Het Stenen Hoofd

Abstract

The first crematorium in the Netherlands was build in 1913, long before the official legalization of cremation (1955). Today, the Netherlands hold 72 crematoria. Almost all crematoria build in the Netherlands are situated outside the borders of the city it belongs to, losing the connection with its city. In an era of urbanisation, cities grow stronger and the relation between the individual and the city too. Some people are born and raised in a city, they live there their entire lives, work there, find love, build a home and eventually pass away in that same city. The city has become an inextricably part of their life. Being such an important element, this relation with the city should therefore not be evaded, but it should be embraced, even in the parting. ‘Het Stenen Hoofd’ is a crematorium in the heart of the city of Amsterdam, placed in the river ‘t IJ next to an outstretched vacant lot. Originating from the end of the 19th century, this place breaths out memories. Isolated by water of constant movement, it has become a place for remembrance. Strengthened by remembrance, the place for mourning is set in the water. Like a memorial stone it appears to rise from the water and emphasizes the movement towards the sky. The building reaches a height of 126 meters and consists of a parking space, an entrance hall, a columbarium and a crematorium, located on the upper levels. Reaching for the top, the sounds dominating the ground floor gradually exchange their life for an environment in which peace is undisturbed. Standing high above ground, the green peripheral view is now an urban view over the city that extends towards the horizon.