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Our world of ceramics.
Ceramic art for eternity
bayer I uhrig Architekten from Kaiserslautern opted for materials that time cannot harm so quickly for an unusual project: Ceramics from the Westerwald.
Ceramic art designed for eternity now adorns the urn niches in the columbarium of the Maria Schutz parish church in Kaiserslautern. The architecture designed for this purpose is an expression of a new burial culture in which living and dying belong together.
Whereas in earlier times the deceased of a parish were usually laid to rest in cemeteries, the Kaiserlautern parish of Maria Schutz takes a different approach. It was decided to integrate the urn walls into the interior of the church in order to bring the deceased back into church life and to take account of new forms of burial culture.
The overarching design idea of ornamentation: the circle
As a symbol of eternity, the circle represents unity, the absolute, perfection and therefore the divine in itself. It can also be found in raised, sculptural form on the ceramic plaques that close off each urn niche. Arranged in a staggered pattern, the ornamental reliefs look like a woven structure that provides support and therefore stability. The glaze also meets special requirements: It should be translucent white and is particularly fascinating because of its craquelé effect. Color, shape and light effects lend the whole a special transparency and depth.
The circle symbol: interpreted in durable ceramic and filigree steel
The architects took particular care during the development phase: The model was made by hand and already shows the later plasticity. To ensure sustainable production, only raw materials obtained directly on site were used.
As with the manufactory ceramics, the architects at bayer uhrig also opted for an “everlasting” material for the metalwork of the Wilperath art forge. The urn walls are made of steel and artfully dissolve towards the top into a delicate, ornamental structure. This makes the pointed arch visible – an effect that is further emphasized by the integrated illumination.
The columbarium and the ceramics were handed over after the church consecration in December 2021. Church services, weddings, baptisms and dignified worship – all this has its place here in the midst of parish life. In the spirit of silent remembrance, the urn walls are divided into 10 small chapels with space for more than 1,400 urns. There are also benches for relatives and a prayer room where candles can be lit and pictures of the deceased placed.
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