Where the Soul Sleeps
Columbarium for Shunsuke Ohe
A columbarium attached to a temple.It was designed and constructed with respect for Japanese traditions, inheriting traditional Japanese designs and techniques. The first thing you see when you enter the building is the elliptical symbolic monument with a three dimensional curved surface. It is lit by spotlights installed on the ceiling and floor. Another highlight is the wooden coffered ceiling, which is equipped with indirect lighting that emits light toward the ceiling from all four sides. It also incorporates modern elements, making it a design that blends old and new.
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Place of Reunion by SHUNSUKE OHE
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Columbarium by SHUNSUKE OHE
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SHUNSUKE OHE Place of Reunion
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SHUNSUKE OHE Columbarium
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Unique Properties
Not only traditional construction methods and materials are used, but also modern ones are combined. Roof tiles are originally made of clay and cement, but in this project they are made of resin, which makes them lighter and more durable. This is a very important point in Japan, where earthquakes are common. I would also like to point out that fire resistance has also been improved. While reflecting traditional elements that have been passed down in Japan for a long time, the performance of the building itself has been greatly improved.
Tags
Japanese-style architecture , Plaster , Coffered ceiling , monument , Storehouse-style building , LUSTYdesign , Shunsuke Ohe
Production Technology
Exterior finish // roof : Plastic roof tile / eaves : Stained Wood / Exterior walls : Plaster , Stained Wood / Floor : Porcelain tile , Natural Stone Interior finish // Ceiling : cloth , Natural wood / Wall : cloth / Floor : Porcelain tile , carpet
Design Challenge
It can be seen that the design was created with respect for traditional Japanese architectural styles and with sincerity to bring comfort to the hearts of the dead and visitors. It makes you realize that it is not enough for an architect to simply design a building in a self-centered and rational way; what is important is the feeling with which he designs it.
Project Duration
Project Duration : From August 2022 to December 2023 Project location : Osaka(Japan)
Operation Flow
Although the design appears traditional at first glance, it also incorporates modern elements. When you enter the building, the first thing that catches your eye is the semi-elliptical monument. Spotlights shine from the ceiling and floor, creating a beautiful world with diffused light. It is as if a barrier separates the world of the living from the world of the dead. Visitors are soothed by the sight. The ceiling is a dynamic coffered ceiling, and indirect lighting is lit around it, gently illuminating the space with a high-quality feel.
Research
The columbarium is a place where you can reunite with loved ones who have departed for the afterlife. Here, you can always reunite with your loved ones. The fantastical production inside the building makes you think so. Perhaps you can communicate with the dead here. Every aspect of the interior, including the ceiling height, finishing materials, colors and patterns, dimensions of each part, and lighting plan, has been carefully and meticulously designed.
Inspiration
This project is the construction of a columbarium attached to a temple. The building is designed based on traditional Japanese architectural style, but with a modern essence. Respecting Japanese tradition, designs and techniques handed down since ancient times are used in even the smallest details inside and outside the building.
Image Credits
Photograph : HIROSHI TANIGAWA by ToLoLo studio
Project Overview
Where the Soul Sleeps Columbarium has been a Bronze winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Bronze A' Design Award is given to outstanding designs that showcase a high degree of creativity and practicality. It recognizes the dedication and skill of designers who produce work that stands out for its thoughtful development and innovative use of materials and technology. These designs are acknowledged for their professional execution and potential to influence industry standards positively. Winning this award highlights the designer's ability to blend form and function effectively, offering solutions that enhance people's lives and wellbeing.
Bronze Recognition
SHUNSUKE OHE was recognized with the coveted Bronze A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Where the Soul Sleeps Columbarium.
SHUNSUKE OHE Press Releases
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SHUNSUKE OHE Newsroom
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