, is not merely a resting place for ashes but a sanctuary that intertwines the sacred with the natural, the personal with the communal. This article delves into the profound significance of this project, exploring how it transcends its physical form to become a testament to the power of thoughtful design and human empathy.
A Place of Rest and Reflection
What makes the St Thomas More Columbarium truly remarkable is its ability to create a serene environment that fosters both individual contemplation and communal connection. The brief, presented to the parish in 2021, was deceptively simple: to craft a place that would allow for the interment of parishioners' ashes, provide space for quiet reflection and prayer, enhance the landscape, and harmonize with the design of the church. Pendal's response to this brief is a masterpiece of modesty and sensitivity, a design that respects the existing architecture while creating a new, distinct space.
The three stone "towers" that form the heart of the columbarium are a testament to the architect's skill. Their porous enclosure, reminiscent of an ancient ruin or walled garden, invites both human occupancy and the presence of nature. This design is not just functional; it is a deliberate echo of the monastic planning of the parish's foundation buildings, designed by Iris Rossen in 1986. The relationship between the towers, forming a pinwheel, creates a sense of privacy and discreteness, while the central brick terrace provides a place for quiet reflection.
A Symphony of Materials and Geometry
The towers themselves are a symphony of materials and geometry. Made predominantly of local limestone block with struck-flush joints, they have the austerity of the Church of Santa Maria in Portugal by Alvaro Siza and the cubic figures of the ossuary at the San Cataldo Cemetery outside Modena, Italy, by Aldo Rossi. The subtle ledge applied to the cross section of three walls, reminiscent of bird ledges in dovecotes, ties the towers together visually. The fourth facade of each tower is flat, accentuating a deep, shadowy recess and compression at the entry threshold, with refined door joinery and small brass viewing holes.
The internal walls of the columbaria are an exercise in careful stone masonry, with a matrix of small funerary-urn niches that express a social and non-hierarchical interment. The unadorned surfaces of the top of these walls register sunlight and the color of the sky above, creating an otherworldly atmosphere when the door is closed. The single piece of furniture in the center of each columbarium, fashioned from the trunk of a spotted gum, extends an invitation to sit and linger, establishing an atmosphere of mindful and personal reflection.
A Study of Locus and Human Connection
Pendal's design is a study of locus, evident in the urban rhythm, cultural tradition, and spatial memory of the site. The placement of the towers adheres to the orthogonal grid of the church buildings, and their floor level is set to the exact midpoint of the rise, creating a sense of harmony and balance. The project's success lies in its ability to reconcile the life-enhancing, yet often destructive, potential of architecture with care for people and place.
In my opinion, the St Thomas More Columbarium is more than just a resting place for ashes; it is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and human empathy. It is a place where the sacred meets the natural, the personal meets the communal, and the past meets the present. It is a reminder that architecture can be a force for good, a catalyst for reflection, and a bridge between generations.
As we navigate the complexities of urban development and the challenges of preserving cultural heritage, the St Thomas More Columbarium stands as a shining example of what is possible when architects and communities come together to create spaces that are both functional and meaningful. It is a place that invites us to pause, reflect, and connect with something larger than ourselves, a place that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on all who visit it.
