SCASLA Honorable Mention

The judges were highly impressed by the poignant and unique topic, as well as the clear emotional intelligence woven into the design. The spread layout made the complex information easy to follow, and the thoughtful integration of the grieving process into the design added depth and meaning. The project’s phased development and site analysis were praised for their responsiveness to the site’s evolution, and the conclusion powerfully communicated why this design is both different and important.

For the millions of us living in urban settings, is there a way for our final disposition to be a gift to the earth in the city that we lived and loved? This project creates a sustainable cemetery on a portion of Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, adjacent to Sennett Creek. By re-integrating native plant communities, opting for final dispositions with a lower environmental impact, and easing the grieving process through design, this project recasts the urban cemetery as a space for joyful new memories, one that nourishes the soil, air, and water we all share.